By Stranga The Great
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
A big hit back in 2008 was the “She Got Her Own” by Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx, and Fabolous. The title of the song is a play on the saying “God bless the women who can hold their own.” Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx, and Fabolous had no idea they were singing about Nichelle D, nor did the people behind the phrase know about her.
Nichelle D is the true definition of a boss, because everywhere she goes, she owns the scene. If her face looks familiar, it’s because she has starred in music videos with such names as J. Cole and Wiz Khalifa. In case that doesn’t refresh people, she also appeared on ABC Family’s “Lincoln Heights.”
This week, Hip Hop Vibe had the pleasure of talking to Nichelle D, as she discussed her career and work ethic. Nichelle D explained her experience starring in Wiz Khalifa’s “On My Level” music video with Too $hort. She also spoke about some of her favorite celebrities and her experience meeting Trey Songz.
Read the entire interview below:
As a child did you ever see yourself growing up to be a model? As a child, I was a print model and did a small amount of TV/FILM/VIDEO work. I can say I wanted to be an ice skater, a singer or Judge when I was a kid. I did not think I would be an eye candy model, because at the time I didn’t know we existed (laughs), but I enjoy it. I’ve gone to school, I had a career aside from modeling and this is something I truly enjoy.
Looking at your resume you have had a very colorful video career. Which video that you played the lead in stands out to you the most? I would honestly say anything I did with J. Cole; I am a big fan of his and it’s refreshing to meet someone and be able to still remain a fan of theirs. I’ve met a few artist who I loved as a fan and worked with them, but lost complete interest in their music because of their nasty attitudes or they are not about that life (laughs). J. Cole was very sweet, very real, down to earth and he seemed like he was just as excited to be shooting his videos as I was. I respect him as an artist and as an intellect. His camp is also behind him 100%, no funny business. So, I would say anything I shot with him.
Who was the first photographer/director to give you a shot? I have worked with pretty much everyone out there, but someone I respect, I would say hands down, is Jake Davis who directed Wiz Khalifa and Too $hort’s “On My Level.” I love his energy and his vision. I was booked for this shoot by a friend of mine Emmanuelle (@emmanuelle_LES). I had no clue if I was background, feature or lead because whenever she calls, that was one woman I came running for because she looks out.
We were just doing the first scene when Wiz pulls up to the club. I actually had a conversation with Jake not realizing who he was and he goes you know what, I love your energy, your beautiful I want to make you a star and he gave me that lead role. I have had friends call me before when they have caught a glimpse of me on TV, a movie or music video, but not like that.
The video was originally a viral music video, but because of the large amount of views it received on YouTube, they started playing it on TV. So, I would like to say thank you to him. With him there was no “oh your dark skin, brown skin, or light skin, thick or skinny, in a magazine or not”, he just saw a beautiful young woman who he felt deserved a shot! Thank you Jake!
Trey Songz or Chris Brown? I love them both, but I have to say Trey Songz. I worked with him as a DJ on the TV show, “Lincoln Heights.” I had no clue he was that sexy and tall. I do not get all tongue tied, but he introduced himself and I was just lost for words. I felt like I was ten. I was already a fan of his and loved his music, but I was like damn looks to match. He was very nice and he chopped it up the whole time with the cast and I that day.
What are your guilty pleasures food wise and how do you keep your body tight? I am a sucker for cupcakes or anything with icing on it (winks). Like, if I see cupcakes, there’s no saying no thank you! As far as keeping my body tight, I am an athlete at heart, but lately I’ve just been jogging about 2-4 miles a day, hitting the gym and pole dance class.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Talk about getting money, (Laughs)! Really, I am a home body, so I watch movies, shop or go to the beach. I honestly just try to motivate everyone around me.
Is it hard to maintain a relationship and your career at the same time? Yes, it is. I have a one track mind and it’s really on making my own money and living without a man. It’s so bad that sometimes I forget to make time for a man. Like, they can beg and I’m just like oh, you wanted to see me? It’s nothing against them, but I’m used to dating busy men that I just learned how to be busy also.
My job has caused some men to be a bit insecure. I don’t even tell men, “hey I’m a model” or “I’m on TV.” I usually tell them I have a degree, a business and a job. Then they find out because the world is just oh so small and then all of a sudden it’s “You got niggas.” I have heard this a million times and I’m just like “what, I am as loyal as they come.” It takes a lot to deal with me.
In your opinion, who is the sexiest man and woman in entertainment? Right now, Rihanna. She walks sexy, she talks sexy and she breathes sexy. I am a fan of her style and I just love how she doesn’t give a you know what about anything. She’s a boss! As far as men, this is a tough one because I am torn between Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole. Ladies are probably reading this like, what no! I think their style is very sexy to me, they’re educated and talented. Because I’m from Long Beach, California, which is down the street from Compton, CA I am going to say Kendrick just because I have to always show Los Angeles love. J Cole, though, because he’s like 6 foot something; really tall. I don’t know, even Trey Songz or Terrence J.
Can you tell us why you took a break from modeling? What shocks people is that I graduated from college, operate a business, and had a real 9-5; while still working in the entertainment industry. So, I originally took a break to just focus on that. I started back up and that same night I had my first photo shoot, I was hit by a drunk driver and sent tumbling off the freeway. I made it out alive through the grace of God, but it was a reality check and I just spent the time with my family healing emotionally.
What are some of the things a man can do to impress Nichelle and what qualities do you find sexy in a man? The number one thing is having your shit together. That doesn’t mean be the richest man alive, but just know what you want out of life. I love men who are confident in any and everything they do, even if they have no clue on how to do it. I am for one very well rounded, so do treat me that way. I am far from stupid, far from lazy, and I hold down my own so give me credit for that.
A man should always take into account that he is not in competition when it comes to other men, they are in competition with me. I got me and I hold me down, I finance myself and I know how to please me! So, Just know how to handle me. If you want to impress me then just be real and show me you can roll with the punches and show me that you know how to treat a woman because I can’t get to work or live in a purse! (Laughs)
How can we find you on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook? Twitter is @_nichelled, Instagram is @_nichelled, Facebook is Facebook.com/nichelledxo, my email address is [email protected].
See additional photos of Nichelle D below:
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