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Badnews: How did you get in the modeling game?
S. Perry: Well I would have to say I didn’t choose the game, the game choose me. I started modeling in college when I went to Florida A&M back in 2004. I was in a calendar, and I got a lot of good feedback from it so I just got in and stayed in.
Badnews: I see. So you been modeling for four years, would that make you a vet?
S. Perry: Yeah that would. I got a lot stronger in the fields that I was weak; I learned a lot from this business the time I have been doing this so I pretty much know the routine.
Badnews: That’s what’s up. Now what are some of the magazines or videos we seen you in over the years? I know you’re more of the video vixen right?
S. Perry: Right. Well the three major videos I have been in was Trina’s Single again video, Ray J’s sexy can I, and Shawty Lo’s Foolish remix. And then I did a bunch of magazines and calendars.
Badnews: So we have definitely seen you. Cool. Now you since you’re more in the videos, what’s a regular day for you on a video shoot somewhere?
S. Perry: Ok, sometimes you have to be in on set real early or real late, and if you’re an extra your there all day and night. I mean you can be there for 12 hours. The Feature or the lead girl will get paid for all day, and the extra wont will be there the most and not really get anything. The extra parts aren’t worth it... you have a slim chance of not even being in the video, you could get edited out.
Badnews: Wow that’s crazy. So I’ll stay away from the extra parts if I’m offered any in the future
S. Perry: (laughs) I’m telling you don’t do it.
Badnews: (laughs) Ok well that’s good advice. Now that sounds pretty bad, but what’s the worst you ever had to deal with on the set?
S. Perry: You mean anything?
Badnews: Yeah, anything.
S. Perry: Well the worst is being around the rapper’s entourage they bring. They like to bother you. Then just sitting all day on a set with nothing to do, waiting to be called.
Badnews: Really? I thought it wouldn’t be too bad like in the Foolish video when you all were on the beach…
S. Perry: Well I was in the plane scene. We were supposed to shoot that whole scene on the plane, but they couldn’t fit all the girls on it. So we had to wait a whole day just to shoot that scene. And then were on the beach, we were at Virginia Key Beach. Now that one was okay, but there were a lot of sand fleas and we were getting all bit up. The next morning, all the models had bites it was horrible. We were using the alcohol and itching all day it was crazy
Badnews: Damn I didn’t know it was like that. But at the end of the day, you got paid right
S. Perry: Right (laughs)
Badnews: What’s one of the most important things you learned being in this business?
S. Perry: For me I learned that it is what it is. And don’t make things personal, it creates a hostile environment. Just know that if someone says something you don’t like, and then don’t take it personal. Your already going to be on the set all day so just try and make it easier on yourself unless there touching you and saying crazy things. But just don’t take it personal that’s the most important thing you can learn.
Badnews: I feel that. Now what are the most five important things you must have so you can stay in the game?
S. Perry: (pauses) Well number one would be drive. I just wouldn’t give up. I always stayed hungry. I stay emailing everyone everyday. I meet directors, I travel a lot. And if you don’t like to travel, then this business isn’t for you. You’re going to have to travel. There not really anything else I can think of, you just need drive and to stay hungry. And try to get up there so you can work in L.A., or New York. Atlanta is a real good market you want to try to work there.
Badnews: Ok. Now who are some of the rappers you want to work with, but you haven’t yet?
S. Perry: Wayne. Lil’ Wayne is one of the illest rappers out; I would love to be in a Lil’ Wayne video. That would be good for my resume too (laughs). And then Madonna, and the Game.
Badnews: That’s a nice list; I hope we will see you soon in there
S. Perry: Thank you.
Badnews: Now I know one of the big problems- well at least what I’ve been hearing is the whole light skin over dark skin thing when it comes to rappers choosing models. Is that still a problem in your field?
S. Perry: Definitely.
Badnews: So how do you feel about that situation?
S. Perry: Our culture caters to our ethnic culture, but it doesn’t represent it in a good way. A lot of videos will have mixed girls in it, but not enough dark skinned girls. I think dark skinned girls have it harder in this business especially in hip hop. Don’t get me wrong, I love hip hop but it should be more equal. A lot of people don’t even think I'm all the way black but I am, I do have Cherokee in me, but that’s way down the line.
Badnews: Okay, I thought you had a little bit of Asian in you
S. Perry: I get that a lot (laughs). But nope I’m afro American.
Badnews: Well you’re doing a good job representing us period. I know your people are proud of you. Now what do you have lined up for yourself in the future? Anything for us fellas to look for you in?
S. Perry: Well ill be traveling, and I have a spread in The Source coming in the fall, and I don’t mean one picture, I mean a spread…half print stuff, so look out for that, and then ill be in a bunch of hair books and all that so you can go to the hair store and find that, but the biggest thing I have is the Source Magazine so please look out for that
Badnews: I’m pretty sure that we will all go out and get a copy (laughs). Okay so it seems like you will be busy in the coming weeks... now finally, what advice can you give a model that wants to in you shoes?
S. Perry: This industry is hard, so to be able to survive in it, you’re going to have to have drive. And don’t give up, you will get a lot of negativity, but don’t quit. And always put God first.
Badnews: Definitely, you must apply that last rule to whatever situation you’re in.
S. Perry: Absolutely.
Badnews: Okay great. Well where can we look you up on, you know if we want to see some more lovely pictures of yourself?
S. Perry: Well you can go to my myspace page, www.myspace.com/steperry I always check my messages.
Badnews: Cool well I hope to hear from you soon, next time we talk, you will be on Lil' Wayne’s set.
S. Perry: (laughs) I hope so. 
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Interviews