Video Girls don't usually have number one records. But they have become an integral part of many music videos, especially hip-hop. Major stars such as Halle Berry and J Lo started out as video girls, and for a select few in the US the career can be lucrative.
I chatted to Emily Rose, a rising star on the UK hip-hop front, who recently starred in MTV's Hip Hop Candy, a show following five British video girls struggling to succeed in big-budget US hip hop videos.
MN: What were your experiences on MTV Hip Hop Candy?
Emily Rose Each girl on the show was completely different, I'm sure that MTV did it on purpose. Also, they put us in a tiny flat with one bathroom, knowing that we were four models. I had imagined it was going to be really glamorous with an amazing apartment like in America's Next Top Model. So we had a lot against us. And I had to share a room with Amanda, who I didn't get on with at all. But on the whole the experience was amazing.
MN: Do you keep in touch with anyone?
Emily Rose I talk all the time to Rachel, who didn't end up coming with us to the US (she had a visa problem). Everyone thinks we hate each other because when I found it she couldn't come I said ‘cool that's my competition out of the way', as none of the other girls were competition to me. I'm not being big headed they simply weren't competition, whereas, Rachel is 5'11, gorgeous and South American. But I didn't mean the comment in a bad way. We don't hate each other, we speak all the time and go out together. Tiffany is cool we bump into each other sometimes. Amanda hates me, she still talks about me, which I found hilarious. And Corelli is cool but barking mad in a good way.
MN: So, the show was positive for you and you're glad you did it?
Emily Rose Yeah, it was really good for me. I have no regrets, and I got to star in an Outkast video. Since I got back, I've been doing really good videos, loads abroad. I've done a Mark Morrison video in Barbados and I've done a New Fundamentals one in Norway. I'm taken much more seriously and get paid more, which is great. I want to be a presenter, and I found a really good presenting management after the show.
MN: What is it like on set for music videos? I've heard negative and positive things, what's your experience?
Emily Rose I understand some of the criticism. It depends on which video shoot you are on. It's like anything, you get good and bad. Nowadays there are so many videos, everyone's an artist and everyone's shooting a video next week. So I'm aware of that and only do a video if the artist is known, or if I like their music and I think they'll get big. I try not to do videos with too many other girls. I pick very exclusively. And it depends if it's a professional video. If you're not doing a professional video it is shambles with bare girls who think by showing more flesh they'll get extra exposure, so there is that slimy element.
MN: Do you feel it can be demeaning to women?
Emily Rose If you choose to do it and you respect yourself it is absolutely fine. There are some videos where even I'm shocked, and I think oh God, she just looks like a slut. I try hard not to look like that.
MN: What's your boundary, would you do topless?
Emily Rose Never. I am very particular. For example, if I'm wearing a bikini I won't be dancing. I choose. If I'm wearing clothes I'll shake my thing for ages, but if I'm wearing less I'll tone it down as I don't want to give to much away.
MN: What do you feel about the music scene you work in?
Emily Rose I feel there is so much talent in UK, I am proud to go to the US and say a UK artist is one of us. I don't like that Americans don't have to try as hard. Too many UK artists try to be American or try too hard to be known in America. Respect from the UK should be enough.
MN: Who do you like in the music biz?
Emily Rose I like the Streets and Kano; I starred in the ‘Fit But You Know It Remix' video with them. I like Sway and I love the Fundamental Boys so much, they are my fav. They are going to be really big.
MN: Finally, you have a very exotic look, what is your background?
Emily Rose My mum is from Zaire and Belgium and my Dad Is English and Venezuelan. So it's a mix of Africa and South America.
Find out more about Emily on her website
www.emilyrosetv.com
