As we usher in a new year we're also ushering in a new addition and concept to the site. 2005 is brand new and so is our first Miss PhillyHipHop.com- Vanna Black. As the latest addition to our staff, Vanna will represent the site in print ads, serve as the feature model for the upcoming line of PhillyHipHop.con branded clothing and appearing at many of our events (and posing for pictures with lucky fans). While we're confident that you appreciate the physical beauty of this Philly native, we've chosen her to represent us because she is much more than just another pretty face. That said, it's time to get to know just who Vanna Black is...

Models don't rap. At least that's what most people think. But Vanna Black is living proof that they're wrong. This young star is on the rise and ready to make her mark on both the music and modeling industries.

The name Vanna Black spawned from the popular Wheel of Fortune hostess, Vanna White. "Vanna White is beautiful, classy, and glamorous. I'm all of those things as well as sexy, sassy, and bad. I'm from the 'hood so naturally my lyrics can be dark to reflect what I've seen and experienced. That's where the name "Black" comes in."

The 20-year-old rapper/model is of African-American, French, Irish, Dutch, and Cherokee heritage, giving her an exotic and stunning appearance that is all her own. She was born and raised in the corrupted slums of West Philadelphia.

Vanna began rapping during her freshman year in high school. "I was always a good writer and always loved rap and one night I was just sitting around and started writing," she recalls. "I took it to school the next day and let the boys hear it and they loved it. So I kept doing it and after a while it turned into a passion."

She first considered modeling a year later when a photographer approached her and offered to take some photos of her. A few short years later Vanna found her career beginning to take off. Thus far, her stint in modeling has been a successful one. Vanna has appeared in the pages of several top urban magazines as well as in numerous advertisements for hair care products, nightclubs, and sneaker stores. Her resume continues to grow.

But Vanna says modeling isn't always a smooth ride. "It can be very brutal," she says with a laugh. "I've had shoots where I had to lay on concrete, climb trees...once I had to climb through these huge rocks and broke the heel on my
shoe. It can be hard work but it's worth it to get the perfect shot."

On the music side, there is also plenty of hard work involved. After all, it's not easy for a female to make it in the male dominated world of rap. While its still early in the game, however, Vanna has already managed to gain esteem among her male counterparts. She is known, not only for her striking beauty, but also for her paramount skills on the mic. "You just gotta let these guys know that you mean business," she says. "Show them that you can do anything they can do, and sometimes better. That's the only way they'll take you seriously."

Vanna's musical talent and creativity came to her genetically. Her mother plays the bass guitar and her father is a drummer in a punk rock band. Her diverse background makes her extremely versatile. And Miss Black is definitely one of a kind. With a style comparable to none, her originality shines through in all she does.

Vanna is currently a college junior, pursuing a BA in journalism. She plans to start her own magazine one day. She still finds time for modeling and rapping, however. Vanna's dedication and desire for success keep her motivated and working.

Vanna's Experience:

PRINT:
Black Men's Magazine SSX (Special Edition #45) - December, 2004
Ladies Love R&B CD cover - December, 2004
Black Men's Swimsuit Extra (Special Edition: 101 Sexiest Women) - Fall, 2004
Complex Magazine - August/September, 2004
Cassidy's Certified Gold Party (promotional flyer) - August, 2004
Reggae Classics CD cover - August, 2004
King Magazine - July/August, 2004
Black Men's Swimsuit Extra (Sexiest College Girls of the East) - Summer, 2004
Philth Magazine (Philly mag) - July, 2004
R&B Getaway CD cover - July, 2004
Nelly's Official Pimp Juice Model Search (promotional flyer) - July, 2004
Gillie Da Kid's Cash Money Birthday Bash (promotional flyer) - July, 2004
Emerald City Nightclub's Milkshake Mondays (promotional flyer) - June, 2004
Rix Magazine - May/June, 2004
Sensationnel/Outre Hair (packaging) - May, 2004
Shake -n- Go Hair (ads & packaging) - March, 2004
Philadelphia Advertising and Business Convention (advertisement) - August, 2003
Larsiny Records (advertisement) - July, 2003

RUNWAY:
Black Men's Magazine's 17th Annual - International Designer of the Year- Fashion Show - January,
2004
Made in Italy Boutique - October, 2003
Bellargo Piarge - June, 2003

PROMOTIONAL:
World Fusion Nightclub - November, 2004
Hpnotiq/Club Flow - July, 2004
Wyclef Jean Celebrity Car Show- July, 2004
King Magazine/Funkmaster Flex Celebrity Car Show - June, 2004
Philadelphia Marketing Expo - May, 2004
Philadelphia Metro - March, 2004
Philadephia Soul football team - November, 2003

TELEVISION:
"And Ya Don't Stop" Beanie Sigel & Pharell (music video) - October, 2004
"I Gotta Have It" Beanie Sigel & Peedi Crack (music video) - October, 2004
"Slow Motion Remix" - Juvenile and Wyclef Jean (music video) - July, 2004
"Freak Out" - from the Ski Trip movie soundtrack (music video) - March, 2004
The Next Level (TV show) - January, 2004
26.99 Sneaker Outlet (commerical) - November, 2003

OTHER:
Hot Import Nights - Who's on Top - Model Contest finalist - July, 2004
Urban Magazine Online (Model of the Week) - May, 2004
FunkMasterFlex.com (King Magazine model search ad) - April, 2004
AllCityMag.com (feature interview) - April, 2004
TopModelReport.com (featured model) - April, 2004
Nicovision Photography (web ad) - March, 2004
Hawaiian Tropic Bikini Competition (finalist) - October, 2003

TRAINING:
Acting - Temple University - 2005
Tap Dance - Philadelphia Dance Co. - 2000-2002