Charm Killings: Six Things You Should Know

Charm Killings
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If you’re sick of the same old eye candy, allow us to introduce you to Charm Killings, featured model in Far East Movement ft. Snoop Dogg’s “OMG” video, who is brand spanking new to the modeling game. Despite clocking less than 365 days in front of the cameras the 22-year-old California girl has already built a strong resume sturdy sense of humor. Asked her sexiest attribute, Charm jokes, “Ummmmmm, so many, I don’t know – my personality?” Far from shy, the fun-loving fresh face is quickly building a following, thanks largely to her ample (34D- 24-39) curves and easygoing attitude.  That’s not all either, check out our chat with Charm for Six Things You Should Know.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
My real name is Jessica, Charm is more fun. Everyone’s name is Jessica. Killings is my real last name though. My favorite song right now, I would have to say “Make It Rain.” Don’t laugh at me. I like it. I think it’s funny.  I also love Jeezy. That’s my favorite rapper, probably.  I liked working with Jay Sean, he was really really nice, but I’ve never worked with anyone who was hard to be around. I’ve never had a problem with any other models either. I’m pretty cool with everyone I’ve worked with.  The best part of my job is not having to do my own hair and makeup. That’s fun. I like getting glammed up.
She’s Deeply Rooted
I’m from the Inland Empire, it’s like an hour from Los Angeles, but I live in North Hollywood now. Growing up I was athletic, but I was like – a girly girl.  I am Portuguese, German and black. My mom is black and my dad is Portuguese and white. I never meet people who are the same mix as me. I’ve only met one person who was Portuguese and black. What do my parents think about my modeling? They’re supportive of everything I do as long as I’m happy.
New Kid On The Block
I just started modeling last summer. I’ve only been modeling around eight months so I’m really new… Fresh meat!   I did the Far East movement video ft. Snoop Dogg “OMG” video that hasn’t come out yet, I just did the Slim Thug and Baby Bash video “Swananana.” I also just did the Big Sean and Chris Brown video “My Last,” I was in Bow Wow “Pretty Lady” and Jay Sean ft. Nicki Minaj “2012.” I’m in a lot of videos. I can’t even tell you all of them. I don’t have any crazy stories yet. I’m just starting so, so far I haven’t gotten any stalkers. I’ve been in Show Magazine and I’m going to be on the cover of the next Black Men’s Magazine with Keyshia Dior and KimBella.
Up For Grabs
I’m very single right now. I’m not looking. I don’t like to look, but if it happens I’m not opposed.  In the bedroom I like a guy who takes charge. I’m more laidback. I like a guy who is funny and that’s probably the most important quality to me—a good personality, someone who is funny. I don’t have like a certain type. I like somebody with swag who has a good personality.  My turnoffs? I hate people who talk down to other folks, or think they’re better or show off a lot. I don’t like show offs! My big crush… I don’t have a lot of crushes but I like Travie McCoy. I love him, he’s so cute. I like all kinds of guys but I like him, he’s like my crush.
Inspirations and Aspirations.
What inspires me? Just seeing other people do good makes me want to push myself farther. I wouldn’t try to say I’m trying to go in any direction that anyone is going that’s modeling though. Being a model is not that hard. It’s pretty easy.
I’m hoping to move onto the next thing before I become oversaturated. I want to do hosting and I’m about to get started on some acting classes, but I don’t want to pursue acting until I’ve started with the classes. I don’t want to look like an idiot.
Bare Naked Lady
As far as my favorite costume, I did an army shoot recently and that was fun. Being naked… depends on the setting. It can be a little uncomfortable but you just have to get used to it. I’m pretty comfortable. I’m not self-conscious like that. Sometimes I want around naked at home. I wear anything to bed. I wear sweats, I could be naked. I don’t have a certain thing I wear every night. —Janee Bolden
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Halie: The Baddest VH1 Reality Chick

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Hot and humble. That might be the best way to describe Heather “Halie” Scoggins, from VH1’s Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch. Upon learning that she took the top spot on XXL’s 50 Baddest Reality Chicks list last week, Halie accepted the adulation modestly.
“I’m very happy,” said the half-black, half-white curvaceous 24-year-old model and video vixen, who splits time between Atlanta and Miami. “I found out just from Twitter. I guess it got re-tweeted.”
The 36D-25-41 (yes, 41)- measuring stunner adds that the fact that VH1’s reality shows have casted beautiful women throughout the years and she was still named No. 1 only sweetens the deal.
“Yeah, it makes it even better,” Scoggins said. “There was some pretty girls, especially on For The Love of Ray J. All of the shows had some pretty girls. Caviar (from For the Love of Ray J) was pretty. Hoops (from Flavor of Love) was definitely very pretty. Rubi from our show was a pretty girl. All the shows had attractive girls, so I guess it’s personal taste. It’s definitely interesting to see how the staff rated. I was No. 7 on (The Ultimate Catch). I wasn’t my normal self on the show. I’m happy people can look deeper and past the show.”
After winning the crown on XXL’s list, she has her sights set on another goal: acting. Having already done modeling for T.I.’s Akoo clothing line and appearing in music videos for the likes of Trey Songz and Nicki Minaj (“Bottoms Up“), DJ Khaled (“All I Do is Win“) and Jamie Foxx (“Blame It“), Scoggins says she loves modeling, but would like to transition into the acting world, even if it’s behind the scenes (although we’re sure the fellas hope she’s in front of the cameras).
“I definitely want to work on the next step, broaden my horizons,” Scoggins said. “I would love to do something behind the scenes on a VH1 show or any show or act. That’s my ultimate goal.”
The kind of work Caviar – who’s now starring in adult films – is doing, we ask? “No,” Scoggins says, “not that kind.” —Mark Lelinwalla
Eye Candy Vital Stats
Relationship Status: Single.
Favorite Car: Lambos are always sexy! To drive, Range Rover.
Celebrity Crush: Lance Gross.
Dream Date: A horse & carriage ride to a romantic dinner on the water.
Something odd about me is… “I grew up in the country.”
When I’m stressed, I like to… “Workout or read, definitely spend time alone.”
I’m eye candy because… “of my natural curves, unique face and outgoing personality.”
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Lisa Raye: Money, Power & Sex

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We’ve had our eye on Lisa Raye’s many talents since Players Club, so we jumped at the chance to talk to the beautiful actress and former First Lady of Turks & Caicos about the new season of TV One’s The Real McCoy, working on the Queen Latifah-produced film and original series Single Ladies and her new role managing her daughter Kai’s modeling career. The Chicago stunner also spilled a few things about sister Da Brat’s recent release from prison, how Lil’ Kim and Tupac figured in her evolution as a hip-hop sex symbol and whether or not she’d let a rapper romance her. Is she still using what she has to get what she wants? Blessed with a body like that, we wouldn’t blame her if she is.—Janeé Bolden

XXLMag.com: In trailer for your new season we saw you talk about meeting TD Jakes and trying to live a more spiritual life – not drink or have sex and you were struggling with that. How is that going?
Lisa Raye: Yep. I’m still struggling with it. I’ve definitely worked on my relationship with God and TD Jakes definitely sat me down and said to me, ‘Let me have a conversation with you young lady, because you have no right to think of yourself in unhappy terms. Get out of your own way. Shake it up and shake it off.’ Sometimes you need somebody to put their foot down and that’s what he did for me. I said let me get out of my own way. Let me give it to God and see what he can do with it. That’s what I’ve been doing ever since… and I’ve struggled with it. But I want to live right, I want know what my purpose is, I want to know what my passion is, I want to know the things I’ve done wrong so I can do it right. If we have that opportunity, and we do everyday, to change it, why in the heck wouldn’t we? That’s a whole different story that I have to add to the story on top of the story that I’m telling about women coming together and moving through no matter what the hell you go through.

XXL: On the first season of The Real McCoy everyone was able to see how close you are with your daughter, there was even some controversy about you kissing up on her…
Lisa Raye: That hasn’t changed. I’m still kissing on her and I will forever kiss on her because if you don’t show kids love, they don’t know how to receive love. That’s the love of my life along with my mom and my puppy Diamond, so that right there will never change. Actually I’ve found new ways to get kisses from her, which is in second season as well. I think every parent who has a relationship with their child understood that. For every person that didn’t understand, there was double that did.

XXL: Were you able to visit Da Brat while she was behind bars? Do you still have a close relationship?
Lisa Raye: I took the cameras up to visit my sister during the first season [of The Real McCoy.] They wouldn’t allow me to bring the cameras inside, but yes I had to come visit her because when you’re locked up you have to be in touch with the outside world. That’s my sister and there is love there and I had to lay eyes on her and let her know that I was supportive and that we make mistakes but I couldn’t wait for her to come out and I’d be here with open arms, which is exactly what I was. It’s just a blessing that I’m filming here in Atlanta so when she got out, I’m here. She’s on house arrest and I see her and we talk and we Twitter and we love. I’m just glad that she just has a different perspective on life as well. She’ll be back out here brand new and I can’t wait until she comes out with some new stuff so I can support that as well.
XXL: You’re in Atlanta filming Single Ladies. That starts as a movie right, then continues a TV show?
Lisa Raye: The writer for the project is Stacy A. Littlejohn and she was a writer on my sitcom All of Us. She wrote the script for a movie Single Ladies and sold it to Queen Latifah and they took it over to VH1. She had me in mind for this character named Keisha. She’s a video vixen and she is opinionated, she’s sassy, she is the devil’s advocate to the series. She’s funny, but she’s a mirror image of the powerful man that’s out there that’s looking for a mate. She doesn’t play any games, she has money. We’re dealing with issues that we as women deal with every day, but each character deals with it in a different way so you’ll have a girlfriend that will be able to identify with each character. That’s what’s so fun about it, it’s like a modern urban Sex And The City. There is nothing on TV like this. So I am very excited about it. It’s shot in Atlanta. It’s rich, it’s positive it’s hot. It’s sexy. I have Stacey Dash as a co-star on there as well, Charity Shea is on there and Lauren London. It turns into a series after the movie airs May 30th.
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Tahiry: Enough Drama for Reality TV

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Although she suffered a tough loss to Melyssa Ford in the second round of XXL’s The Baddest Chick in the Game Tournament, Tahiry José still maintains her spot as one of the most desirable vixens in hip-hop, not to mention one of the sassiest.
As if the numbers, 34-26-43 weren’t enough to make a grown man cry, the Dominican bombshell continues to prove why she is a big deal, a very big deal. Currently on the cusp of releasing an athletic wear line, among a number of other projects, the Harlemite is determined to become more than just a video vixen. XXLMag.com recently caught up with Ms. José to discuss a range of topics including her business ventures, her future as video model, and of course her take on the VH1’s reality show, Love & Hip-Hop. — Ralph Bristout
XXLMag.com: What have you been up to lately?
Tahiry José: I’ve been finishing with calendars then going and having my pre-release parties and I’m dealing now going back and forth with my athletic line for women. It’s called Fit By Tahiry Females In Training because I’m always in training. I’m not the pro, but I know it works in what I do and when I need to get ready. A lot of my fans ask me on Twitter what is it that I do to stay thick and not lose the booty and keep it all together. So, in doing that you know I teamed up with Angerwear and I’m coming out with like my Yoga pads, sports bras, tank tops, and something really comfortable and affordable for women to work out in.
XXL: When is that going to hit stores?
Tahiry: Well, right now we’re in the process of approving the last bits and pieces of everything that I want in it, so in about two months it’ll be probably ready.
XXL: Are you gonna appear in any hip-hop videos soon?
Tahiry: I just actually did a video, [DJ] Enuff has an artist. It’s French. Jobere is his name. He’s a rapper. Jim Jones is featured and so is Pusha T. I just did that you know. Me and Enuff go back 10 years, so why not do that video. So far, I don’t know about hip-hop videos. I don’t really consider myself a hip-hop video vixen or a video girl to begin with. I’m more like a personality.
XXL: You did a couple though?
Tahiry: I did, absolutely. Of course, first video [was] 50 Cent; second video, Fat Joe and [Young] Jeezy. Of course I’ma do certain videos, but do I consider myself a video vixen? No.
XXL: What rap video wouldn’t you do?
Tahiry: : Anything that I have to drop it like it’s hot, put it in a glass with oil. Like, I’m not the drop-it-like-it’s-hot girl, I’m not the girl that you’ll ever catch in the tub just feeling herself. We good. I’m the girl with the mouth, but I just look good in a thong.
XXL: Have you seen Love & Hip-Hop on VH1?
Tahiry: Abso-fucking-lutely I’m a fan. I’m a fucking fan! Well first off, I’m a fiend, I literally just watch Reality TV shows. Second of all, it’s the first show that I think we have after Basketball Wives. I think that Love & Hip-Hop is the one show that people that love hip-hop and just like the whole urban thing [have]. We didn’t have anything, everything [is] Jersey Shore. You know, we don’t see them shows in the projects so we have Love & Hip-Hop. I believe every one of these girls [is] somebody [women] could relate to and their struggles. There’s always a chick at home and nigga doing what he doing, living the life and [she's] unhappy; and there’s always a chick who wants to be famous and drops everything to come to New York. You know, everybody has a story, so I’m a fan.
XXL: Would you appear on a show like that?
Tahiry: I thought about it while watching it. I’m having a problem with Reality TV shows period right now because it’s more about beefing. I mean of course everybody wants to see the train wrecks, we get it, you know what I’m saying. It went from being allowing somebody into your home and allowing people to see certain things, even if it’s scripted somewhat, to now everybody’s fucking acting a fool and fighting and acting crazy. I think first episode, you speak to me a certain way, I think that that’s it, hello Bad Girl’s Club. So, would I be in it? It all depends. But, just follow me around and I have enough drama so I don’t even have to pretend.
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Toccara: More Than a Model

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Since first being introduced to Toccara Jones on Tyra Banks’ America’s Next Top Model, it was evident that the young and energetic Ohio native was destined to take the industry by storm. Easily one of ANTM’s most recognizable former contestants, Toccara has managed to carve her own lane in the world of fashion and entertainment with spreads in Vogue Italia, Essence, and Ebony, in addition to becoming a host for BET’s Take the Cake. At a recent stop on the Hennessy Remixed Tour in New York, XXLMag.com caught up with the curvaceous model where she spoke about her upcoming dating show, her role as a contributing Style Editor for Essence Magazine and gave tips to the Eye Candies trying to kill the game. —Kai Acevedo & Ralph Bristout
XXL: So what projects are you currently working on?
Toccara: I’m a contributing Style Editor for Essence Magazine, so each month for like the past six months I have been in the publication. The first time they’ve ever used a curvy girl consistently like that, so make sure y’all go and pick up Essence and check me out giving tips to curvy girls. I’m with Wilhelmina Models and they’ve been working me like crazy. I’ve been doing a lot of jobs out in London. I’m the spokesperson for Hennessy, Ms. Lady Hennessy 2011 and we are here in New York with my Master Mixologist Jordan and we’re just educating all our Hennessey family and friends that Hennessey is mixable, that you could take VS, that you don’t have to just drink it straight or on the rocks or with some Coke. We have four flavors that go really well with Hennessey, which is our ginger, apple, berry and citrus. And I’m also gonna be doing Donald Trump Presents the Ultimate Merger on TV One this Fall.
XXL: How did you become Ms. Lady Hennessey?
T: I’ve been working with Hennessey for three years, so this is my third year and I like what they do and they like what I do.
XXL: So it was a perfect marriage?
T: Perfect marriage.
XXL: You mentioned working in London. How was that?
T: Oh London is amazing. I have a client over there called Evans and it’s a plus-size clothing line and their clothes are really trendy and really fashionable and you know they’re really good. Yeah, but I love it over there in London.
XXL: So are you dating anyone?
T: I’m not dating anyone right now. That’s why I’m doing Donald Trump’s the Ultimate Merger on TV One. Actually, it’s gonna be me and twelve bachelors. Donald Trump is actually the Executive Producer and he’s going to find me twelve guys to date, ’cause I’m looking for love. [Laughs]

XXL: How did you link up with Donald Trump for the show?
T: Through TV One.
XXL: Have you guys started shooting the show yet?
T: No. We start shooting that in a few days actually. Yeah, and it’s gonna air this Fall, so I’m excited and I can’t wait to see what they look like. [Laughs]
XXL: Is it gonna be filmed in New York?
T: It’s gonna be a place where there’s sun and the fun. Any way you wanna take it. All of the above. [Laughs]
XXL: Do you plan on being in any music videos?
T: You know what I need to. I didn’t have any plans, but now I’m making some. I’m making some plans to do some music videos. Why not? I like the music videos. The music videos are amazing these days. They’re like mini-movies. They’re really creative.
XXL: Is there any particular music video that you’re feeling right now?
T: I haven’t gotten the chance to watch any TV. I’ve been on the road so much, but you know what I do like Keri Hilson’s video ["The Way You Love Me"] that she got. When she she tearing it up. She doing her dance. She working it. I’m like, “Go Keri, go Keri.” Ms. Keri baby! I love it. I think it’s hot.
XXL: What music are you listening to?
T: I like Wiz Khalifa. I’m digging his music.
XXL: What are five things an Eye Candy should do to get right for the summer?
T: You know what? There’s nothing new under the sun. I mean you should drink plenty of water. [Laughs] Drink plenty of water, you should exercise, you should eat right, you should—
XXL: Drink Hennessy—
T: [Laughs] You should practice your poses. Shit, for real. Practice makes perfect. They should practice their poses and what else should they do? Take their makeup off every night.
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‘Conscious’ Ain’t What It Used to Be

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Like it or not, rappers wear labels – and not just Louis Vuitton and True Religion. From crunk to gangster to conscious, MCs have been categorized since the beginning of rap times. But they haven’t always been quick to accept the stamps they’ve been given.

Blacksmith CEO and rapper Talib Kweli might be considered the reigning King of the “Conscious Movement.” Yet he shunned the title with the quickness during a recent AllHipHop.com interview when asked to name his Top 5 Conscious MCs.

“You know what? I don’t even know if I want to answer that question, because I feel like that’s part of the issue – we keep separating us, and it makes it hard on me as an artist,” said Talib. “It’s makes it like ‘conscious’ is the alternative to MCing. We come from a generation where, if you were going to be dope and considered in the Top 5, you had to have a degree of consciousness.”

According to Talib, things changed after Biggie: “Biggie was the first MC who was considered in the Top 5 who there wasn’t a degree of consciousness in his debut. But you started to hear it creep in in the second album…there was a little of that gangster consciousness.”

Pharoahe Monch, whose longtime career has dabbled heavily in consciousness, took a more diplomatic stance about his pal Talib’s unwillingness to be labeled. In this exclusive AllHipHop.com video clip, he shares his thoughts on what the moniker really means for him, Talib, and others:

In recent news, so-called “conscious” rapper Common was called “vile” by conservative media pundits on the eve of his invitation to The White House to read poetry for President and First Lady Obama. To most of the Hip-Hop world, Common and the word ‘vile’ don’t even exist in the same universe. His thought-infused, woman-honoring, lesson-teaching lyrics have ruled rap consciousness for over a decade and bear little resemblance to gangster.

Yet, in today’s rap climate, even Common might turn his back on the “good guy rap” label. This past week, he neither confirmed nor denied his uncanny ability to make audiences think and/or embrace often rap-absent concepts like peace and love. After all, he rides for people like escaped, convicted New Jersey cop killer Assata Shakur, and he even made a pilgrimage to communist Cuba despite his home country’s longtime stances against Assata and former president Fidel Castro.

The irony and double consciousness of the Black man has never been more persistent.

“…it’s like when you think about KRS-One and Kool G Rap and Rakim and Chuck D, and then think about their influence over Ice Cube and Q-Tip and Nas, that sort of rounds out my Top 10 list,” said Talib. “For me in 2011 to list my Top 5 Conscious MCs, I feel like that kind of does a disservice to them, because they should be listed in with everybody else. Like I think Rakim should be in the same category as Lil Wayne,” he added.

Hmmm. Maybe? Maybe not.

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Big Boi Launches New Label W/ Daughter

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Big Boi is ready to start his next venture. The OutKast MC has started a new label, called Purple Kids, with his daughter, Jordan, reports Billboard.
“My daughter just turned 16-years-old, and you can see it on MTV’s [My Super Sweet Sixteen], where they get cars, and things that depreciate and just don’t mean nothing,” BB said. “I wanted to give my child something that she can grow and build and nurture. So I gave her her own label.”
The label is set to launch in the next few weeks and will feature a roster of young musicians including 12 year-old Gabbie Rae, who has already appeared on The Tyra Banks Show.
In terms of his own career, the spitter’s next release is likely to be another solo album. “I had a conversation with [Island Def Jam record label chief] Barry Weiss, and he was like, ‘Hey Big, great album,’ and he’s ready for the next album,” he said. “And he wants it ASAP. So, you know, everything’s good.” —Nicole LoPresti
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