This was by far, the most difficult photoshoot on my resume…

When the idea was pitched to me by Bonsu (legend in the game), I was told that the new column is titled “CRUSH”, and unlike other hiphop magazine sections like “EYE CANDY”, “CRUSH” is intended to “salute gorgeous women whose beauty is an afterthought to their talent and achievement”. He assured me this would be forward and fun.

I was so honored that THE SOURCE would ask me to not only grace the pages of their iconic publication, but to also be the first in this category! WOW. I was also very nervous. I don’t do “SEXY” and they said they understood that, but…I still had my concerns.

We showed up to the photoshoot prepared. My GLAM SQUAD was on deck – KARL JUSTIN styled me and TAI LOTSON did the makeup. We were straight. When I walked on set, I was met with great photographer DON MORRIS and BONSU and we went over the plans for the shoot.

For me, I was already out of my own comfort zone wearing tight clothes and heels…so posing “PINUP” style completely made me feel goofy. I was clear on what I wasn’t comfortable with and Don and crew were all very understanding — although they did try and get me to remove some clothing! Ha, can’t blame them for trying I guess.

At the end of it, BONSU and DON had me looking GREAT and in tune with my own taste and aesthetic. THANK YOU!!! Pick up the new DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 issue with RICK ROSS and WIZ KHALIFA on the cover.

*DON MORRIS photographer showing me some creative references. I’m giggling at some of the “PINUP” ones.

photos by JEN PHAN