Vanna Black

Vanna Black - Biography

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 but Im still a sexy, sassy, bad girl. Thats where the name "Black" comes in."

The incredible 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 in a section known as "the bottom".

Vanna began rapping during her freshman year at University City 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. 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 many top urban magazines (King, Complex, Maxim, FHM, The Source, Smooth, Black Mens, Lowrider, Jet, Right On!) as well as in numerous advertisements, popular music videos, commercials, and calendars. Her resume is continuously growing.

But Vanna says modeling isn't always a smooth ride. "Its challenging at times," she says. "Its a competitive industry and very demanding. It can be hard work but it's worth the satisfaction of completing the job."

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 dudes know that you mean business," she says. "Show them that you can do anything they can do, and even better. That's the only way they'll take you seriously."

Being more than capable of holding her own in a predominantly male industry, her resident rap squad, Larsiny Family, recognizes her talent and that their first lady is far from average. "Vanna is the hottest female rapper I've ever come across...point blank," says Larsiny Family teammate Akbar. Her lyrical skill is undeniable. After witnessing her win a battle against Lady Luck at a Cassidy video shoot, multi-platinum producer Swizz Beats referred to Vanna as "the female Jay-Z." "She just has this crazy swagger," he says. "Shes so laid back."

Vanna's musical talent and creativity came to her genetically. Her mother plays the guitar and drums and her father is a drummer in the first ever all-Black punk rock band, Pure Hell. Before she began rapping, Vanna also played the drums for several years. She dabbled in acting, tap and belly dancing, and classical instruments as well. 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 recently graduated from Temple University, receiving a BA degree in journalism and graduating with Cum Laude honors. In 2007 she and long time friend and colleague Aisha Alexander started the modeling agency Mélange Models. Soon after, the Mélange Inc. promotional group formed and began hosting and promoting events throughout Philadelphia. Vanna is currently writing books and screenplays. She still finds time for modeling and rapping, however. Her passion, dedication, and desire for success keep her motivated and working.