A beautiful Ethiopian girl caught my attention while perusing the pages of Blackmen Magazine. Her face an ethnic one, her body curvaceous with a smile to kill for, Angel definitely was, and still is, a site for sore eyes.

At one point in time it seemed as though there wasn’t a hip hop video playing that Angel wasn’t in. From 50 Cent, Kanye, Twista to Busta and Young Jeezy; if it was being filmed she was being featured. She definitely was on FIRE on 2006-2007 on the video scene becoming the only model to win back to back XXL EyeCandy of the year titles, which she honestly deserved hands down.

I remember reaching out to Angel for Buffie’s first birthday party in NYC at Mars 2112. She said that she’d be in the area and she’d love to come out and show love. That’s exactly what she did…she came out and popped bottles in full “Girl Power” fashion. She was and still is always gracious, friendly, and all about female empowerment.

Fast forward to 2009 Angel has transcended to her alter ego Lola Monroe and has become a successful rap artist. Lola Monroe has the chance to be a successful hip hop Artist. Her video “Overtime” recently premiered on 106 & Park and her mixtapes are selling steadily in the US market. Variety breeds success, so we look forward to seeing what the future holds for Ms. Monroe and thank her for her contribution to the urban modeling industry as a whole.

– Amina


I headed up to NY to film Hoopz’s and Sonae Ryder’s (hey babes!) first shoots with Blackmen Magazine. I picked up Sonae in Philly and we made our way to the location in Manhattan. As far as I knew the only people shooting that day were those two, but I found out a third girl was going to be there as well.

Sonae had already finished her second look and Hoopz had just started her first when Girl #3 walks in. She seemed really shy and didn’t say too much to anyone before heading over to makeup. I asked Marcus and Van about her and he said she’s brand new and from DC. Her face was gorgeous, but shy and new doesn’t usually lead to anything special. Plus I didn’t know if I’d be filming her or not, so I just shrugged my shoulders.

Then she came out I her bikini and I started asking everyone..”I’m filming her right?!?”

– Bari the Beautiful