It’s not easy getting to the top. Or heck, near the top for that matter. And before some of these celebs could do very big things, they had to pay their dues and do what they needed to for experience, and of course, money. When you’re trying to hustle in Hollywood, nobody’s too good to do a little somethin’ somethin’ in a music video to pay the rent. Especially when you’re a so-called “model.” Check out these 10 celebrities who got face time in music videos before they could move to the big screen.

Boris Kodjoe – “Red Light Special”

Before he met and married Nicole Ari Parker and had two kids, had a defunct TV show, and was named one of People‘s “Most Beautiful People In The World,” Kodjoe was a prostitute.

In a music video. Ha! I had you fooled didn’t I? But seriously, the former model-turned-actor showed up in the TLC video, “Red Light Special” to lick T-Boz’s foot and make the boa look on a man fierce! I also wasn’t mad at the ab action and striptease he tried to pull near the end of the video. I can’t see Kodjoe doing this now, but it wouldn’t hurt for him to get back out there and drop it like it’s hot in a video. What else does he really have going on?

singleblackmale.org

You can call it shallow or superficial but the reality is image is everything and people will always judge you by your appearance first. Regardless if this is right or wrong, how you present yourself to the world will dictate how the world will ultimately treat you. If you show little effort in putting yourself together and carry yourself with a careless attitude, then the world will treat you as such. However, if you put your best foot forward everyday – looking and feeling good, then the world is sure to stop and pay attention.

This is not a call to look like a runway model every day of the week, but it is a reminder that perception is reality and how others perceive you is a direct correlation on how they will treat you. Just in case you did not know, let me also remind you that it’s your job to teach people how to treat you. By holding your standards high, you are dictating to others to do the same when they interact with you. So if your appearance is sloppy and sluggish, guess what folks will think about you?

Take pride in your appearance. Let your personality shine through with your own style of fashion. When we look good, we feel good and our confidence speaks volumes.  The best thing about being a woman is that we don’t have to spend a lot of money to look fabulous! (especially if you know how to shop for a sale). Let’s stop being lazy and take an extra 10 minutes to put on that makeup; or get a little bold and add some color to our dark wardrobes. Whatever it is, make sure it allows who you are to shine through. Don’t let your personality hide behind anything, the world deserves to know who you are!

Want to talk to me Woman to Woman or have a topic you would like addressed? Email me at rhooks@madamenoire.com or you can follow me on twitter @rashanahooks

President Barack Obama will appear on the daytime talk show “The View” Thursday, according to CNN.

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