Many of us know Lauren London for her star-making turn as Erin “New New” Garnett in ATL back in 2006. But before she was playing the faux-hood character, London first caught people’s attention playing a possible love interest for Pharrell in the video for his popular 2003 track, “Frontin.'”
Complex
In an interview for Complex’s web series, “Sneaker Shopping,” she shared the story behind her work in the video. As it turns out, she was still in high school at the time the opportunity came about, and she was asked to take part in the clip because she had the “regular-looking girl” appeal the love interests all called for.
This background information came about because the 33-year-old was asked if she foresaw the icon Pharrell would be not only in terms of music but in fashion, way back in 2003.
“I think being around his presence, you kind of feel the genius around him. You have to respect that,” she said. “But for me, I was 17 years old in that video in the 12th grade. I was working for Paul Hunter at the time. He called me at the office and he’s like, ‘Pharrell needs a regular-looking girl for this video. Fly down to Miami!’ So they flew me down to Miami because I was a ‘regular-looking girl.’ I had no idea what I was getting into. I just know I have to go to Miami and be in a video. And the rest is history.”
London would go on to star in the video alongside Lanisha Cole and Mimi Faust as leads. Yes, Mimi from Love and Hip Hop Atlanta in case you weren’t aware:
There were also appearances from Jay-Z (who was featured on the track), Lenny Kravitz and rapper Pusha T. London did so well that she would go on to work with Pharrell again for “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “That Girl.”
As for her first film role, she made quite the impression yet again as New New. London mentioned in the interview that for those who’ve been wondering about an ATL sequel, it’s something everyone involved is trying to finally make happen.
“I know that they are working on it. And I know that it’s something they are trying to push forward,” London said. “But I don’t know so much. That would be a great T.I. question. But what I do know is that as much as the fans want it, we want it too.”
