Early Fall 2006; Interview and Images by Chuck Holliday

It’s no secret that New York City’s once-dominant urban modeling scene has gone the same path alongside the same city’s rap music landscape: Missing in Action with no signs of returning to prominence anytime soon. Enter Kamilah Gianni: the 20 year-old quadruple threat (model, actress, songwriter, singer), who has been appearing on both the small and big screen since an early child, including a small role in the street-cult classic, Shottas.
It’s no surprise that the Brooklyn NY native has emerged as one of the most sought-after commercial & fashion models in 2006. With a number of upcoming projects in the works, Avenue 1 caught up with “K.G.” as she talks men, acting, reality TV… and Flavor Flav???

So how has the crazy modeling world treating you since the beginning of the year? To the average insider, you came out of nowhere and have been the talk of the city.
It’s been going very well. I’ve been expanding my portfolio, and preparing to launch my website, I’m very excited about my progress. You do come across some people who don’t have the best interests in your career, but that can happen in any competetive environment.

So what was your school days like? Did you piss any people off or were you (gasp) a goody too shoes?
I enjoyed school, I and came away with a lot of great friendships, and some enemies too. Have you ever seen “mean girls”? Yeah, I was probably making fun of you.

Glad I wasn’t in your class! New York is a crazy place to live. What’s the most important thing the average person should know before visiting the greatest city in the world beside the fact that Houston Street is pronounced “House-ton” Street?
I’m a native New Yorker, I’ve got to defend my city! New york has more opportunities than average, and with that, come more chances for you to be taken advantage of. Everyone should know how to look out for themselves, no matter where they are.

So this acting thing. Tell us about what’s going on and what you have up the sleeve coming up.
I’m working hard on getting my first speaking role in a movie. It’s hard to find roles that are suitable, and even harder to be the one person chosen to play the part. The most recent thing I’ve done is a music video, but I don’t want to do too many of those.

Yeah you dont want to be bunched into a stereotype category of models. So on to some other things — how can a guy easily ruin a date with you?
Being ungentlemanly is a dealbreaker. If we’ve just started seeing each other, I would expect a man to be on his best behavior. Do the little things. Hold a door for me. It won’t kill you.

Some men still haven’t gotten that concept mastered after decades. Speaking of that, what’s with this newfound theory about men passing on the career minded woman? Are they missing out?
Not neccessarily. If that’s the right lifestyle for that couple more power to them. Although I am an ambitious woman, I do believe in a lot of traditional roles within the household.

Are you the jealous type?
No, I’m the greedy type! I’m a long way from settling down, but I do like to be number one.

Well at least we know we don’t have to worry about you running on myspace (Laughs). What’s good with the in-thing at clubs where guys are grabbing on women to try and talk to them?
It’s rude, but if the woman he’s grabbing finds him attractive, it won’t deter her from him. Its like that saying, if you dislike someone you can’t stand sitting down to share a meal with them. But if you like the person they could dump their whole plate of food in your lap and you wouldn’t care. That’s a bit much, but you get my gist.

That’s actually a#$ backwards, but that’s another conversation, possibly another interview. Now, our Founder & Publisher of Avenue 1 just recently appeared in a reality series with his ex-girlfriend. Would you ever consider the reality TV world and exposing all of your business?
It would depend on the material. Sometimes those shows can be more hurtfull to your career than helpfull. You can’t control what comes out in the editing process, and I wouldn’t want to do anything that would cast me in a negative light.

And you know what? We don’t blame you! Speaking of reality shows, tell the truth – would you need Flavor Flav to tell you what time it is? The women seem to go crazy over the former Public Enemy frontman and will do anything (as shown) to get in his pants.
wow! I do love that show, hilarious! Well the women on the show seem to think that flav is a good man, and you don’t come across good people everyday. Maybe I’d have to give him a chance…or not.