EXCLUSIVE: Interview with HB Models owner Dionte Gilmer
September 16, 2010
From his first casting gig for Detroit’s Hair Magazine’s Mogul Billy Cason’s Hair shows, BET.com, then to casting director of Lil Wayne’s Lollipop Music Video along with countless other videos, film, TV, and events Dionte Gilmer took HB Models Management and Marketing company to huge heights in the entertainment industry. With his up front approach and aggressive networking strategy made Dionte one of the most well known industry professionals in the business. We have watched him as he silently moved up the food chain in the entertainment industry and wanted to have a sit down to do his first ever interview, here we go!
HB Models Owner - Dionte Gilmer
RZM: Hello Dionte, how are you?
DG: I’m fine, how are you guys?
RZM: Good!
RZM: Now we know you are from Detroit, MI because your rep it everywhere you go.
DG: Yes I do, I love being from the D, it made me into what I am today.. not sure if that’s a good or bad thing, lol,
HB Model Kiki Montgomery - Pittsburgh, PA
RZM: What high school did you attend in Detroit?
DG: I attend Big Red, Redford High School and graduated in 89′.. so I’m old, lol
RZM: You don’t look your age at all, like in your late 20′s WOW!
DG: Thanks, I’m doing what I can to stay healthy
RZM: When you where in high school, what did you wan to be?
DG: I always wanted to go into the military, so that’s what I did after I graduated.. I joined the United States Air Force.
RZM: How was it?
DG: It was cool, glad I went. It taught me alot and made me into a stronger and better person
RZM: What did you do in the Air Force?
DG: Electronic Avionics system technician for F-16 and A-10 aircraft
RZM: After the military is that when you started your modeling company
DG: Right after the Air Force I worked as an electronic technician for a couple of companies till I ended up at Alpine Electronics as an Electronic Engineer some time after that I create my company.
RZM: How did you get started?
DG: I got involved with a photographer on a couple of my projects and watching him taught me alot about the industry
RZM: May we ask who that is?
DG: Oh yeah, my homie Treagen Colston of KISS Magazine. We are still cool and bounce ideas off each other, also Davide another great photographer in the D that taught me alot about shooting and high fashion artistic value. Both of those guys helped HB Models get to where it is today.
HB Model - MM iCandy - Boston MA.
RZM: There is alot of beef in your industry between photographers have you experience any beef with anyone?
DG: LOL, LOL, man why ask that? Hell yeah, most of these dudes. They will tell these girls anything they want to hear to get what they want from them. I tell people whats real and most don’t like me for it and they complain to a photog or a promoter then them bitch niggas jump on their bandwagon. I had dudes blast me on the net, play on my phone, and talk shit on twitter… being gangsta on the net is suppose to scare me I guess, lol
RZM: What do you mean?
DG: Dudes using the internet to stick their chest out trying to impress the models or other females, if you have issues with me see a nigga in person. I’m from the D, 7 Mile all day… we are real, if you have beef you deal with it face to face and hopefully squash it but if not then… I hope they have medical insurance. The worst thing you can do to a real dude is to play bitch games, real dudes are hustlin, grindin, trying to make something happen.. we don’t have time for the BS… BS messes up the paperchase.
RZM: What about the Models – you have beef with them?
DG: Naw, even when they do me wrong… I figure that I’m established enough in this industry to where things are going to come back around real fast and I will see them again, at that time LOL, wow! them flakes can kick rocks. If a model has an issue with me its 99.9% that her problem is I didn’t tell her what she wanted or expected to hear. Rejection is the biggest part of this business and if you can’t handle that then oh well, on to the next one. But usually after they’ve learn the business they will see the constructive criticism and we will talk and squash it.
RZM: What model inspires you?
DG: its a few but of the top, Tyra of course, Grace Jones, Dorothea Church, Chanel Iman, Beverly Johnson and a few others. I also like Tomika Skanes, seems to care about what she does and how she presents herself and she makes an effort to help aspiring models avoid the pitfalls in this business
RZM: How is it working for models?
The Bay's Mobb Life and Dionte
DG: awww man.. wow! its crazy, too crazy at times. Ladies pretending they want to be in this business and wasting my time is the worst but at times you get that one that is passionate and serious and you really want to be instrumental in her success.
RZM: What do you cast models for?
DG: I cast models for almost everything that is mainstream, I’m really not into the urban market because the opportunity for a model to achieve the ultimate success is low.
RZM: Why?
DG: Cause the urban market is saturated with models showcasing their skin instead of products, also there are so many girls using the title of modeling to get their trick on, so the urban market has been cheapen in a sense. Urban clients realize that they don’t have to pay models regular rates because a few of these ladies will sleep with anyone (celebs) to be apart of a project for free. Man, I don’t get the way some of these ladies think. They give up the booty to be in a video or magazine and they still don’t get to where they say they want to be.
RZM: How did you get to do the casting for Lil Wayne’s lollipop video?
DG: I was brought on that by Dustin Blackburn of Ink Castings and Stephanie Scire of Merge @ Crossroads Productions from Los Angeles. This happened after I just moved to Las Vegas from Detroit.
RZM: How was it?
DG: The ladies and myself had so much fun on the set. Gil Green the director and the production crew was great. Kicking it with everyone was so gangsta, lol. When the video and song became a smash hit.. i was so happy to be apart of the process.
DG: Every since then I’ve been working even harder to cast or help in casting film, tv, video, and other gigs.
RZM: Was moving from Detroit a good thing for you?
DG: for business yes, but I miss the realness of the D. But at least I don’t have to stay strapped 24/7 here
RZM: Does knowing alot of celebrities help you with your business?
DG: At times, it all depends on that person. Most celebs that I’m cool with are grinders they don’t let their celeb status slow them down, so we speak the same language when it comes to work ethics and that helps on everyone’s projects.
RZM: What are you plans for now to the future?
Dionte in the ring with a former marketing client Boxer Johnothan Banks
DG: well, im in the process of up-scaling our talent base to become more of an asset to our current and future clients, this business is forever changing so you have to stay on your game with the industry. I am also focusing more on casting for film, TV, and commercials.
RZM: There is a rumor that you are working with your high school alumni Comedian Carlos “Spanky” Hayes from MTV’s Wild n Out and also Lola Damone from the Fubu GoodLife album, is the rumor true?
DG: who told, you that? LOL.. well there have been some collabrations going on but its too early to speak on it. I’m always looking for new ways for a legit hustle in the industry.. have love what I do for others.
RZM: Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
DG: oh yeah.. my mother, my best friend Javan “Sugar” Hill from Sugar Hill Boxing in Detroit, Emanual Steward for giving my first break as a promoter, Big Proof, Doc, Carol Dorsey of Madd Money Entertainment Group for giving my first break in music promoting with B.G., Chie Davis – Apple Bottoms, James Hill – BET, Nick Loftis – Greedy Geniu$, My wifey for keeping me sane, my beautiful daughter Shauna for keeping focused and strong, man who else? Treagen Colston, David Anderson, Frieda – Lamont – Theodore Harris, my sisters and everyone else that was and is instrumental in HB Models success. I would like to especially thank all the models, talent, DJ’s and promoters, you can’t do anything with out these people. Oh! I have to include MM iCandy, Kiki Montgomery, Alissa Rae Ross, Kami 2 hot, Candice Jai, Jovahna Marie, Chyanne Jacobs, Jana Stewart, Kimmi Kennedy and a few others that allowed me to work for them.
RZM: Thank you for allowing us to interview you.
DG: Thank you for asking, I don’t see why people would be interested in me personally but.. the interview was fun.
you can learn more about HB Models Management and Marketing on there website www.HBModelsManagement.com or on ProductionHUB.com
Album Review: B.G. – Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood
December 14, 2009
Review by XXL
It’s hard to imagine mistaking B.G. as anything other than a street-wise Southern rapper who keeps it 10 toes down in the hood. Nonetheless, his eleventh solo album, Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood—his first since 2006’s The Heart of tha Streetz, Vol. 2 (I Am What I Am)—aims to prove he hasn’t lost his edge to create unapologetic cuts for the hood.
Keepin’ that edge is absolutely a good thing for B.G. Showcasing his trademark laidback Southern drawl, B.G. pledges allegiance to his city on the triumphant Mannie Fresh-produced “My Hood.” Elsewhere, he agrees to abide by the G-code on the delightfully ominous “I Swar” and promises repercussions for anyone that wants to step to him on TH2BH’s other Mannie Fresh production “Chopper City Is An Army.” He even teams up with Lil Wayne and Juvenile for a much-anticipated Hot Boys reunion (minus the incarcerated Turk) on the Cool & Dre-produced “Ya Heard Me.”
Of course, keeping it real does go wrong a few times. Specifically, B.G.’s cheesy attempts at pleasing the females on raunchy R&B-tinged tracks like “F*cking U Right” and “F*ck Thang,” which are both monotonous and unnecessary. But even when he misses the mark, B.G. manages to keep his street cred intact. And there’s no better example than the celebratory “Keep It 100,” where he takes an oath to stay true to the streets. “I’ma a hustler, a triple O.G.,” he raps, “I’ll never let the money or the fame change me.” True, indeed.
With the internet is blazing about B.G. by HB Models Management, Chopper City Records, DJ’s, Models, and fans its sure to do very well.
Yes, we have the only exclusive interview with one of the countries rising and successful model managers in the business. HB Models CEO Dionte Gilmer will be giving us a “real” look inside the Urban Model Market and about what he thinks of today’s model market. Stay Tuned!!!!
GREEDY GENIU$ Host Holiday Party and Toy Drive in St. Louis, MO.
December 8, 2009
Nick Loftis Co-Founder of Apple Bottoms By Nelly, Vokal, and Founder of Greedy Genius is hosting a fashion party and toy drive
December 13th at KARMA NIGHTCLUB
Join us as we are having our 2nd Annual FASHION SHOWCASE & HOLIDAY PARTY.
This EVENT is INVITE ONLY. You can NOT pay to get in.You MUST have an invite. The ONLY way to get an INVITE is by donating aTOY at any of the listed AUTHORIZED RETAIL LOCATIONS. *ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE KIDS @ HERBERT HOOVER BOYS & GIRLS CLUB FOR THE HOLIDAY.
I AM SNEAKY
DROP OFF LOCATIONS
1204 Washington Ave
THE SHOP
10060 Natural Bridge
Prime Sole
11905 New Halls Ferry
Top Shelf
1521 N. 13th Street
R Sole
6662 Delmar
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FASHON SHOW OR FOR MORE INFO CALL 3145677575
B.G. Releases New Album “Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood”
December 8, 2009
Author: Gmajor
Read 2194 Times Since
Posted on 0000-00-00
B.G.’s next album will be executive produced by platinum recording artist T.I. and features Mannie Fresh, T.I., Juvenile, and Chopper City Records
‘ newest edition, The Chopper City Boyz.
“Each of The Chopper City Boyz has a different style,” B.G. said. “On my album, I chose beats that would work with each member of the Chopper City Boyz and featured them on different tracks as a way to introduce them individually.”
The group, which includes B.G.’s brother Hakizzle, VL Mike, Gar and Sniper, is already gaining popularity from their appearance on B.G.’s The Heart Of Tha Streetz: Vol. 2 (I Am What I Am). Chopper City Records will introduce another act to the world this year with the release of newly signed R&B crooner K’Jon’s debut album, This Is Me.
B.G. has sold over seven million records worldwide.
Party With HB Models All This Weekend – Las Vegas
July 24, 2008
HB Models Birthday Pool Bash July 26 Bare Pool – Las Vegas
HURRY AND R.S.V.P YOUR CABANA OR DAYBED CALL MR. SCOTT 2073299330 BARE POOL AND LOUNGE – LAS VEGAS
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Chris Webber’s 3rd Annual “Bada Bling” Celebrity Weekend Las Vegas
The party of the summer is back! Tickets are now on sale for the 3rd Annual C-Webb’s “Bada Bling!” Celebrity Weekend being held at the hottest new property on the Las Vegas strip, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, July 25-27. All proceeds benefit The Chris Webber Foundation. Join C-Webb and over 70 celebrities for a weekend filled with poker, golf, musical performances and the highlight of the weekend – Saturday’s Soiree. For details on all the weekend’s activities, go to www.cwebbsbadabling.com
CELEBRITIES OR SPONSORS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING PLEASE CALL: 877.676.WEBB (9322)
ALL PROCEEDS DIRECTLY BENEFIT THE CHRIS WEBBER FOUNDATION WWW.CHRISWEBBERFOUNDATION.ORG
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THE HOST VISIT:
WWW.CHRISWEBBER.COM
Johnathon Banks Wins Vacant IBO Cruiserweight Championship
American Jonathan Banks (19-0-0, 14 knockouts) won a decision against Italy’s Vincenzo Rossitto (36-5-4, 22 knockouts) to claim the vacant IBO cruiserweight title.
Johnathon Banks is pictured with his manager Emanual Stewart and is trained by Coach “Sugar” Hill
RocaWear Lifestyle: Jay-Day in Europe
July 12, 2008
Jay-Day in Europe
Big Pimpin in Belgium
Last week we featured the packed out arenas in Norway. Fans bouncing, singing the lyrics, and just all out going crazy- kinda like the Michael fans you see on television. It was a packed out arena and the energy was high, to say the least. BUT the people of Belgium really overshadowed that event in terms of numbers; they couldn’t even fit in an arena!
It looks like it was National “Jay Day” or something. Dirt Off Your Shoulders, Big Pimpin, Roc Boys, and even a couple of snipets of songs that he was featured on were some of the hits that were played.
Click HERE to view him performing Big Pimpin, also to get a view of some of the other songs he performed while he was there.
Althouhg the fans of Norway were a little bit more involved, the numbers can’t compare to the masses that flocked to see the Hip Hop mogul do his thing in Belgium. Must be a european thing to just cancel life as you know it to spend a day rockin’ to Jay in the park… kinda hot though! I Don’t care what anyone says, this was Jay-Day in Belgium. He shut it down!
Nelly’s Apple Bottoms 2008 Rip The Runway
July 12, 2008
Apple Bottoms 2008 Clothing Line Rip The Runway Video Click Here
Nelly and Melissa Ford
Apple Bottoms is one of the hottest fashion brands on the market right now. Nelly’s highly anticipated clothing line is worn by millions of women across the United States and Europe. We would like to invite you into the Apple Bottoms trendy clothing store. Shop Apple Bottoms new arrivals at AppleBottoms.com for the latest in womens fashion. The most important part of the choice is being able to get great clothing that is trendy, hip-hop and top of the line quality. These clothes make great gifts to buy your close friends or relatives for the holidays. Here you will find available some wonderful deals on many types of clothing products and even accessories to go with your Apple Bottoms. Now is your chance to be both very hip hop and chic for your great clothing additions with products that the Nelly’s Apple Bottoms Clothing line offers to buyers.
