Dress: Helen Anthony, Gloves: On Aura Tout Vu, Earrings: House Of Emmanuel, Shoes: Pleaser
Talent: Jonica Booth
Photography, Creative Direction, and Production by: Mike Ruiz
Editor-in-Chief: Dimitri Vorontsov
Stylist: Melvin Sanders
Hair: Maurice Cornell
Makeup: Aime Ramirez
Photographer Assistant: Ozzie Gutierrez
Styling Assistant: Cynthia Asmar
Location: Los Angeles, California
Jonica Booth originally from St.Louis, MO, started out as a comedian and did routines at The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, and The Improv and Flappers. She appeared as a contestant on the hit reality show Bad Girls Club, going by the name “Blu.”
Jonica Booth (Bad Girls Club) who stars in Issa Rae’s highly-anticipated comedy series Rap Sh!t premiered on HBO Max on July 21st. The show follows two estranged high school friends from Miami who come back together to form a rap group. Jonica plays Chastity, a “pimp” turned manager who refers to herself as the “Duke of Miami.” She is also known for XXI: O’Day (2016), and Oddly Oden (2015).
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What was it like playing Chasity in Rap Sh!t? Do you relate to her in any way?
Playing Chastity was pressure, that I put on myself, of course, I really just wanted to do her justice. Her confidence is one thing I love about her, she’ll bet it all on herself and I’m like that 100%.
Is Rap Sh!t a true story?
No, Issa was inspired by the bad bitch renaissance that’s emerging and created this storyline.
What inspired you to take the role of Chasity in Rap Sh!t?
It was an Issa Rae project, so for me, that was a no-brainer. Once I learned more about the character, it just felt right. I dangle on the dominant fence so I wanted to see if I could truly tap all the way in.
What has been your favorite memory of filming Rap Sh!t?
I have two of them. My brother passed 3 days before we started filming. I didn’t say anything to anyone. I just wanted to focus on work until I could lay him to rest with my family. When I returned from the services, the hair and makeup team presented me with a beautiful card signed by each of them. That meant more to me than they know, and yes, I definitely cried in that trailer. It. went. down. lol
The second one is, Issa wasn’t supposed to direct any scenes for the series, but one of the directors got held up with something when it was time to shoot my scene so Issa stepped in and I’m forever grateful for that direct, hands-on “one on one” time with her.
Dress: Helen Anthony, Gloves: On Aura Tout Vu, Earrings: House Of Emmanuel, Shoes: Pleaser
Tell us how you got into acting, previously you worked a corporate job after playing basketball in college?
Sheesh. I always felt like I could do it, but to be honest with you it just fell in my lap. I always wanted to act but didn’t have representation. A man named Mike Griffen got me into stand-up comedy and from that, Cheryl Martin from CMA saw one of my shows, a couple of years later she began representing me and the auditions started rolling in.
Yeah, I did play basketball at a collegiate level and graduated college with a BA in Psychology. I thought corporate was for me, and I’ll never forget one of my old co-workers told me, “Get out of here. This job is a graveyard for dreamers.” So when an opportunity came up, I was the first one out the door. I’m thankful for those words to this day.
What do you like about acting? And, how did you get started?
I like the checks lol, but really it’s a challenge, and not too much challenges me nowadays. I thrive off pressure, and I think the RAP SH!T writers are some of the best in the industry. It’s dope they believe I’m capable of bringing their iconic vision to life.
Dress: Coral Castillo, Shoes: Barollo Italy, Bracelet: Georgina Jewelry
Tell us about starring in a reality show (Bad Girls Club)? What was that experience like?
For me at that time in my life, it was amazing. I never watched the show, my season was the first I saw. So, I didn’t know what to expect. All I knew was, that I was no longer working in corporate and I was getting paid to live in a mansion! Looking back, we were being paid pennies, I truly took a pay cut from corporate America, but I knew in my spirit it would be worth it.
The experience was fun, ghetto, and liberating. It was a lot of fighting, but I wasn’t involved in that. I could easily adapt to living with a group of women because I played sports. I understand behavior because of my degree, so my experience was great because life had prepared me for it.
It did allow me to be open with my sexuality because I couldn’t hide who I was. The best thing when you have a camera in your face is to be you – not makeup who you’re trynna be. I knew I didn’t want to exit BGC with regrets. I can look back and say I’ve grown tremendously as we all have from 8 years ago but 25-year-old me would do it all the exact same way, and that I’m proud of.
I understand that you started in Comedy, What got you into comedy?
Comedy is my life, it’s who I am. That’s what we do in my family. What got me into stand-up is my commercial agent Rick Farrari. He said he wanted to introduce me to Mike Griffen who noticed people laughing at me while I was in a meeting. We met, and the rest was history. He became my comedy manager.
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How did you discover your passion for comedy?
I enjoy making people laugh. I think putting a smile on someone’s face even for a moment lightens everything.
Do you prefer to play comedic roles?
That’s where I am comfortable right now, but I want to expand into animation, drama, and action. I want to be a superhero, lol, I think I would be a dope cartoon character with a fro.
What would you tell your younger self, if you could?
I wouldn’t tell her shit cause she doesn’t listen no way. She’s gonna do exactly what she wants to do, just like she did.
What are your goals for the next few years?
An HBO comedy special and a 4 pack of abs, lol if I achieve those two I’m going to take over the world. Also, I would love a hair product endorsement.
Full Look: Mindful Pigs
