MARICA LINN: The Beautiful Beast

When your measurements are 34-25-45 then you can stunt on whoever you want in the game. Don’t you agree?

Marica Linn, also known as Beauti The Beast, is one of the last superstars left in Cleveland not named LeBron James. The 80′s baby has grown up to be an awesome array of vision and beauty. The East Cleveland born-and-raised Communications/Mass Media major may look mean, but she’s not. Armed with a boisterous laugh and jokes to boot, the hood’s version of Florence Henderson sits with The Well Versed to talk about breaking stereotypes, why sex selling is what it is, and answers why Ohio is still upset even without King James.

The Well Versed: We’ve known each other for awhile but only virally, correct? How has the Internet changed the way folks communicate in the entertainment biz?

Marica Linn: The Internet has made it easier to connect with just about anyone, honestly. As far as the game goes, it’s easier for artists/talent/brands to connect directly with their potential clients, fan base, and supporters, respectively. I know that people will only stereotype me until they get to know me. I’ve faced all the comments you can imagine any ethnic model in this industry goes through—being called gold diggers or groupies.

Sadly, I actually dealt with that sobering fact during my birthday party in my hometown of Cleveland last year. It was at a nightclub in the Flats, this one bouncer wouldn’t let me into the on-stage VIP area, with my VIP wristband on! SLAB Entertainment was there. I told him who I was, that these were my party guests, and I’m a member of SLAB. He responded back to me with a, “Nice try, groupie!” Embarrassing, right? I was drinking so, of course, my feelings were a little hurt. But one has to develop thick skin if this is one’s industry of choice.

I have been faced with assumptions on my education, been told that I’m promiscuous, or that I have an ulterior motive to why I do what I do. I have also been told what I can’t do or should do because of my appearance. In addition to the modeling industry stereotypes, I also have to deal with the racial undertones that come with being an African-American female.

TWV: Is it a positive or informative to be the type of performer you are during this interesting time where everyone wants to be a star?

ML: Being the type of performer I am is that fueled by positivity. No one else can be me—good or bad. There are a lot of aspiring entertainers these days, but individuality is a must in order to standout! I have chosen some of the obstacles that I face and will face in the future just by taking the route I’ve embarked upon. Sex sells. I have sex appeal and it is what it is. It’s not the extent of my being. I love laughter and I keep my sense of humor at all times.

Even in the touchiest of situations I can find solace in good humor. I’m a born athlete. I love being physical. I also have deep thoughts brewing behind these brown eyes. Ideas flow, full of goals, and ambitions. When I set my mind on something then I don’t give up. I’m relentless. I keep going until I either accomplish it or until I can see no possible way to get it done—then I try it one more time. I hope my success will encourage those that look up to me. The same way those who came before me encourage my movement. I also would hope that people could learn from the mistakes I’ve made and from their own.

TWV: More and more each day folks are grinding to find ways to get into the public’s eye. What are some words of advice you can share to anyone who is unsure of what’s on the other side of that velvet rope?

ML: Simply put: Things are almost never what they seem.

TWV: You retweeted @RAPSTARPROMO’s tweet about local talent and the lack of support they have in Cleveland. We both were at last year’s Ohio Hip-Hop Awards so I wanted to know what’s keeping the city apart from helping its own?

ML: I’m really not sure what it is. There a lot of cliques in this city I must say and I also think that the uncertainty of one’s motives/business ethics play a large part in the woes most talent face here in Cleveland. That being said, many are cautious to say the least, but hometown support makes climbing the ladder of success much easier. Branching out on a bigger scale would be smoother to accomplish if we had more unity and less hate in the city. Maybe then we could have so many more successful individuals and business coming out of Cleveland.

TWV: You had some things in the works that you couldn’t talk about…can we get a sneak peek at what’s next from you?

ML: [Laughs] You can always ask! I don’t like to mention some things until they are concrete. It doesn’t sit well with me to announce something in the works and then the project doesn’t happen—which is common in the entertainment world. I’ve also experienced that some people would rather copy everything you do rather than make their own path. So that’s another reason why I’m kinda secretive until the project is complete.

I actually had to step back and re-evaluate my business plan, what my ultimate goals are, and where I am going from here. It’s important to do that from time to time. I have really been focusing on the foundation of my brand. Building that up, creating good music, and finally re-launching my site are the only things I’m on right now.

TWV: What’s better—being a lady of love and hip-hop, a lady in the sheets, or a lady of substance?

ML: I am a lady who in the streets or in the sheets loves and loves hip-hop.

Wanna know more about the marvelous Marica Linn? Check her out on Twitter here and her site!

Check out her photos here!