Ashley Sky, Janye’s Brazilian Bombshell

Meet Ashley Sky. A sexy swimsuit and lingerie model from the tropical terrain of the Southern hemisphere. The Brazilian-born 32-22-34 knock-out stepped on to the scene less than two years ago, and now she's being featured alongside Jay-Z and Kanye. Making her debut Janye appearance in the first visual from Watch The Throne (“Otis"), the Miami-based beauty was one of four models to be selected for the video.

Humble and charismatic, the 5’8” bombshell caught up with XXL to talk about being contacted by 'Ye via Facebook, the lengthy video shoot and her rising success. This cutie will surely make you "Touch the Sky." —Rachelle Jean-Louis

NAME: Ashley Sky
REPS: Miami, FL
AGE: 20
STATS: 32-22-34
SOCIAL MEDIA: @TheAshleySky

XXL: How did you get into modeling?

Ashley: I started about a year and a half ago. I was just doing promotion, and then my boyfriend at the time was like, “You should do it for real.” So I just did a photo shoot, [and] put up pictures on Model Mayhem. Wilhelmina in Miami contacted me wanting to sign me. So I moved there from Orlando, and was with them for 8 months. It just wasn’t what I wanted. I got out of my contract and I’ve done a hundred times better being without an agency. Most of the people now must find me online or see my pictures.

What would you say is the moment that jump started your career?

I wouldn’t even say that that’s happened to me. I think it’s funny when people ask me how I became so successful because I’m not even anywhere near content. I’ve got a long way to go until I become satisfied or until I’m at that point where I’m like “Wow, I made it.” I’m still new to this business compared to most girls out there. I think for how long I’ve been doing it I’ve gone pretty far, but I don’t think I’ve had that moment. The biggest thing I’ve done—or most reputable—would obviously be the Kanye, Jay-Z video because it’s mainstream. But everything else I’ve done is fashion.  So I guess that’s the thing that most people would say they know about – that’s like more attached to my name.

How did you get into the “Otis” video?

This is actually pretty funny. Someone from Kanye’s camp contacted me to be a part of some stuff, and they’re really pretty vague about videos until they’re actually shot. I guess he requested me, and that’s it. They flew me up. It wasn’t through an agency or anything. It was just from knowing my name.

So someone in Kanye’s crew hit you up online?

Yeah, they hit me up on Facebook. A lot of people contact me for music videos, but it’s something that I don’t do. I never want to be that type of model. I just don’t want to sell myself short. But I knew working with Kanye wasn’t gonna be anything ridiculous. I’m not a dancer [laughs]. I made it clear that I wasn’t gonna be that type of model, and they said it’s strictly modeling. It was Kanye’s request, I guess. I know he’s really hands-on with his videos and his work, so I’m sure every girl there was his request. It was awesome! It was crazy to be a part of something like that. I know there were tons of people who wanted to be in my place, but I’m really thankful I got that.

Did you ever get a chance to talk to Kanye about how he found you?

Well, I tried to ask him, but it was an 18-hour day. I tried to be professional. I mean, it’s Kanye, you know? I just respect both of them so much that I didn’t want to be the annoying girl. I want to say it’s Tumblr where people are seeing me because a lot of my pictures are on there. I didn’t ask, but maybe one day I will! It was like six months ago the first time they contacted me, and I guess I just didn’t reply back because I get a lot of messages. It was actually like the day before I had to fly out that they got in touch with me.

What surprised you the most about the process?

How involved Kanye was, even with wardrobe. He was so involved and so picky. Every time you see us in the back of the car... what went into that was a ridiculous amount of changing clothes, making sure it [was] okay with everybody. He was so involved in how our hair [and] makeup was, what we were wearing and where everybody was sitting in the car. We started out in gowns and ended up in cutoff shorts and button-ups. Kanye, Jay-Z and everybody finally decided, but it took all day to decide. It’s so funny when I see the video. I’m like, Really?

Did you know any of the other models?

No, I actually didn’t know anybody there, but they were beautiful!

Are you in any other videos for Watch the Throne?

No, not so far!

Would you consider working with them again?

Would I? Definitely. Especially because of how I was featured. I would be interested in doing another video, but like I said I’m just so picky about it. I didn’t want people to just hire me for that.

You’re also the face of a swimsuit line - what's going on with that.

It’s 1SOL in LA. I just shot with them. That was actually my first time to LA. For a couple days I was out there shooting for their 2012 campaign. So that won’t be up for a while, but that’ll be cool when that drops. Everything takes time, you know? It’s hard because now I’m getting more into the industry. My name is growing; it’s impossible to move forward here in Miami. It’s a different market – a smaller market. I’m getting ready to move to LA, so I’m hoping to get a lot of work out there.

Word has it you're a hip-hop head. Who’s your favorite rapper and what’s your favorite song?

I never have a favorite song or an all-time favorite song because I think there are so many amazing songs! The last song I put on repeat was “Ghetto” by The-Dream and Big Sean. I’m listening to a lot of Big Sean right now. Odd Future, Tyga. Of course Kanye. I really like J. Cole and The Weeknd too.

So what's your favorite song off Watch the Throne?

“Gotta Have It” and “Why I Love You”. “Gotta Have It” is one of those songs I can just ride to. I can put it on repeat in my car and just drive.

With everything you have going on right now, what are your plans for the future?

My dream would be working for Victoria’s Secret, but before that I want to do Sports Illustrated: Swim Edition. I think that’s the stepping-stone for a lot of girls before becoming a big lingerie model. I’m never going to be 5’11", so I know I’m never going to be a high-fashion model. I know what my look is, and what I will get hired for. I hope in five years I’m established in my career and hopefully at the peak of my career. So I’d say either in LA or in New York, hopefully the face of a few different companies. I would definitely love to be a part of Kanye’s new line. I want to be one of the best, and hopefully I’ll be there by then.