Lights, camera, action! Taurinesha White, psychology sophomore, never imagined she would be cast as the romantic interest and muse for a local artist’s new music video. White is featured in the video for Island Def Jam artist Rob Johnson’s new single, “Natural Woman,” which expresses admiration for women who are comfortable in their own skin. The video opens by panning over White’s eyes with images of a lake behind contrasting hues of blue and purple. As White applies her makeup and stares in a mirror, Johnson serenades her with “Natural Woman.” Occasionally the two embrace. Produced by Cody Coyote Films and Bay Boy Entertainment, the set was staged at Southgate Towers apartments and took a full two days to shoot the entire video. White said the experience was something new and exciting. “It was just like a blessing,” White said. ” I wondered how much time went into making a video. I never knew how much you had to do. There were three different scenes, and we shot over and over from a different angle.” In order to convey the romance between the two, the video depicted a few intimate scenes, which White said was kind of awkward, but she said she felt honored to be on the set. “It was a great experience working with Rob,” White said. “[The response to the video] has been really positive. Every woman has been uplifted by it, which is what we were going for.” After meeting at Abounding Love Ministries church and becoming friends, Johnson thought White would be a perfect fit for his video. White agreed and was not paid for her role in the shoot. “When I see her, I don’t see a fake woman on the outside or the inside,” Johnson said. “I love her demeanor. She really portrayed what I needed to portray. She was perfect.” Johnson, a Baton Rouge native, realized he wanted to make music as a career when he was about 18. His music influences include Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder and India Arie. After posting his songs on YouTube and Facebook, Johnson was contacted by a Def Jam representative in New York, and they began working together. Johnson said he tries to remain humble and push forward to new heights with his journey to fame. “I haven’t begun to reach where I want to reach, but I am excited and grateful,” Johnson said. “I’m too blind to what I’ve done because I’m trying to see where I’m going.” “Natural Woman” had a personal significance to White with the message of being comfortable in one’s own skin. “There have been times where I have thought I want to have my hair this way or have my skin like that, but you just have to embrace your natural self the way God made you and just be happy about that,” White said.
 
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