This time around, ex-I Love New York contestant, Cheezy sits down with De Novo Magazine's B.J. Hickman to set the record straight.
B.J.: What can you tell us about your audition process for season 2 of I Love NY?
Cheezy: I was huge fan of the first season as I rooted for New York all through Flavor of Love as well. I was absolutely heartbroken and disgusted with the way Tango broke up with New York and saw very few guys on the 1st season that could actually treat her the way she was supposed to be treated. So, I decided to write the producers a letter, stating that I felt Tiffany deserved to be treated with pure dignity and as the beautiful and SMART woman that I knew represented her TRUE character. I was tired of seeing her treated like an object, just a prize to be won . If you think that way, you won't end up with her, if you look at her as a trophy, then winning her would be fun for the moment, but in the end you will surely put her on the back burner, as I know all my trophies that I have won now collect dirt in my hometown garage. Needless to say, the producers felt where I was coming from, they called me in for an interview with the casting agents. 3 weeks later I was on a plane to LA.
B.J.: It seems the show has brought you a lot of publicity. How have you dealt with your recent celebrity?
Cheezy: I'm still me, no matter what. Sure, I go out to bars and get recognized often. I also always in NYC and will often take about 5 fan pictures before I get to my destination, if I am walking through Times Square. I am VERY happy that the show is so receptive to people and so appreciative of all the fan support. I'm still an average guy, that was offered an amazing opportunity. I'm using this publicity for any good that I can give, which includes doing tours of colleges giving speeches on self esteem and gaining an EXTREME personality, as both are key aspects of dealing with life on a Reality TV show. I am also doing what I can do promote charity. I am big activist for the Scleroderma Foundation, as I recently lost a very close aunt of mine right before the show started, so I make sure I create awareness for that cause and collect donations in high volume fan arenas like MYSPACE.
B.J.: What were you first impressions of New York?
Cheezy: GOLD DRESS WAS UNBELIEVABLE!!! She looks absolutely stunning this season, it was real easy to forget that cameras were on me as I couldn't take my eyes off of her. In terms of our first meeting, I thought that it went ok, she definitely was never rude to me like some of the other guys, she was a genuine lady and I fully respected that. I didn't ACTUALLY get to know her 100% until we had our date together.
B.J.: What were you first impressions of the other guys?
Cheezy: I obviously felt a little out of place when I first saw the other guys, but knew that I wasn't competition to be walked upon. All the guys I didn't really care for and blatantly on TV for other reasons left rather quickly like Milliown, Knock Out, Doc, etc. So most of the guys that I DID like stayed in the house with me until my time was up. Immediately who I clicked with were 20 Pack, The Entertainer, and not going to lie was EXTREMELY intimidated by Buddha at first, but he ended up becoming one of my really great friends in the house.
B.J.: What turns you on?
Cheezy: Eyes, smile, and laughter.
B.J.: What do you wanna do next in your life?
Cheezy: I take life day by day, step by step. Right now, I am having fun getting booked to give speeches at colleges and making club appearances. After that, who knows? Now that I have tackled front of the camera, I'd love to do stuff behind the scenes. If front of the camera is what calls for me though, sure why not, although it is not my main goal that I am seeking. Wherever, Whenever, trust me Cheezy will be alright!!
B.J.: What do you think about Sister Patterson?
Cheezy: Of course she was scary, but I happen to of gotten lucky because she liked me a lot. It was cut out (although could be shown in the Episode 1 after show on VSPOT), but I was actually given the first hug by Sister Patterson in the house, which NY said meant a lot to her cause her mom doesn't hug anybody. Sister Patterson and I had a long talk at the mixer and I think she was really impressed with the fact that I am very financially stable and have a great education under my belt. I also have high career aspirations and always get the stamina to complete any goal that I seek out. I usually fare well with mothers and Patterson was my ultimate challenge. Very happy I succeeded.
B.J.: Who will have a better comeback Britney Spears or Michael Jackson? Why?
Cheezy: Britney Spears. She not only has the #1 album right now, but she is still young enough to fix her mistakes and turn her life around. Although an icon, Michael Jackson isn't getting any younger or more normal and I'd rather pay money to buy a potential bad mother's CD then a potential child molester's. I have my Thriller soundtrack and I'm not really looking for much more from him. Besides that "Gimme" song from Britney Spears is so ridiculously catchy!
B.J.: Do you have a message to your fans?
Cheezy: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! I have received about a jillion myspace messages and even letters in the mail (no idea how people got my address though) with fan support all around. I have a whole lot of offers from people to kick Tailor Made's ass, and a whole crop of women who have pledged themselves to fly out to me for a "one on one" date to make up for the one I was screwed out of. I even have people offering to pay me money to spank me in my heart boxers ( Not sure if that is some sort of prostitution though). I do read everyone of your messages every day and try to respond back to everybody. You guys make my day and I promise that Cheezy is stickin around!!