The trappings of youth and beauty seem like a luxury for twenty-year old, Yamilka Mendez. The Cleveland native was the first pick of HipHopDX.com’s bi-weekly Beauty and Brains section. This lovely Dominican mami was chosen out of fifteen other beautiful competitors. Her hobbies include dancing, drawing, spending time with her family, and talking lots of pictures. Eva Mendez, Gloria Estefan, J-Lo – all need to step back as this bronzed Piscean beauty (measurements: 35-30-44) stands tall over all competitors (even though she’s 5’4”). Ms. Mendez sits down with HHDX.com as she talks about her college experiences, the difference between meringue and salsa, and why K-Mart has a blue light special on stalkers.

HHDX: So, you went to school at Kent State University – did any professors hit on you?

Yamilka: No, not directly. But, indirectly, yeah they did. It wasn’t really much about what they’d say to me. It was more so what they were looking at.

HHDX: I guess all those Professor Oglebee’s and you had something in common, since you like to look at yourself, too, right?

Yamilka: Yeah, I like to take pictures. I have like a whole bunch of albums on Facebook. Actually, I have about 15 albums.

HHDX: Well, consider this one for the photo collection. Being our first “Beauty and Brains,” who did you tell?

Yamilka: I told my boyfriend. He was very excited for me. I love him.

HHDX: That’s sweet like how T-Pain loves strippers -- have you ever been stripped, before?

Yamilka: No, I would never be a stripper or anything like that [laughs].

HHDX: Guess you don’t have the rhythm, huh?

Yamilka: Yes, I do. I’m Dominican [laughs].

HHDX: Okay, Rhythm Nation – being Dominican and all, what’s the difference between meringue and salsa?

Yamilka: Basically, the beats, the movement that you do with your feet and the rhythm. With salsa, it’s more for the people from the City. Meringue is like an old-world, from the country-type of dance.

HHDX: Well, I know that you’re not trying to be on the next episode of Soul Train. What are your goals?

Yamilka: I want to have a family, of course. I want to get married and have kids. I want to finish school and get my degree in Fashion. In the end, I basically want to be known for something in this life of mines.

HHDX: I wouldn’t mind getting to know you. What are you doing to achieve those goals?

Yamilka: [Laughs] I am currently in a relationship, so that takes care of the family and kids. I’m on my way back into school at either Cleveland State or Kent State University. I am really trying to make sure that I stay on track with school because that is important to me. Continued on page 2 »