The Dirty 30: Yago Mo'Nique
This multi-talented and gorgeous vixen needs no introduction around these parts; after filling in as co-host for an episode of Avenue 1 Radio in 2007, the self-described "southern girl" has become a fan favorite, not to mention a constant hot topic amongst our own staff.
So when it came time to kick off our inaugural segment "The Dirty 30," we immediately reached out to the one person who seems to never stay bored.



Lets take a trip through the room of Yago Monique - what will we see that would surprise us?
Boxes and boxes of the high end Yago Mo'Nique Cosmetics. For quite sometime time now I've been on the hush, hush about developing my cosmetic line and just recently approved the finishing touches. My currently my cosmetic line contains 56 pieces that includes eye shadows, lipstick, lip gloss, press powder, loose powder/foundation, blush, and make-up brushes. It will be available for purchase by the end of April on my website www.yagomonique.com and will continue to develop the Yago Mo'Nique cosmetic line to approx. 70 item line.


Is Arkansas as crazy as the murder rates tell it?
My mom kept me and my siblings shelter, we didn't watch the news growing up either so I was clueless about how dangerous it was to walk down the sidewalk. That explains the why we attended private schools, was home-schooled and why we never road the school bus! lol, I had know idea I was raised in the murder capitol until I left Arkansas to attend college in Chicago. When people found out I came from Arkansas they were like "Yo your famous, you guys were on HBO"!


How is it you have only been living in New York City for a short time and have already out shined many of the NY-born modeling talent on their own turf?
When I first started visiting the Big Apple for castings I was hungry to become a model. When I got a taste of being being in magazines such as Right On, Black Beat, ASIS, Seventeen, etc.. I became this Model Vampire whos only way to survive is to be uncomfortable. To be uncomfortable means I will not be or get comfortable and settle with what I have already accomplished. Being uncomfortable means I unconsciously programed my mind as if I have not accomplished anything so I will still have the same energy drive that I had when I made my first magazine spread, cover or red carpet interview. Plus I have a great management team W. E Management, its always helpful to be with team that is recognized and respected within the industry.

One thing that I have observe about the models originally from NYC is that they get comfortable once they have done a magazine or music video. They put themselves in a box based upon what somebody told them they can do. I believe the goal to success is to be uncomfortable, it leaves you steady pushing for more.


If you were forced to appear on an episode of Flavor of Love, what would your nickname be?
Boobies! Often people (both men and women) will compliment my breast telling me I have nice cleavage (I blush) and ask me if there real. So I suppose my name would be Boobies and for the record, yes they real.


What is the secret behind "freak me pumps?"
When a woman puts on her "freak me pumps" she knows those shoes on defining her legs and pushing the derriere up. Other then that it means your getting your freak on butt-naked with an exception of the shoes staying on, after all they are your "freak me pumps".


Is Lil Wayne as sexy as some other women make him out to be?
Hes a bad boy and seems like he would run things in the bedroom. Some women find that sexy.


How does Yago Monique get the mood right in a nightclub?
I show up. Thats should get people in the mood right? lol I'm joking. I have fun so I talk to the DJ to get him to shout me out so everyone knows I'm in the building and I just dance the night away.


What was your first reaction when you found out Houston Street is pronounced 'House-tone' street?
I was like dang, when they get ready to do a Yago Street, I'm going to have to them give several announcements on the news on the how to pronounce Yago.


You recently did a string of features in publications. What was the one thing you wish you could take back based on the reaction you received from males?
You must be talking about my spread in ASIS Magazine! lol, I dont regret showcasing my derrière in a pink Victoria Secrets g-string. I think people were just shock to see what was under the wife beaters, and skinny jeans.


What's the biggest perception about urban fashion models that is exaggerated?
Im not sure, I'm in my own world.


Being that you are 5'8, how can a short male under 5'5 win his way to your heart?
Buy me my favorite Hersheys Cookies and Cream candy bar.


Are you one of those types who stands in parties and texts away on your phone?
I never really put my phone down but I'm not a wall-flower either!


What was the most derogatory thing a photographer has said to you?
I've never been insulted by a photographer.


If a male takes you out on a date to dinner and then tells you he left his wallet at home, what's the first thing you do?
Start singing TLC's "I don't want No Scrubs, A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me", pay for my portion of the meal and walk out. Lol, Honestly it depends on my relationship with him. If we go way back then I got you, if your trying to holla at me and you pull that sh*t, then audios amigos!


What is the big scrutiny about between African American women and Kim Kardashian's relationship with Reggie Bush?
They' re just hating because some black women feel that a successful black man should only date black women.


You're in the process of starting your own video blog soon. What will be the biggest adjustment you will have to make being on camera?
To not pick my nose for boogers, and to be discrete when im pulling out my wedgies.


The weekend is here, its Friday night. Tell us a typical weekend for Yago Monique.
If i'm in town I go to the movies, a few parties/events and go to Church on Sunday.


Who do you think has it harder with the press and in life - Paris Hilton or Tiffany "New York" Pollard?
Paris Hilton.


Does a man get brownie points with you if he can cook a 3 course meal?
Yeah, I don't cook so it would be a bonus if he does so we are not eating take out all the time.


What is the secret to keeping such a toned body like yours?
I walk, dance, and go to the gym.


Tell the truth - you like all of Soulja Boy's music.
The beat is nice but once I understood what the lyrics were saying I didn't care for it. Im not going to front though, if Im in the like club and his music comes on, Im right there with everybody else getting my Superman on!