Viva! Vida Guerra

Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1980, Vida Guerra moved with her family to New Jersey when she was 6 years old. Outgoing, even at that young age, Vida quickly adapted to the new country and culture. She developed into a bright, beautiful young woman and began getting involved in dance and some modeling, strutting around in a G-string when she was 18 for a fashion show in her hometown of Perth Amboy.

Guerra's first taste of fame came after successfully auditioning for a Big Pun video called "New York to New Orleans." She sat next to the now deceased rapper and grooved to the beat throughout the song which, unfortunately, did not get much play on TV music stations.

Following this slight exposure, Guerra returned to her normal life. She took a job as a loans officer, but still kept her eye out for modeling opportunities whenever they came. After browsing through an FHM magazine, a close friend suggested she send in pictures of herself. With nothing to lose, Guerra did just that.

Upon receiving Vida's photos, FHM felt they fit in perfectly with a recent search for "everyday" babes in lingerie. The pictures were posted in the December 2002 issue of the magazine and though they were very hot, Guerra thought nothing more of it. That is, of course, until readers bombarded FHM with letters demanding more of the hot New Jersey babe.

Overwhelmed with the response, the magazine called Vida back and asked her to officially pose for them. Jumping at the opportunity, Guerra agreed and was featured very scantily clad in both the March and May 2003 issues. Now that her face (and behind) were out there, people began to take notice. The St. Louis rap group, Naturally Smooth, even asked her to pose for its album cover.

Following this magazine work, Vida made a perfect fit in P. Diddy, Nelly and Murphy Lee's "Shake Ya Tailfeather" video, which was a popular rap hit in the summer of 2003.

Now a recognized model, Guerra grabbed more headlines after appearing with tight end Jeremy Shockey of the New York Giants at the opening of Jay-Z's New York nightclub. The relationship -- if one could even call it that -- did not last long, but Vida did not need to rely on a boyfriend to make the news.

These days, Guerra can be seen dancing in another rap video; this time for Cassidy's single "Get No Better." In January 2004, she signed to a new management company, F/C Management, and is well placed to find work as both a model and actress. Word on the street is Vida could be starring regularly on a yet-to-be-announced MTV program, as well as in her own movie. Keep your fingers crossed.