Why VH1 Needed Erica Mena: “Love & Hip-Hop 2’s” Newest Mean Girl

Poor little Kimbella. Sweet, yet sexy. Naïve, yet cunning? The women of "Love & Hip-Hop" still haven't quite figured her out. But here comes Erica Mena, a "rival model" with the heaviest chip on her shoulder you've ever seen. In fact, she appeared more than livid with Kim for single-handedly ruining the reputation of the Legitimate Professional Video Model. If we are to assume that video modeling has somehow gone Ivy League, we might have understood Erica's rage. As the underlying issues (read: more cheating rumors) came bubbling to the surface, we are coming to the realization that the angry gal's presence on the show was a much needed addition for VH1. Here are some theories.

To cover up the eerie disappearance of Somaya.

Yeah, Somaya. Remember her? Don't worry; no one else does either. And for some reason the statuesque Latina rapper has been suspiciously MIA. Those who thought she was going to bring the ruff-and-tumble to the table were seriously mistaken. As a result, she's been shuffled quietly into the background with the rest of the self-confident, ambitious, drama-free reality stars. Enter the stage, Erica. Mena.

To counteract the neutral presence of Teirra Mari.

This season, the ladies got a welcomed addition in the frighteningly neutral semi-cast member, Teirra Mari. The R&B songstress often serves as the voice of reason, and has the amazing ability to drop in the occasional snappy line or two that holds the dialogue together. You'll never catch her throwing a drink, a punch, or shade. So, who's the opposite of the cool, calm, and collected Mari? Yep, you guessed it. Erica Mena.

To deflect attention away from "Love & Hip-Hop 2's" True Troublemaker: Yandy

In a recent episode, the ladies had an epiphany. Anytime conflict reared its head within the group, it seemed to stem from an additional party that Yandy had introduced to the ladies. In fact, Yandy could be tied to several uncomfortable incidents taking place throughout the season. The last straw was when she brought the hotheaded model/singer/actress/mother into the fray, prompting the bust-up between her and Kimbella. When it comes to starting trouble, Jackie Christie (of "Basketball Wives LA") could certainly take a few notes from Yandy.

To completely upstage Olivia's attempt to get a record deal.

As a result of her personal conflict with Erica, Yandy decides to find another person to manage her career: Rich---who also happens to be struggling to hold Olivia's singing career together. Erica's rusty acapella performance doesn't deter Rich from agreeing to work with her. Somehow we get the feeling that if Mena's music career takes off faster than Olivia's, things are really gonna get ugly.

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