It's a scorching day in Casselberry, a rural suburb of Orlando, and everyone is feeling it. Oh, and this time, it's not just the weather. As three guys emerge from the tail of the stage, their presence is felt in an instant. Carlos Mendoza, 24, Jean (say "John") Rodriguez, 19, and Wes Rodriguez, 23, are these three guys; and from the crowd response the minute their footsteps echo, it's apparent that they've already secured their place in the recording industry. "Our music has a Latin itch," explains Jean. "Since we are all rooted-Puerto Ricans, we want to hit everyone with a Latin style."

    And, moves to match. As their hips sway to a rhythmic beat, a shrill of approval erupts from the moderate, yet vigorous, fanbase that they've already acquired at the dawning of what appears to be an extensive career. "We get to do what we love to do, which is singing," Carlos discloses after he and his groupmates delivered two shows within a four-hour time span. Jean chimes in, "This business is pretty hectic, but it's all about the music."

    That ear-pleasing music has captured the attention of the execs at one of the five-star record companies of today: RCA, which is established as home of some of the hottest acts, such as Christina Aguilera. Salsa to the rhythm as gt magazine gets to know the latest Latin heartthrobs, S'tilo...

i'm easily embarrassed when...Carlos and Jean both agreed that compliments generate blushing -- it's safe to assume that in no time flat, the crowd appreciation will cool down their cheeks! Wes, however, has no need to turn tomato: "I rarely ever get embarrassed," he hastily admits.

growing up, I was known as...In their previous days, the trio was noted as something other than S'tilo. Laughs Carlos, "I was known as Super Towel Boy -- I would wrap a towel around my neck and act like a superhero." Jean was a shadow in his brother's footsteps: "People knew me as Fonsi's little brother!"

if I could make one thing happen for the group, it'd be...Wes and Carlos speak in unison that, "We hope to reach our highest potential and goals." Jean, in a tissue-worthy moment, declares "To stay friends forever!" Which we find to be promising, because as Jean had told us before, "We're like brothers -- we're always goofing off!"

the guys mock me when..."I mock them," Jean jokes. For Wes, an animated response occurs: "Ask them what I do when I get an idea!" In a split second, Carlos dives into a Wes-replica, shaking his shoulders and widening his eyes, causing the whole room to burst into laughter.

the perfect date would consist of...In a more classic aspect, Jean describes his dream date, complete with "A night full of laughter, fun, and a candlelight dinner." Wes stands by that answer, adding, "A funny movie, too." As for Carlos? "I'm still waiting for it." Soon enough, if not already, there will be plenty of asking.

something I wish I knew in high school is...Educationally, Wes wished he understood that complicated process known as Algebra. Carlos joins in on the theme: "I wish I knew the answers for my final Biology test..." Jean, on the other hand, ponders a thought we've all encountered: "Did my teachers really like me?" If your personality hasn't altered, then yes, Jean -- we can bet on it!

in the studio or live performance? When the guys belt out their lyrics, their preference was a blend of the two. As Jean states, "They're both different experiences." Adds Wes, "In the studio, you concentrate on your vocal performance in a quiet atmosphere. Live, you have to think about dancing and vocals."

early bird or night hawk? A devotee to morning shows, Carlos was swift to admit he rises with the sun: "Then, I sleep all day after that!" Wes and Jean, however, would rather watch the sun set. "I have a nightlife -- I'm nocturnal," Wes responds with a chuckle.

enrique iglesias or ricky martin? Trademarks in the Latin recording industry, we couldn't help but wonder which CD the trio would rather spin. "Ricky Martin started the whole Latin craze," Wes acknowledges his choice. Carlos justifies that: "Enrique is an awesome performer, but Ricky is the whole package!"

ask the girl out or her ask you out? The latter choice may be the concept of the millennium, but the guys can't help but to respond of old-fashioned taste. All three would rather make the first move. Explains Jean, "I'm shy, so I wait for signs. Then, I'll ask her out!" What lucky ladies!

disney world or universal studios? Being current Orlando residents, this question was unavoidable. "When I was growing up, I loved Disney," Wes recollects. Carlos agrees that there's nothing like those Mouse ears. Taking a different route, Jean decides upon Islands of Adventure.

britney spears or christina aguilera? Oops. . .looks like Britney did it again, scoring two-dash-thirds of the votes in the teen queen category. But, what a guy wants, (in this instance, Jean), is diva-in-training, Christina: "I really admire and would love to meet her!"

talks on the phone too much? As soon as the last word of this question was relayed, Carlos and Wes simultaneously said Jean. Jean agrees that his cell phone is his pride and joy: "I can't live without it!" We couldn't disagree -- numerous times that night, Jean could be seen doing -- what else? -- chatting it up with a pal on his cell!

has the biggest celebrity crush? After much debating, index fingers were finally casted in Wes' direction. Who is the mystery gal? She's no stranger; in fact, she has plenty of Friends! "I have a crush on Jennifer Aniston," Wes admits. "But, don't tell Brad [Pitt]!" Our lips are sealed...

is the ladies man? According to Wes, the girl magnet title is a mutual trait of all three group members. "Girls have different tastes in guys," Jean clarifies. "So, we all have our share of fans." We're sure S'tilo will have no problem attracting followers of the female kind!

is the perfectionist? When it comes to flawless matters, Carlos was the chosen one. But, in a way, he had to decline this pretense: "My room is a mess! That's the one thing." He continues, "Everything else, though, has to be perfect." No wonder their tracks, dance moves, and stage presence are so precise...

makes everything dramatic? The heat of the room is overbearing. Sweat is pouring in buckets...the guys turn slowly, looking the interviewer in the eyes. And...oh, it's Wes: "I just make it interesting, that's all!" Do we sense acting in the future?

is the mama's boy? We knew the answer even before the guys had replied. Earlier that evening, a handful of Carlos' relatives joined the guys at the House of Blues to watch their performance. Mama Mendoza wasn't there in the flesh, but Carlos was swift to announce, "I love my mom! I'm with her all the time!" Aww...

    Born in the city of Mayaguez in Puerto Rico, Carlos and Wes spent much of their childhood inseparable. "We went to school and church together -- we danced and sung in school choir," Wes remembers. In 1998, this dynamic duo met up with the third link, a natural talent hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico: Jean. "I met them through a mutual friend," he said. "From there, we formed S'tilo." It would be later that year that the guys resolved the name game. "Our name means ‘style,'" shares Wes. "We took out the ‘e’ and put an apostrophe after the ‘s’. It shows who we are."

    Devotees to improving their sound, Carlos often tunes into their tracks to alter the next recording session. "I find myself listening to our music often, because I want to judge us and see what we can do better," he explains. Jean, on the other hand, offers a contradicting statement: "After rehearsing it so many times, I don't even have it in my car anymore!" What does Jean rotate on the road? "I have techno and a few country CDs! Mostly, I travel with R&B and hip hop. All around, I like everything." Wes chimes in, "I like Pearl Jam, Frank Sinatra, and Boyz II Men. But, no Barney!" Laughing, Jean mocks, "Wes likes Barney!"

    Behind their stylish exteriors, their lies secrets that most fans have yet to unravel. "I'm always in the kitchen," Jean admits. "I love to cook!" Extending on the creative aspect, Wes offers this tidbit: "I cut my own hair!" As for Carlos? "I like to keep it a secret -- if you want to find out, you have to look a little more into what Carlos is all about." Hmm...sounds like a challenge -- we're game!

What's in their name? Find out in this
college newspaper article: ucfnews.com!