H-Town Hottie Megan Thee Stallion Becomes First Rapper Featured On Cover of Sport Illustrated’s Annual Swimsuit Issue

H-Town Hottie Megan Thee Stallion Becomes First Rapper Featured On Cover of Sport Illustrated’s Annual Swimsuit Issue

HOUSTON-REARED RAPPER Megan Thee Stallion dominated last month's BET awards by bringing home the awards for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Video of the Year and Best Collaboration, and now she's dominating magazine covers. The "WAP" artist made history this month by being the first rapper to ever grace the cover of Sports Illustrated's annual swimsuit issue, which also gave covers this year to tennis champ Naomi Osaka and transgender model and actress Leyna Bloom — the magazine's first transgender cover star.


"When I got the call that they wanted me on the cover, I was like, 'Wha—? Me' And to be the first female rapper on the swim cover makes it extra special. It feels amazing!" Megan said in an interview with People. "It feels amazing!"

"I had been training for months and I was super prepared. I got into the shoot right away. [Photographer] James [Macari] said he usually doesn't get into the water until the fourth or fifth set-up, but we were both in the ocean from the start," Megan continued in the interview. "The day was perfect and I had a blast."

In her cover shot, Megan is seen decked out in a light brown and strappy bikini while modeling jewelry from Austin-based designer Nina Berenato, who is no stranger to designing jewelry for H-Town hotties. Back in 2019, Berenato designed a gold face ornament that was featured in Beyonce's music video for "Spirit." Berenato, who was featured in a CityBook travel piece over Austin from 2016, has also provided custom looks for Houston-reared performer Lizzo.

"If there's one thing that our cover models have in common, it's that they don't have one thing in common. They look different, have different upbringings, have different passions and inspirations. But each is a reminder that beauty comes in many forms," wrote MJ Day, editor in chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, about the trifecta of powerful women featured as cover models for the issue. "As for Megan Thee Stallion, she is a magnetic powerhouse taking the world by storm. Together these women represent three of the most powerful voices of today."

Art + Entertainment
In Time for 'Movember,' Top Spa Pro Offers Tips for Men Looking to Make the Most of a Spa Visit

AS WE MOVE into Movember, men’s mental health is a big topic. In fact, men can get a lot of benefit, both mentally and physically by taking advantage of everything a spa has to offer. LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa, has the answers

How does Escape Spa cater to men? We designed Escape Spa to ensure both men and women feel comfortable and welcome. From our earth tones to our luxury brown unisex robes, this is not a pampering palace but a rejuvenation destination.

Keep ReadingShow less

Morris Smith, Tilman Fertitta and Toni Smith

THE HOUSTON CHILDREN'S Charity gala is always anticipated, thanks to the big-deal musical acts brought in to entertain; this year it was Chicago. But the headliners this year were the generous donors, who seemed to surprise even event organizer with their largesse, with a total till of $6.2 million, a record.

Keep ReadingShow less
Party People

UPON ARRIVAL AT Maroma resort on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, a beautifully dressed attendant, briefcase and tablet in hand, ushers guests to their respective rooms. “Here’s your welcome amenity,” she says, gesturing to ceramic vessels on the coffee table with one hand as she completes the check-in process with the other. “It is tequila.”

Keep ReadingShow less
People + Places