Everything We Learned About Lauren London & Nipsey Hussle's Modern Day Love Story
Black History Month will come to an end soon, and boy, have we had some ups and downs. Although this month in black media has taken on us on a roller coaster of emotions, Lauren London and Nipsey Hussle just slid through the hood to give us a dose of Black love that we didn't know we needed in their latest shoot with GQ.
In the past, the power couple has kept their relationship on the lowest of keys, but their latest shoot, which was initially mistaken for an engagement photo session, has all eyes on them. The couple, accompanied by a valiant white horse, stood tall in Louboutins and Manolos on Slauson Avenue in their GQ feature, which has since gone viral. The photos were taken by Awol Erizku, who also shot Beyoncé's amazing maternity photos when she was pregnant with the twins, so their collaboration was guaranteed to be a bop.
Growing up in the streets of Los Angeles, Nipsey, a business powerhouse from Crenshaw, always felt the need to fight. But with Lauren London by his side, it's clear he realizes that he's already won. It was reported that the couple split in November 2017, but they reminded us that they're still going strong in building their modern day love story in their latest interview.
Nipsey and Lauren share a two-year-old son and have been together for more than three years, and despite rumors of engagement, the couple has been clear that they're moving forward in their relationship on their own terms. In case you're as curious as I am about how these two powerhouses make Black love look so sexy, check out the highlights from the feature below:
How Lauren London & Nipsey Hussle Met
What 21st-century love story doesn't start with a slide into the DMs? Nipsey and Lauren initially became acquainted thanks to the power of social media when the actress sought out a copy of Nipsey's rare Crenshaw mixtape as a season wrap gift for her cast mates on The Game. He explained:
"The marketing for the mixtape was that we only made a thousand units and sold them for a hundred dollars apiece. It was a scarcity model. Jay-Z bought a few copies, et cetera."
After having a homeboy act as her wingman, Lauren followed Nipsey on Instagram, who then made an attempt at shooting his shot and was successful. The rest was history.
How Lauren London & Nipsey Hussle Complement Each Other
In the interview, Lauren joked that she and Nipsey are just like any couple: perfectly imperfect.
"He didn't like the way I made the bed this morning, so he re-did it."
And he did so, politely, which is something that, due to his hard-knock beginnings, Nipsey wasn't used to. He explained:
"I just want to make sure you're happy. I appreciate your work."
He later explained later that kindness wasn't a trait that was valued in the streets and that he's always had to fight to be accepted and understood:
"I grew up in an environment where being polite was taken as a weakness. So I just fought everybody. You're not going to scare me into being somebody I don't want to be. So I'll just fight you."
Lauren clearly served as his kryptonite to this way of thinking.
What Lauren London Sacrificed To Live Out Her Modern Story
During the interview, Lauren revealed that after her starring role in ATL, it wasn't easy to book high-paying gigs. The actress shared that she even auditioned for the role of Faith Evans in Notorious.
"I auditioned to be Faith Evans in 'Notorious'. I talked to Faith, Puff, everybody. It just came down that the director didn't believe me as Faith."
Despite her not getting the role, an even bigger opportunity was on the hills. After being handpicked for a role in a major show, Lauren discovered that she was pregnant with Nipsey's child, forcing her to make a tough choice. Nipsey explained:
"Lauren was handpicked by John Singleton to do 'Snowfall'. She read, got the part, shot the pilot...did stunts...this was her dream role. And then she got pregnant with our son. That was a really hard decision for her to make."
The show, which she had already shot the pilot for and would later become a television hit, was the big break Lauren was looking for and she felt conflicted. The ATL star added:
"It was the toughest decision of my career by far."
Nipsey told GQ that he didn't pressure her and encouraged her to make a decision that was best for her at the time. It was at that point, Nipsey shared, that he learned a tremendous amount about Lauren's core values, and that "what she believes in, she really believes in."
Lauren told GQ that although the decision was a hard one to make, there really wasn't much deciding to be done. She knew what she had to do. In a vein reminiscent of Lauryn Hill's "Zion", she shared:
"Do I choose my soul or myself? I went with my soul."
Check out the full article on GQ.com.com!
Featured image by Shutterstock.com
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Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
6 Tabletop Sex Positions That'll Unlock You & Bae's Most Primal Desires
Something I will never tire of is finding new ways to bring new layers to intimacy. A wall you use as momentum, a bathroom sink to help you keep your balance as he worships you on his knees, a shower that is usually for cleansing but evolves into a sacred ritual of shared intimacy.
My favorite kind of sex is the kind of sex that prioritizes pleasure and connection. So, technically and thankfully, I can say most of my sex life has been quite pleasurable throughout the years. But the memorable encounters for sure take the cake. One such encounter actually took place on a kitchen counter, and with it unleashed inhibitions in ways I never anticipated while unlocking levels to top-tier sex. And that, that involved a kitchen counter.
Why Kitchen Counter Sex Just Hits Different
What is it about having your hips pressed into the edge of a kitchen counter that lets out something so primal in you? The cool-to-the-touch feel of the countertop against exposed skin as you rise to meet him again and again. The urgency in every movement. The playfulness of repurposing an everyday space for something far more erotic. If you’re looking to bring that energy into your own sex life, keep reading for positions and tips to explore.
1. The Bounce House
They don’t call it Bounce House for nothing. In this position, the penetrating partner lies flat on their back on a sturdy table or counter while the receiving partner straddles them, knees bent and facing away. With their hands gripping the edge of the surface for support, the receiving partner slides or bounces at their own pace, owning the rhythm, the motion, and the view.
According to sex therapist Michael Aaron, Ph.D., who spoke with Women’s Health, the receiving partner placing their legs between their partner’s creates a tighter sensation, while staying fully astride allows for more bounce and range of motion. Either way, this one puts the receiver in full control, and you know we love a good woman on top position. Pleasure and power? Say less.
2. The Bicycle
Well, you know what they say about riding a bike. In the case of this table top position, it's the receiving partner who is the rider...but not in the way you think. While lying back on a sturdy surface or a table, the receiver will bring their knees toward their chest, bending them as if in a cycling motion. The penetrating partner stands at the edge of the surface, grabbing the receiver's ankles, and guides themselves inside, slowly so as to savor the moment. This angle puts everything on display for the penetrating partner while allowing for deep, connected thrusting for the receiver.
To take things up a notch , the receiving partner can touch themselves or flex their thighs to control the depth or the rhythm. Because, who says only one person gets to have control?
3. Counter Offer
How could we be at the table and not use it to eat? Enter: Counter Offer. In this oral-focused sex position, the receiving partner perches on the edge of a counter or table, lying back or sitting upright with legs parted or bent for comfort. The penetrating partner kneels or stands between their thighs, depending on the setup and the kind of attention they’re ready to give. No doubt, this one’s all about access and intention.
With the vulva front and center, the height makes it easier to maintain eye contact, use hands freely for things like breast play or incorporating toys, and take their time with every moan-inducing taste. And that’s on five, six, seven, ATE.
4. Standing Doggy
Standing Doggy is what happens when a classic like doggy style gets an upgrade. Instead of being on all fours on a bed, the receiving partner bends over a hard surface like a table or counter, keeping their hips aligned at its edge. The penetrating partner stands behind and enters from the back, using the angle to go deeper and create a strong, steady rhythm. This one offers maximum control and visual appeal, especially if the penetrating partner reaches around for a little extra clitoral stimulation throughout thrusting.
This angle can get intense quickly, so bonus points if the receiving partner engages their pelvic floor muscles or shifts their weight to adjust how the pressure hits, especially if your goal is to hit that G-spot sweet spot.
5. Top Shelf
Men's Healthcalls this one "Yourself on the Shelf," but we like to call it "Top Shelf" because it's giving full view, full grip, and climax potential that's hard to top. The receiving partner sits on the edge of a sturdy table or counter while the penetrating partner stands in front of them and slowly slides in, thrusting while keeping them in position. From there, legs can wrap around their waist, arms can encircle their back, and the closeness at peak ecstasy? Chef's kiss.
If you have the core strength, add lifting to the menu for the final strokes leading to orgasm. Otherwise, allow the surface to the heavy lifting and enjoy the pleasure.
6. The Thumper
What better way to remind yourself that you're both the snack and the entrée than with a little tableside service courtesy of The Thumper? This position has the receiving partner kneeling on a sturdy table or counter (keyword: sturdy), hands gripping the edge or braced in front for support. The penetrating partner can then either kneel behind them (if there's room for two), or stay anchored on the ground with both feet planted on the floor (similar to the previously mentioned Standing Doggy). It all depends on the mood.
Kneeling on the table offers just the right amount of leverage for deep, steady strokes. The receiving partner can play with tightness by either keeping their knees closer together for a snug grip, or open their knees wider to invite more access, depth, and stretch. The Thumper is versatile that way, and the most important thing? The receiver gets to be the main course. Yum.
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