Teyana Taylor has solidified her place in the entertainment industry over the years. From her first appearance on MTV’s My Super Sweet 16 to branching out into her own music style and snagging Hollywood acting roles, Taylor has always made her fashion and style her own — while always managing to look flawless.
The Harlem native, with her rock-hard abs and straight back cornrows, was chosen as Maxim’s “Sexiest Woman Alive,” making her the cover star for the magazine’s Hot 100 July/August issue. Posing in baggy cargo pants, camouflage overalls and a floor-length black gown complete with a high thigh slit, Taylor is officially the first Black woman to receive the honor from Maxim.
In an Instagram post uploaded by Taylor Monday, the 30-year-old mother of two gushed about receiving Maxim’s prestigious “Sexiest Woman Alive” title, and what it means for her journey towards self-confidence.
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“Somebody pinch me!!!! Maxim Hot 100 to be named the ‘Sexiest Woman Alive’ by literally living in the skin I’m in,” Taylor said on Monday. “WOW….Stepping back in front of the lens has been a journey of self-reflection and self-confidence. Living up to [the name] and title of this shoot wholeheartedly made me nervous.”
Discussing the moments that led up to her unique shoot with famous French photographer Gilles Bensimon, the Coming 2 America star continued, “This particular day was dope because it made me see another side of myself. I had just dropped Junie off at school before heading straight to the shoot; sweatpants a beanie and an army jacket. My hair wasn’t done for a “shoot” because I planned on throwing on a wig & I didn’t have on any makeup.”
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“But when I got there the legendary @Gilles_bensimon said and I quote…. ‘Let’s shoot! I want you to stay in this…’ I said ‘HUH?! Well, let me at least start my makeup..’ As y’all can see I barely had any lashes left, he says no “my dear this is pure.” And in regular Teyana Taylor fashion, I said “Okay, but look, ah b***h doing her baby hairs.’”
“Embrace and love yourselves for who & what you are because only the purest heart shines through,” the singer added before thanking Maxim for the honor.
Social media users also went up for the entertainer being the first Black woman being named Maxim’s “Sexiest Woman Alive,” while also pointing out that “firsts” still being made by Black people highlight a diversity issue.
“Teyana Taylor definitely deserves sexiest woman alive BUT for her to be the first black woman EVER is disturbing,” one person tweeted.
Teyana Taylor definitely deserves sexiest woman alive BUT for her to be the first black woman EVER is disturbing. pic.twitter.com/oBJs3dulWG
— Gossip Girl
? (@xoraveen) June 7, 2021
Teyana Taylor definitely deserved sexy woman alive cause she is fineeee
— ty$ (@tootsraneee) June 7, 2021
“100% agree Teyana is sexy!” another person tweeted. “However, it is extremely disturbing that in @MaximMag nearly 30-year history they have NEVER EVER found the black woman to be sexy or attractive until now — during a major social justice movement. They get no props from me.”
?% agree Teyana is sexy
However, it is extremely disturbing that in @MaximMag nearly 30 year history they have NEVER EVER found the black woman to be sexy or attractive until now — during a major social justice movement?. They get no props from me.
— ?keyonTV? (@redjuly7) June 8, 2021
The first?! ? pic.twitter.com/vSySC7oWsq
— tatatatia (@tia_outhere) June 7, 2021
I’m really gonna congratulate Teyana cuz ???? Yes baby but wait the 1st Black women ever?evah?? Nah, fuck Maxim
— J Sole (@JeaSole) June 8, 2021
What do you think about Taylor being named Maxim’s first-ever Black “Sexiest Woman Alive”? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
