10 hottest couples

Ebony, Feb, 2004

THEY seem to be everywhere. On the pages of newspapers and magazines. On the radio and in videos. Performing on television. Sometimes even appearing in movies.

They are the hot couples--not only because they appear to be so in love with each other, but also because they are movers and shakers in the entertainment business. As is the case with their love lives, they believe in traversing life full-throttle.

In the decade or more that EBONY has been identifying the 10 "hottest couples" on the scene, never before have we witnessed the excitement created by couples like multitalented artist Beyonce and her constant escort, rap mogul and entrepreneur Jay-Z. For more than a year they have been constant companions, yet each continues to say they are "just friends."

And then there's the enduring and endearing pop princess Janet Jackson, who has been seen on the arm of music industry honcho Jermaine Dupri throughout the past year. There were rumors that they had broken it off, but in recent months they have appeared together publicly on numerous occasions. Again, we have a beautiful twosome who are tight-lipped about their relationship.

Also of great is Sean Combs, now known as P. Diddy, who has returned to his longtime love, model Kim Porter, the mother of one of his children. Patience and perseverance, in addition to love, seem to be the keys in this union. And then there's heartthrob Ginuwine, who continues to make sweet music with his lady, recording artist Sole. The two recently had their second child.

These celebrity couples, and the six other couples featured on these pages, are demonstrating to the world that yes, it is possible to have a superstar career while nurturing a full-blown love affair. The power of love is still amazingly strong.

Wyclef Jean & Marie Claudinette Jean

IT'S all in the mix. Music master Wyclef Jean and wife Marie Claudinette--the A-list New York glam couple--definitely are blending the best of two sets: music and fashion. The Haitian-born Wyclef--the former Grammy Award-winning Fugee and hit producer of such star talent as Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Destiny's Child and Gloria Estefan--reportedly learned his English from American rap music and has been sharing the white-hot glare of the spotlight--and the photo flash--on the star circuit with his wife. She also has been making headlines--and turning heads--in her own right with her "Fusha" line of high fashions. Supermodel Naomi Campbell has shown up at a launch. Now, like hubby Wyclef, Marie Claudinette has her own celebrity roster of clients that includes the likes of Mary J. Blige, Kelly Price, Desiree Coleman, Whitney Houston and Ja Rule. Even Patti LaBelle was seen taking notes at a roll-out party. And the party seems to follow this couple. Everywhere. Although they each have their own claim to fame, Wyclef, the son of a minister, and Marie Claudinette, the former pre-med student named after a Haitian beauty queen, both see a certain synergy between his music and her fashion. One World. The connection, the link, the hook-up. And, in a star-crossed relationship, that surely adds substance to their style.

Flex Alexander & Shanice Wilson

ACTOR-comedian-dancer Flex Alexander plays a single father trying his best to raise a teen daughter on the hit UPN sitcom One on One, for which he also serves as executive producer. But this is one case where art does not imitate life. In reality, the Bronx, N.Y., native shares the joys of parenting with singer Shanice Wilson, whom he married in 2000. A native of Pittsburgh and one of today's hottest singers, Wilson has been making music since she was a toddler, and she is set to release a new album later this year. The high-profile couple, who live in Los Angeles, are spotted together all over town and appear to be very much in love. So far, they have successfully balanced family and an increasingly demanding work schedule. The duo already have a 2-year-old daughter, Imani Shekinah, and will be twice-blessed with the birth of their second child in March.

P. Diddy & Kim Porter

SEAN (P. Diddy) Combs and his long-term girlfriend, fashion model Kim Porter, have survived it all--childbirth (the couple have a son together, 4-year-old Christopher Casey Combs), the death of P. Diddy's best friend, Notorious B.I.G., criminal court cases, civil lawsuits, and, of course, hurricane J. Lo.

And yet, through it all, the couple's friendship has remained as solid as a rock. P. Diddy-watchers say that 2004 may be the year that will bring the much-talked-about twosome this/much/closer to the altar. Insiders say P. Diddy, once known as one of Hollywood's most notorious bachelors, has now openly embraced the idea of having his leggy longtime love by his side as the two have been photographed together at fashion shows, award shows, and even as P. Diddy victoriously crossed the finish line at last year's New York marathon.

Could a wedding be on the horizon? If so, you'd better bet that P. Diddy would make it a star-studded event, befitting of hip-hop's most celebrated Camelot couple.