Top bachelors of the year

ADEWALE ('WALE) OGUNLEYE 26, MIAMI

A Pro Bowl defensive end entering his fifth season with the Miami Dolphins, Ogunleye enjoys reading, the cinema and spending time at the beach. His ideal woman is God-fearing, goal-oriented, educated, has common sense and values family. The perfect date for this "simple guy" includes dinner and great conversation, topped off with dessert at the beach.

ERIC ROBERSON 30, FRANKLIN PARK, N.J.

A songwriter, producer and recording artist who recently released his second album, The Vault 1.5, Roberson says he wants an independent woman who is beautiful inside and out. "I'm on the road and in the studio a lot, so it's very important to have a strong woman--that's the main thing."

NATHANIEL (NAT) H. MASON JR. 38, DEXTER, MICH.

An advertising manager for Ford Motor Co., Mason is a Brown University graduate who speaks French, collects cars and enjoys fitness training. He is looking for a Christian woman who is physically fit, professional and financially independent.

QUDDUS PHILIPPE 23, NEW YORK

A Toronto native, Philippe is one of the hottest hosts of the MTV show Total Request Live (TRL). His interests include music, spoken-word poetry, basketball and traveling. The ideal for him is an optimist without any "baggage," a woman with a thoughtful sense of humor and a career that reinforces her independence.

LOOKING for a Brother who will rock your world? Check out these 24 sexy, single and searching men in an effort to find your potential soul mate. These guys--among them athletes, entertainers, lawyers, dentists, teachers and military men--are ready for a real Sister who isn't afraid of adventure and is looking to have some fun. And they are from all parts of the country: North, South, East, West and the Midwest.

What they want in a woman is well-articulated--spirituality, inner and outer beauty, sincerity and independence, to name a few of the necessary qualifies. These Brothers are willing and ready to find, wine and dine that special woman.

THE REV. DEQUINCY M. HENTZ 29, CINCINNATI

Pastor of Mr. Zion Baptist Church, Rev. Hentz is a South Carolina native who enjoys reading, traveling, fine dining and theater. The Sister for him is a "beautiful, queenly woman" of deep faith, who is prayerful, understanding and devoted to family.

RAY J 23, LOS ANGELES

A multitalented singer and actor, Ray J is also the CEO of Knockout Records. His latest album, Raydiation, is due out this summer. The perfect date for him would involve a sexy Sister who has goals and ambition. "For the most part, I just try to find a woman who likes me for me." Ray J, who is Brandy's brother, enjoys motorcycles and movies.

EDWARD T. BUFORD III, D.D.S. 52, SILVER SPRING, MD.

The ideal woman for this dental surgeon is cultured, sexy, shapely and feminine with a sense of style, color and space. Buford, a graduate of Fisk University, enjoys cooking, fishing, swimming, snorkeling and skiing.

ROBERT GRIFFITH 33, CLEVELAND

An 11th-year safety for the Cleveland Browns, Griffith says he wants a woman who is self-assured, confident, fun and fit. Most importantly, Griffith says she must realize that "without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning." Griffith, who grew up in San Diego, enjoys traveling, reading, martial arts and shopping.

MARCUS JOHNSON 32, WASHINGTON, D.C.

Co-founder and CEO of Three Keys Music, Johnson is also an acclaimed jazz musician whose seventh album, lust Doing What I Do, dropped this month. An avid golfer, traveler and reader, his ideal woman is a woman of faith, honest, spiritual classy, and will fill him with joy.

ANTHONY S. CHILLIEST 33, NEW YORK

Co-founder and partner of Donaldson, Chilliest & McDaniel, LLP, a minority law firm, Chilliest is looking for a strong Sister who is intelligent, ambitious, confident, spontaneous and enjoys exercise. She must also be humorous and in touch with her spirituality.

RAMEL WERNER 34, CHICAGO

An elementary school special education specialist, Werner seeks a woman who can "penetrate" his heart with romance and "captivate" his soul with love and respect. He enjoys basketball, listening to classical music, and has volunteered for the Special Olympics.

LEE HAWKINS 32, DETROIT

A reporter for the Wall Street Journal, Hawkins is also a recording artist who enjoys traveling, running and improv acting. Raised in a family of gospel singers, Hawkins' first CD, Serenade, was self-released. The woman for him is "God-fearing," cultured, educated, driven, civically aware and involved, and has a strong sense of identity.

MALCOLM DAVIS 28, LITHONIA, GA.

A sourcing manager for Delta Airlines, Davis is an experienced traveler who enjoys sports and skydiving. The woman for him must have a spiritual base, a good sense of humor, and a strong sense of adventure.

KARLOS F. FINLEY 39, BIRMINGHAM, ALA.

A judicial law clerk and third-year law student, Finley enjoys music and anything involving the sun, sand and the ocean. The woman who will capture his heart is a "beautiful warrior"--someone who is spiritually, mentally and physically beautiful.