‘Women with bodies like mine need to be celebrated:’ Megan Thee Stallion has been revealed

Megan Thee Stallion becomes the first rapper to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit edition, completing “Hot Girl Summer.”

The Texan singer is one of three different cover stars, along with tennis sensation Naomi Osaka and model Leyna Bloom, who will also headline the annual magazine, which this year’s subject is community.

“Being on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit was certainly a dream for me,” the 25-year-old told CNN via email. “And to be the world’s first female rapper?” Who else would they choose? I’m simply glad they went with the Hot Girl Coach! “

Her provocative blockbuster single “WAP,” starring Cardi B, divided the internet in two in 2020, with detractors labeling the song “an assault on American morals” – but the message of female sex-positivity resonated with fans all around the globe.

According to Nielsen Music, “WAP” received a record-breaking 93 million streams in the United States in the week after its release in August, and went on to top Billboard’s Hot 100 charts for three weeks in a row.

Megan Thee Stallion‘s meteoric rise may be credited in part to her promotion of body acceptance. Each song is an unabashed love letter to curves, self-assurance, and carnal desire. Prior to the release of her song “Body” at the American Music Awards in November of last year, the rapper preached a motivational message of self-acceptance: “I love my body. Every curve, inch, mark, and dimple on my temple is a decoration. My body belongs to me. “And nobody owns it but me,” she added in a pre-recorded statement that played as she entered the stage. “And whomever I choose to allow in is very fortunate.” You may not believe my physique is ideal, and it probably never will be, but when I look in the mirror, what do I see? “I like what I’m seeing.”

The worldwide celebrity now has a new platform to convey her message.

“Shooting the cover gave me a sense of empowerment and happiness,” she told CNN. “It made me happy to know that women with bodies like mine can be honored.” Not simply the typical kinds we’ve seen previously.”

Bloom made history in March, before her cover was unveiled, when it was announced she would be the first Black and Asian transgender woman to be featured in a Swimsuit edition.

“If our cover models have one thing in common, it’s that they don’t have one thing in common,” stated the title’s editor in chief MJ Day in a press statement. “They look different, come from various backgrounds, and have different interests and influences.” Each, however, serves as a reminder that beauty comes in a variety of ways.”

James Macari captured Megan Thee Stallion, while Yu Tsai captured Bloom and Osaka.