essence
sexiest
men
of
the
moment
essence
sexiest men of
the moment
by Victoria Uwumarogie, Kory Jarvis, and Okla Jones
Who is the sexiest man walking planet earth right now and what exactly makes him sexy? It all depends on who you ask. When I posed the question to the staff at ESSENCE, what ensued was a massive team conversation, with people swooning over athletes, musicians, actors, writers and more for hours over Slack. There were mentions of the classic cuties we speak of on a first-name basis: Idris, Denzel, Shemar, Larenz. Then there were the popular hotties of the present: Kofi Siriboe, Michael B. Jordan, Serge Ibaka, and Lance Gross. And there were also newbies named: May/June 2023 cover star Jalen Hurts, Skyh Black, Regé-Jean Page, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and more. But ultimately, only 15 men could make the list.
After much painstaking work, and plenty of drooling, we’ve compiled a group of guys who are the sexiest men of the moment, including our debonair cover stars, Usher, Damson Idris and Russell Wilson. In addition to being beautiful brothas, these ESSENCE staff picks are everywhere right now, getting nominated for Oscars, slaying red carpets left and right, inciting stares wherever they go. They’re also the ones setting the trends, pouring themselves into their passion projects, fighting for the greater good, and raising young boys and girls to one day be great men and women. Now that’s sexy.
Usher Raymond is at peace. A true showman who goes above and beyond on the stage, the crooner could be expected to be a ball of kinetic energy offstage too. But as we begin our conversation, he’s very calm. His tone is warm and mellow. Not tired, as well-known figures often are when interviewed after a long stretch in a studio or on a set—but not overly energetic, either. He’s present, confident and engaged.
“I’m hoping that I can be a staple—in the same way Prince was for me—for the young people who are coming up after me. The same way that Michael Jackson and Bobby Brown and New Edition, and all those incredible performers of the past, were for me—I’m hoping that I can be the same for them.”
—usheR
Usher is wearing a Louis Vuitton necklace
Damson Idris is confident, with a charisma that reminds you of the Old Hollywood greats he speaks of with admiration. He has Sidney Poitier, Marlon Brando, Daniel Day-Lewis and Denzel Washington on his Mount Rushmore of actors. He says he learns from their roles, their lives, and their ability to maintain a semblance of peace and privacy while navigating a legendary career.
Lenny Kravitz
“I think Lenny Kravitz is sexy because of his defined bone structure, chiseled abs and nice complexion. He’s a rockstar, but at the same time I feel like he could play a lullaby on the guitar as I fall asleep. Not to mention, locs look really hot on him.”
Daniel Kaluuya
Jaylen Brown
"Jaylen Brown has the whole package, tall, beautiful, and ambitious. He has the perfect smile and stands out in the fashion industry. Jaylen definitely has jaw-dropping beauty that myself and other Gen Z'ers can't get enough of.”
Rome Flynn
“Aside from Rome being extremely talented he seems to be a quality human being. The way he carries himself reminds me of my husband. Respect, devotion and loyalty are qualities that he seems to exude.”
Nas
"His flawless butterscotch complexion, almond-shaped eyes, and quintessential NYC style (this brother is never without a fresh lineup) would cause stares. Nas is unquestionably intelligent, possessing book smarts, which is always sexy."
Idris wears a Willy Chavarria blazer and brooch, Hermès pants, and Chanel watch and rings.
Throughout his storied tenure in the NFL, Russell Wilson has achieved unimaginable success on the gridiron. With a dynamic skill set and unique leadership qualities, he has established himself as a preeminent figure not only in football but also in entrepreneurship, philanthropy and entertainment. By refusing to let conventional restrictions box him in, Wilson has helped to break the mold of what the modern sports star can be. In the process, he’s blazed a new trail for Black athletes for generations to come.
Wilson wears a Fear of God jacket and shirt, Zegna sunglasses, Shay and his own bracelets.
Subscribers Exclusive Cover: Usher is wearing a Louis Vuitton necklace
Newstand Cover: Usher is wearing a Gucci polo and jeans, Tiffany & Co. bracelets and De Beers earrings
Wilson wears a Fear of God coat, Calvin Klein tank top, Balenciaga jeans, Good Man Brand shoes, Shay watch and his own bracelets.
Idris wears a Versace suit and Shay ring.
India Jones
Beauty Writer
Kenyatta Victoria
Lead Writer, ESSENCE Girls United
Keturah Zapotechne
E-commerce Manager
Bridgette Bartlett Royall
Senior Research Editor
By Victoria Uwumarogie
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“We, as Black women, often chatter with our girlfriends about our desire for a man who just has that ‘swag.’ Daniel Kaluuya has that confident Black man swag, along with beautiful skin and a gorgeous smile that only add to his mystique.”
Kara Cahoon
Director of Product Management
By Kory Jarvis
Colman Domingo
“Colman Domingo's unmatched presence, bold fashion choices, and suave demeanor solidify his status as the sexiest man. From tailored suits to daring accessories, he effortlessly exudes charm, embodying the essence of a true Sagittarius.”
Devine Blacksher
Senior Fashion Editor
“Trevante has mastered the delicate balance of familiarity and mystery. He's the type of fine your body immediately recognizes, but he's just elusive enough to keep you guessing. They don't make ‘em like that anymore.”
Jasmine Browley
Contributing Business Editor
Trevante Rhodes
Stefon Diggs
“The sexiest thing about Stefon Diggs is that he knows how fine he is! Outside of being a great player and attractive, he also has a great sense of style and aura. You can't do anything but respect the sexy when it comes to him.”
Cord Jefferson
“Cord Jefferson’s intelligence and dedication to his craft, besides his slender physique and expressive eyes, make him sexy. He’s one of those men who walks into a room confidently, without arrogance, but with the wherewithal to know that he’s desirable."
Burna Boy
“Beyond the obvious physical attributes, Burna Boy's appeal lies in his distinctly African swag. His voice and presence command the stage, he has impeccable style, and is always perfectly groomed and iced out. Ladies love it!”
Tori C. Jackson
Sales Planner
Dominique Fluker
Contributing Lifestyle Editor
“The biggest life lesson I’ve learned is to remain humble. I love the saying, ‘The giant looks in the mirror and sees nothing.’ Humility is such an important thing that can take humans far.”
—damson idris
Rivea Ruff
Entertainment Editor
By Okla Jones
“When I asked her to marry me, once she said yes, I said, ‘Before we go do this, can we pray? I want to make sure we always put God at the center of it all,’” he recalls. “And so I think the thing that hopefully exudes from our love is that, listen, love is never perfect. But we continue to try to put God first and pray over each other. We have these four beautiful children that we get to raise every day and it’s the greatest gift in the world.” —russell wilson
Tyler Lepley
"In my opinion, Tyler Lepley doesn't get the credit he deserves for being one of the finest men in this next generation of leading male actors. I was introduced to him watching his character on 'P Valley' and truthfully, I haven't been the same since. His smile, swag, and the bawdy - yes!"
Kimberly Wilson
Senior Money & Careers Editor
“His flawless skin is just captivating. And his dark almond-shaped eyes pull you into a trance and will leave you building a whole imaginary life with him.”
Sapphira Martin
Sales Planner
Skepta
Kendrick Sampson
“As a culture bearer, Kendrick Sampson is unapologetically invested in Black culture. Whether advocating for social justice, others as an actor and activist, or speaking truth to power for himself, his approach is bold and beautiful. A bonus? His dreamy green eyes, signature wink, and laugh."
Joey Badass
“Joey Badass’ undeniable sexiness extends beyond his (incredible) physical features. His sense of confidence carries into his music, acting, and personal style. A man who knows he looks good simply looks good, but a man who is confident in all aspects of himself is sexy! “
Tyler James Williams
“There’s nothing more charming than a man who can make you laugh. Tyler James Williams not only is funny, but he’s not too bad on the eyes, too.”
Melissa Noel
Contributing News and Politics Editor
Niyah Brooks
Senior Manager of Communications, ESSENCE Festival of Culture™
Kelvin Byers
Senior Social Media & Branded Content Manager
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