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From CEOs and studio execs to hip-hop pioneers turned pastors, ESSENCE.com brings you the top married couples in the rap game.
By: Marcus Scott
Shawn Carter, known worldwide as Jay-Z, and pop icon Beyoncé are powerhouse newlyweds who possess his brisk swagger with her gold-dusted elegance.
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Tashera Simmons, wife and rock to Earl Simmons, better known as DMX, plays a huge role in making sure their union stays solid. Despite infidelity rumors, this mother of four is holding it down like a pit bull watchdog.
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Like an addict reformed after rehab, Ice Cube went from street-talking N.W.A. thug to upscale family man aristocrat—all with Kimberly Woodruff, his wife of almost 20 years, by his side.
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With nearly 20 years in the rap game, Snoop Dogg has always been in control of his career, and wife Shante Taylor has been right there all the way, proving that no great pilot can fly solo without a co-pilot.
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LL Cool J, one of the greatest of all time, married his high school sweetheart Simone Johnson. Guess you really can say that beside every great man is a great woman.
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On Hammer’s new reality show we were inspired to see the rap legend and his wife of almost 25 years, Stephanie, still in love as they raise their five kids.
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The world may know Will Smith as the hottest leading man, but back in the day we were excited to have a new MC detailing how parents just don’t understand. Ten years after marrying, he and sassy wife Jada Pinkett Smith remain the epitome of Black love for many. And Will isn’t the only musician in the family as Jada releases her stress through rock and roll.
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Ja Rule and wife Aisha Atkins met as youngsters growing up in Queens, New York, and continue to keep their love aglow more than a decade later.
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MIAMI – OCTOBER 13: Rapper DMC of RUN DMC and Terry Mizell, wife of the late DJ Jam Master Jay arrive at The Source Hip-Hop Music Awards 2003 at the Miami Arena on October 13, 2003 in Miami, Florida. The show will air on the BET network on November 11, 2003 at 8:00 p.m. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
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Rapper and businessman Nick Cannon and songbird Mariah Carey had tongues wagging with their short courtship and quick wedding in the spring of 2008. A year later, the newlyweds continue to go strong.
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The Simmonses must have heard our cries for more TV programs like our all-time favorite “The Cosby Show,” and we’re glad that they demonstrate what love and life can be like on “Run’s House.” It’s good to see Rev. Run transition from Run-D.M.C. to running a happy household with his wife of more than 15 years, Justine.
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Just to get by, Talib Kweli married wife DJ Eque earlier this year. While they maintain a low profile, the duo is making a loud impact on hip-hop.
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