Continued from Signs Of The Times

In my book, Hiding In Hip-Hop, I talk about something that has been well-known in the industry, COVER GIRLS! You may refer to them as ‘beards,’ but I like to call them COVER GIRLS. Why? Because these women know the role they have to play in being with a down low celebrity in the entertainment business.

You’ve seen or heard of them. They are beautiful, curvaceous, and drop-dead gorgeous. They tend to be former models – print, runway, and lingerie. They can put any woman to shame. And they serve as the perfect cover for a man who is living a double life.

I know because when I worked at MTV in Production Events I often got e-mails and calls from publicists looking to set-up their female clients as dates and arm candy for a male celebrity attending many of our red carpet events. Or, I would get the lists and read the names of the women who were serving as dates for a male celebrity. When I saw the men they were to sashay down the red carpet with, I knew they were COVER GIRLS.

These women know their role. They are to be flirtatious, attentive, and caring to the man they are with. They are to pose seductively next to their down low man. All to give the illusion that the man is somehow a player, a ladies man. It’s to help dispel any rumors about his sexuality, or prevent any from starting.

When I used to live in LA I met many COVER GIRLS. Then I was introduced to many of them who served as girlfriends to rap’s elite. Some COVER GIRLS have been able to parlay their relationships with high profile celebrities into marriages.

I mention COVER GIRLS and the entertainment industry because so many women today are COVER GIRLS and do not even know it. They are in relationships with men who they think are committed to them. These men are deceivers and liars and many women fall for it. They are victims of men who will do anything to keep their cover.

As you are reading your favorite magazine, watching your favorite entertainment news program, or visiting blogs, keep in mind that ninety percent of what you read and see is false. Only ten percent has some truth. The entertainment machine is big, vast, and all about illusions. It’s all about making people believe something that isn’t true. That’s why in my book, Hiding In Hip- Hop, I mention Hollywood is all about illusions. You can be anything or anybody you want. And it’s the job of the people who work in this business to make sure you believe that.

In the words of Public Enemy, Don’t Believe The Hype.

Check back tomorrow for Terrance's last words.

Terrance Dean is the Author of “Hiding In Hip Hop – On The Down Low in the Entertainment Industry from Music to Hollywood”

www.myspace.com/hidinginhiphop.com