Janelle Monae For ESSENCE, Talks Body Image, 'Showing My Skin Is Not What Makes Me Sexy' (PHOTO)

PHOTO: 'Showing My Skin Is Not What Makes Me Sexy'

Donning her signature black-and-white threads and perfectly coifed pompadour, Grammy Award-winning singer Janelle Monae looks positively regal on the May cover of ESSENCE.

In the issue, the CoverGirl spokeswoman opens up about her unique style, standards of beauty, sex appeal and body image.

In an industry where album sales are higher depending on how much skin you show (see: Nicki Minaj and Rihanna), it's refreshing to see how Janelle has kept her image and body under wraps.

The 27-year-old star tells ESSENCE that she wants to "redefine what it means to be sexy and what it means to be a woman. Showing my skin is not what makes me sexy. I like skirts and dresses just like everyone else, but I had a message I needed to put out there. It was up to me to show people and young girls there was another way."

Right on!

Janelle's new album Electric Lady is set to debut this summer, around the same time she hits the stage for this year's ESSENCE Festival. In the meantime, the glossy's May issue will arrive on newsstands April 5.

Here's a look at Janelle's beautiful ESSENCE cover. What do you think?

janelle monae essence

Before You Go

Wireless Festival 2011 - Day 2

Janelle Monae

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