Janelle Monáe Robinson, known as Janelle Monáe graces the cover and pages of VIBE Vixen’s September 2003 issue.

Janelle sat down with Vibe Vixen author Deena Campbell and discussed style, sexuality and self-revelation.

[LISTEN – Janelle Monae Releases “Prime Time” ft. Miguel (AUDIO)]

As she prepares for the release of her fourth album, The Electric Lady, which drops September 10th, the 27 year old Kansas-bred  ‘CoverGirl’ spokesperson explains the concept, stating:

“An electric lady is quirky, unafraid, epic and ‘nicety’—that’s when you’re being nice and nasty, noble and naughty, all at the same damn time.”

While she touches on some controversial subjects in the interview, Janelle, who’s done a wonderful job of keeping her image pristine and drama free, keeps it classy like the black & white attire she’s known for.

More photos + excerpts below…

“I was inspired to create a female rock star. I think an electric lady isn’t to be marginalized. As the narrator and creator of these characters, I have lived by not making myself a slave to my own interpretations of who I am or a slave to your interpretations or anybody’s interpretations of who I am.”

“I’ve evolved,” says an excited Janelle. “When you realize it’s your responsibility to be a leader and create the world that you want to see, you have to do it. It’s my responsibility to create music and come up with ideas that keep my community first.”

For the record, Janelle’s personal community includes almost a half million Twitter and Instagram followers, all of whom are waiting with bated breath for ‘The Electric Lady’ to surface.

Janelle’s strong sense of self might have a lot to do with her upbringing.  The talented songstress comes from a working-class family that was backboned by her grandmother, a former Mississippi sharecropper and a mother who worked as a janitor.

Her father was a garbage truck driver who struggled with drug addiction, and after years of seeing its negative effects, Janelle moved to Atlanta where she self-produced her demo, Janelle Monáe: The Audition. Grinding is in her genes.

Janelle sets a great example for strong women dontcha think?!

CLICK HERE to read the full article at VibeVixen.

Styling by Maeve Reilly
Hair by Caprice Green
Makeup by Saisha Beecham
Photography by Erin Patrice O’Brien