(Photo: ESSENCE, September 2013)

Kelly Rowland shows off her dark side for Essence's September issue with a gothic ensemble. On the cover, the singer rocks a black beaded, peek-a-boo bodysuit by Furne One, a fur vest by Ashley B, and jewelry from Basile & Pape Bespoke and Jennifer Fisher. In the interview, Rowland opens up about finding her strength and how she no longer cares about what others might think of her.
"Judge me if you want to. And as a matter of fact, it won't even count, 'cause the only person who can judge is God," she says.
She also discussed her song "Dirty Laundry" off her latest album Talk a Good Game in which she talks about Beyoncé's success and dealing with her own insecurities.
"For a long time I wasn't happy, but that had nothing to do with Beyoncé," Rowland says. "That had to do with me trying to get my life in order and make better decisions for myself. I'm seeing all these wonderful things happen for her and I am happy for her. But I want a path. I want things to pop off for me, too. Not on her level but whatever my level is supposed to be."
Aside from emotional strength, Rowland has also found physical strength through her fitness training with Jeanette Jenkins.
"I see the beauty in boxing," she says. "It teaches me strength, physically but mostly mentally. I had to learn my strength, because for so long I could have been tougher than I was."
Essence's September issue hits newsstands August 9.
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