(Photo: BUST Magazine, August 2013)

CoverGirl Janelle Monae continues to grace the front page of magazines. After an appearance on Essence and Billboard this year, Monae's latest is the fall issue of BUST, perfect timing for the Bad Boy Records singer who is gearing up for the release of her sophomore album, The Electric Lady — slated for Sept. 10 release with a limited edition being sold exclusively at Target, which includes four bonus tracks.
Inside the issue, the Grammy-winner dishes on her growth since her last project. “The ArchAndroid focused on self-realization: realizing your superpower and the things that you’re capable of doing," she said. "With The Electric Lady, we’re talking about self-actualization: being the change you want to see ... The new album deals with a new breed of women … strong, bold women who are taking their stands and not being marginalized."

The "Q.U.E.E.N." singer also talks about her uphill climb from small town Kansas City girl to the top of the Billboard charts in her 2011 collaboration with indie-band Fun. for the hit, "We Are Young."
"My parents both worked really hard. We were living from check to check, but I never felt like I was in need of anything. My mom supported me when I decided to get into the arts, and it was a great moment for us when I decided to do talent showcases." But, she notes, "As great as Kansas and my family were, I wanted to leave after high school. I wanted to hone my craft, get better as a performer, and be involved with musical theater. But most importantly, I really just wanted a ticket out of Kansas City … So I started to plan for my future: to own my own label and write songs, plays, and concept albums that I could have full creative control over."

The August/September 2013 issue of BUST is on newsstands now.

BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.