Janet graces the cover of VIBE's 1st photo issue

In April of '08- Ms Jackson is set to appear on a limited edition cover of VIBE magazine- which will be on stands tomorrow.

Having just released her 10th studio album, Discipline- VIBE will feature spectacular images of the pop icon.

Nearly 100 photographers contributed their work to this special issue celebrating different eras in photography. From polaroids to digital cameras, this month's VIBE takes a journey through hip hop as seen through the camera's lens.

In this month's cover story, Janet speaks one-on-one with Editor-in-Chief Danyel Smith about her music, her influences growing up, and her relationship with super-producer Jermaine Dupri. "We worked together and became friends," she says of her longtime love. "Aside from being amazing, it was the things he'd shared with me. The kinds of things I'd never share with anyone ... Not bad -- just so far left."

Shot in January by renowned fashion photographer Michelangelo di Battista at New York City's Milk Studios, the magazine's exclusive photos show a glamorous Janet in Balenciaga, Vera Wang, and Dolce & Gabanna.

This month's issue will feature a special double cover with two unique cover photos. One cover will be on newsstands while a limited-edition version will be sold only at bookstores and specialty magazine shops.

Janet talks about her musical influences: "My influence came from my family. And I used to listen to ... all the classics. But was there a major influence, someone whom I studied? No."

Janet talks about working with a new group of producers on her latest project: "I listened to the songs and I immediately fell in love with them. This sounds like something Jimmy and I would do ... this sounds like something from a past album, so it's still me."

Janet on growing up in her household: "I remember being a kid and they'd come over ... you take so much for granted.... you're not thinking about the fact that it's Marvin Gaye over all the time, or Diane or Smokey."


Janet on being a responsible child in the entertainment business: "One of the major things was my work ethic, since I was a kid ... I never had my mother wake me up ... I'd get myself up everyday. It never struck me ... that's a lot of difficulty for a 10-year-old ... I don't know if it's something in the genes, or from watching my brothers, seeing them working hard."


In celebration of VIBE's "first-ever" Photo Issue, producer Jermaine Dupri and actor/comedian Mike Epps offer an up-close and personal look at their own personal photo collections. From candid behind-the-scenes shots to private family flicks, readers will get to see these celebrities like they've never seen them before.