Kelly Rowland covers Vibe Magazine's "Juice" Issue

(photo: Vibe.com)

Since the success of Kelly Rowland's #1 single, Motivation, we've seen a more confident and sexy side to her. On the cover of VIBE magazine's August/September issue, she opens up about parting ways from the wings of Matthew Knowles, growing into her sexuality and working on her new album. Here's a snippet from her interview below.

ON BEING MORE APPRECIATED IN EUROPE VS. HOME
VIBE: The last album didn’t do well in the States. It did better overseas, particularly in Europe. Do you feel more appreciated in Europe?

Kelly Rowland: No, not really. People still compare me to B over there. I said in an interview recently, 'You know, if you guys would be a little bit more intelligent and ask me about myself we’ll have a much better interview.' You can’t want a story from me and keep asking me about the past.

ON HER COMPLICATED RELATIONSHIP WITH MATTHEW KNOWLES
VIBE: When you walked away from that last meeting with Mathew, did you feel an “exhale” moment?
Kelly Rowland: I did, but I also felt like, 'Oh my God, what have I done?!' I stayed in the house for two days. I was sad. It was like a funeral. I had to deaden that situation in order to start fresh. That’s a very long time to have the same manager and the same label.

VIBE: What about your personal relationship with Mathew Knowles. Do you still talk to him?
Kelly Rowland: Mathew sent me flowers for my birthday!

VIBE: But do you talk to him?
Kelly Rowland: It’s... I respect him above anything.

ON HER SEDUCTIVE SIDE
VIBE: Speaking of this road we’re going on... Let’s talk about the song “Motivation.” I have to admit, the song went completely over my head. I thought you were talking about working out.
Kelly Rowland: [Laughs] No, honey.

VIBE: When you heard the song, did you think, This may be too racy for my image?
Kelly Rowland: Not at all. Every woman knows what that feels like—hopefully. But everyone doesn’t expect Kelly to sing about it. This is true. But I just loved the song so much. And yes, I can relate to it. I came into my sexuality while I was recording this album. I can walk into a sex shop now and not worry about what people would say if they saw me in there.

I say: I'm really loving this new Kelly. Gone are the days where she couldn't get an ounce of attention if the buzz had nothing to do with Destiny's Child. She is finally making a name for herself as an individual instead of being referred to as a backup singer for Beyonce.

What is your opinion of her? Yay or Nay?

This issue of VIBE magazine hit stands on August 16th!