In reply to Anne.

Alicia does magazine covers even when not promoting an album. Essence is one she has done several times. Whether it helps her album sales or not is not even a concern. The album is great and I'm sure she is very proud of it regardless of how many is sold. That's why she has so many fans, she doesn't try to make the kind of music everyone else is doing, she does herself and so far that has worked great for her and I don't see that changing. Essence couldn't have picked anyone better for the cover.