Before Monica zoomed to the top of real-time R&B sales tallies with her latest single, the June 30-released ‘Letters,’ the R&B diva signed up to be the cover girl for the latest digital edition of ‘Essence‘ magazine.

Turning heads in designer drip, the GRAMMY winner took to lifestyle mag’s pages to not only dish on her long-awaited new album, ‘Trenches,’ but also speak about motherhood, overcoming adversity, and her optimistic outlook on finding true love in her 40’s.

Striking some must-see poses along the way (under the helm of famed photographer Gunner Stahl), look inside to see the behind-the=scenes action from the sexy shoot.

[photo courtesy: Essence]

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