India.Arie Covers JET Magazine

India.Arie Is On a Mission
Talented artist tells why she almost quit the business and how her new love helps her heal. Two years ago Grammy Award-winner India.Arie almost walked away from the music industry. She grew tired of the competition, the need to have her music categorized, and, as she calls it “the politics of the music industry.” “I was planning on what to do with my money, what I would do to make it grow. I really was going to retire,” she told Jet magazine.

But after much reflection, the passionate artist made peace with the music industry on the liner notes of her latest CD, Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics. “I’ve learned that music is a challenge, not a competition. I released the fear of chart positions and album sales, and reconnected with the love of music and the love of the listener and the love of myself again.” (p. 36)

Recession Rescue: How to Find a Job Fast.

President Obama has been straightforward with the nation, saying that times are going to get harder before they get better. As a way to cope with the slumping economy, Jet magazine is offering a series of stories on ways to survive the recession. In this issue, one job seeker shows how he got creative to score his new gig fast. (p. 24)

Where Are the Mary Jane Girls?

Before Snoop Dogg praised marijuana in his music, Rick James named his girl group after it. The Mary Jane Girls. In the early ’80s, James, the King of Punk Funk, decided to create a female, concept group to satisfy every man’s fantasy. But, where are they now? (p. 26)

Michael Jai White ­ In the Spotlight

There are a lot of Hollywood roles that actor Michael Jai White has chosen not to do. But choosing to do things his way and listening to Denzel Washington’s advice have paid off in a big way. (p. 20)

THE MARCH 9, 2009 ISSUE OF JET MAGAZINE IS ON SALE MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2009.