The February/March 2013 STYLE issue of VIBE magazine tapped Mary J. Blige as its cover subject.  And she's also helping the brand ring in its 20th anniversary.

Her cover and inside pics, plus how Queen Mary describes the current state of R&B....

Looking fab with her signature look of blonde swoops and chic clothing with a bit of realness added in, MJB is all over the pages of the new VIBE magazine.  And it's her 10th cover.  Yeah...10th.

She revealed to the mag how she is taking stock of things: from love and happiness, her remarkable career evolution, acting and what young artists she listens to.

On the subject of her style being softer: “I’ve evolved, I’m a woman now, and I’ve softened. I’ve been a tomboy my whole life. But then you get older, you get married, you soften up."

When asked about current R&B she says: “I am so proud of what Rihanna is doing.  She is speaking to her generation, and she’s living her life in front of them. I don’t even think she is purposely doing it. She’s such a beautiful girl, and I don’t think she knows she’s that beautiful. She’s just living her life, and leading her generation, and she has great, great songs.”

She also lists Adele, Amy Winehouse, Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars as some of her other favorites.

Check out more pics from the issue below:

And in case you missed it, check out the pics from VIBE's 20th Anniversary event this past weekend honoring MJB HERE.

Head over to VIBE for more.