Essence Magazine was able to round up multi-platinum recording artists Alicia keys, Jill Scott, and Mary J. Blige for the June 2008 issue. Dub as the true “light in R&B,” the three revealed with the magazine that when it comes to penning hits, embracing success, and keeping ahead of the curve, it’s always about the music.

When asked about the success of her debut album, Mary says “It’s been about six months since I’ve listened to What’s the 411? I was in Japan working out, and when I heard it, I could definitely feel my youth, but I could also hear that I’ve always had an old soul. When I think back to that time, I remember that I was singing to escape. I understand that some people are stuck in that place, but I firmly believe that if you don’t evolve and grow, you will die.”

With success comes disappointments, and Jill Scott has had a few. She says. “This is life, and if something doesn’t work out, then it wasn’t meant to. I feel that there is a divine plan in all things. All I can do is the best I can do, and if it’s well received, then, yeah. If not, I hope life will give me an opportunity to try again. Do I challenge myself? Absolutely. But beat myself up? I just can’t do it.”

What makes an artist successful? Well it all starts with the backing of your record label, which sometimes put a certain pressure on an artist. Alicia Keys felt some of this pressure. She says, “In the beginning, I didn’t understand the concept of boundaries. I wanted to make sure the music was heard, but there’s a price you pay for that. I did everything and anything to promote my first album, like flying from New York to Los Angeles and back on the same day, which was a bit excessive.”

Keys, Scott, and Blige has had continuous hits album over album. So what’s the formula?

“I won’t tell,” says Blige, who is currently on a national tour with rapper Jay-Z.” [Laughs] For me, it’s about being real and honest. And the lyrics have to be relatable.” Scott added, “Oh, I wish I knew. I think Ne-Yo knows. I think Carvin Haggins, who does a lot of writing for Musiq Soulchild, has the ingredients, too. My songs are mostly about life experiences, about being human and falling and getting back up. About loving and losing.”

Keys, whose songs are always heartfelt, says “It’s always a bit of a mystery. A song should deal with a widely understood emotion, have a really strong, clear explanation of that emotion and a great melody that makes you want to sing it at the top of your lungs. Then the music should evoke the same feeling as the lyrics. Somewhere within all of that lies the perfect song.”

For the complete interview with Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and Jill Scott pick up ESSENCE's June 2008 issue now on stands!!!