Feature > Destiny’s Child: Solange Comes of Age
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Life could be so easy for Solange Knowles, the little sister with the big family name. As Beyoncé’s kid sibling and Matthew and Tina’s baby girl the burden of expectation on this young woman’s shoulders would be enough to bury even the broadest of frames. But there’s so much more to this multi-talent than meets the eye.
Instead of riding on the coattails of her famous family’s success Solange is taking her destiny into her own hands, carving out an identity for herself that’s both distinct and extremely likeable. She’s resolutely her own woman.
Solange has clearly come of age. Married at 17, a mother at 18 and divorced at 19, the 21-year-old Texan has experienced many ups and downs but has dealt with life in a goldfish bowl with grace, dignity and self-assuredness well beyond her years. Now she is wholeheartedly embracing independence and quietly claiming her shine.
Beautiful, talented and free-spirited, the singer, actress and entrepreneur took time out to talk frankly to Clutch. She discusses her life, loves and intriguingly titled new album SoL-Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams. With refreshing honesty and no-nonsense zeal, Solange’s down-to-earth nature shows that being real, like being a Knowles, is her signature style.
Q: Tell us about your new album? Great title!
Thank you. Hadley St. Dreams is a collection of 60’s and 70’s influenced songs that tell stories of where I have been the last couple years. It was really important for me lyrically to touch on things more than relationship journeys because life is more than that.
Q: How is it different from your previous work and from everything else out there at the moment?
First off, it is my job as an ARTist to create art. So many people use that term loosely and sell a voice or a visual that has no creative backing. When I was 15, 17, 19 most of the time I made records, films or was attached to projects because of the opportunities and the checks. Not because it was a creative, stimulating piece. Everything from my artwork to my video to the music itself has to have a message and not because it’s “hot” or it looks sexy.
Q: What’s your favorite song on the album and why?
“God Given Name” tells my story of where I am today more than any other. I said unapologetically who I am, and I didn’t spare any vocab.
Q: How do you combine music and motherhood?
Well as an artist, seeing the fearlessness and bravery in my son has inspired me; I’m my workplace. I see life through different eyes now. Being a mom turned me from girl to woman. I definitely have lived.
Q: What has being a mother taught you?
Motherhood has been the best thing that ever happened to me. All of the minor problems that were so major before seem to fade away easier. I have reason more than ever to want to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It has also made me tough. If I have a bad day or a disappointing event in my life I have to put on my brave face for Julez. I’ve had my share of breakups, and I have to be a big girl for my baby. He’s worth every second of the day.
Q: Has it made you see your own parents in a different way?
Definitely, I used to think parents weren’t allowed to make mistakes. I appreciate them in a whole new light of wisdom and sacrifice.
Q: How hard is it dating when you’re in the public eye?
Hell yeah! Folks are so interested in that area of your life. Famous, non famous—people love to be in the cut of peoples’ relationships. Most of all being a mom and a divorcée has made me have low tolerance for BS. You get about two strikes around here, but you have to be careful because people will try to make you look crazy if you switch them out instead of celebrating someone who doesn’t settle. Hehehe. I’m young, I’ve been married, and I’m an attractive, successful young lady. Of course you’re going to see me dating.
Q: Is there any sisterly rivalry between you and Beyonce?
Not at all. Too many years apart I think.
Q: Who are you currently listening to on your iPod? Who are your favorite artists?
Loving Adele, Sia, Justice, Bjork. I listen to a lot of electronic music. Most of my favorite artists are from other countries. I’m always listening to Zero 7, John Mayer. Recently a guy pissed me off, (LOL) so I put in the Destiny Fulfilled album and Brandy’s last one—great “get over a guy” albums. R&B is always good shit-talking music.
Q: What do you prefer—singing or acting—and why?
They are both forms of art that express me well. I actually feel like writing is my first true love and the one I’m best at. I could definitely use more experience in acting considering I have played a 17-year-old girl in a car and a cheerleader lol.
Q: What’s the biggest misconception about you that you’d like to correct?
EFF misconceptions, pardon my French. I like a good laugh every once in a while. I stopped trying to “prove” and “undo” misconceptions a while ago. I’m unexplainable. Most Humans are. :)
Q: How would you sum up your outlook on life?
I’m in a good place right now. I look at life like a canvas and I choose the colors and as I grow to finish it, I figure out which strokes to use. I am pretty fearless right now. I think confidence is one of the best qualities to have. I’m not making apologies or begging for people to like me. I’m very optimistic that God has plans for me. When you truly find peace with yourself and who you are becoming it’s a beautiful moment.
Q: Describe yourself in five words.
I am . . . water, mass, blood, melanin, bones.
Q: What do you do to relax?
Write, go to the beach . . . the ocean is where I am most serine and at peace. Discover new wines, but most of all PRAY.
Q: You’ve taken to blogging a lot. Are you a techno nerd?
Not at all, I’m actually halfway blonde when it comes to computers. I just like my voice to be heard every once and a while. I’m the best person to tell my story, and technology is another alley to express that.
Q: What’s next for you?
My album will be out August 26th. My video is coming out early June. I’ve also been doing some writing on a few albums coming out this year. Constantly growing and evolving as an artist and most recently as a performer. I’m on tour with Chrisette Michelle and Raheem DeVaughn.
Q: You’re going on a big night out with your girls. Who do you roll with and what three things do you carry in your clutch?
My Phone, my credit card, my I.D.
For more information on Solange please visit www.solangeknowles.com and www.myspace.com/solange. To purchase/pre-order Hadley St. Dreams please visit www.itunes.com and www.amazon.com
I love Solange — she has grown into a very beautiful young lady! I wish her all the best and I LOVE LOVE the single!
Great article on one of the best writers in the game. This sis is so underrated, she is just as talented, if not more than her big sis! Thanks for the trill article Clutch.
Absolutely underrated. I’m really looking forward to her CD. She sounds very wise beyond her years.
I have always loved Solange. This is her time and I know her album will do well. “I decided” is so infectious, it’s my feel good song right now. Can’t wait for the video to drop!
Great interview. She is definitely up next!
This was a great interview, and I love this: “I am…water, mass, blood, melanin, bones.” Such a great quote. This song, I Decided is glorious too. Glad it’s the first piece of music I’ve listened to this morning.
solange is very talented and I’ve been waiting for this album to drop !
Love this lady! Congrats Solange and keep doing you!
Nice interview, and I like the yellow you rocked in other pics.
Beyonce is known for her music and bouncy behind,
Her sister, Solange Knowles, will now be known for her music and her interesting mind.
Thanks for bringing this witty woman to our attention.
Excellent interview, this young lady has truly grown into and outstanding woman.
Her outlook to life is fantastic, watch this space…..
Great Interview cant wait to hear her new Sound! I loved her first album.
Great interview,she sounds so unlike her sister!
I think Solange is really cool. I am also a single mom and I love how she talks about not taking any BS.
I’m tired of taking it too!
Solange is weird
You goo girllll. I am telling. Solange was slept on as well as Michelle. No body paid them any attention. I have always loved listening to Solange speak. People need to give credit where credit is due.
wow best interview yet for solange. SHE has alot of talent! very wise girl…her wisdom will take her sooo far!
[…] - - Solange talks about dating in the public eye and other projects outside of the crypt with Clutch Magazine […]
Purchased her first CD. Appreciate her Boho, quirky style. She has mad balls. LOL. Look forward to hearing her new CD.
sounds like people who know Solange made these comments, sorry but that’s my opinion. Love that chronic nightcap song though, White picket dreams too. :P
I am actually more inclined to buy Solange’s album as opposed to anything that her sister has done. I like Solange, she doesn’t give a ish what people think. You have to be a ballsy chick to get knocked up at the age of 17 and be the daughter of Matthew and Tina Knowles!!! lol!!
Go ahead Solange! You are so fly and I can’t wait to get the new cd! and please don’t let the haters win - you are the “ish” girl!
As a man - I think Solange is very beautiful. She just needs to continue going her own route and I can’t wait to see her shine. Is she singe? Let me stop.
Go Solange! I decided I am buying your cd!
Nice to see Solange in Clutch! She fits perfectly. The name of the album is very hot.
I must say I was skeptical, but I decided is on some new stuff and sounds nothing like what is on the radio so she is has captured my attention. Can’t wait for the video to drop.
Solo holdin it down 4 TEXAS!!!!☆★Cant wait til the ablum drop i already know its gonna be hottt she has grown so much i’m ao happy 4 her she is her own person [[Her GOD Given Name]]
[…] Solange did an interview with Clutch Online and talked about her album, son and her life in general. I really like Solange’s […]
Yay for Solange! I can’t wait for the video too.
I heard that Solange wrote/cowrote a lot of Destiny Child stuff/B-Day and if she did that just lets you know she’s beyond talented and she’s still in her early 20’s. She is THE woman to watch in the industry
why does august has 2 b so far away?!?!
always have loved Solange. I love an artist who is every aspect of the word, artist!!
Solange is a beautiful, talented, GIFTED ONE! Her words are very encouraging and stimulating to the heart and mind. However, I have to admit that at first I was dissciminating to her at first, I felt she was a bit too teeny poperish. I’m not sure if motherhood has changed her into a deeper more profound person but I know it did for me. And I agree with you ma; NO MORE BS! Shine like the brightest star in the atmosphere-
I like her new video. She’s actually really grown on me. And the girl is pretty smart. I don’t know about that blog though. Y’all should look at it and se what y’all think. http://www.hadleystreetjournal.com
I love Solange. She has definitely grown up into a beautiful young woman. I am most certainly looking forward to her new albu and am absolutely in love with her first single, “I Decided”. Her music is sooo refreshing and unique. Keep doing ya thang, Solange!!!
This girl has matured so much; she’s articulate and without lost of words.
I like her interviews.
I think she’ll do just fine.
I LIKE THE NEW SONG N THE VID HAS A GOOD CONCEPT.
CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE
I’MA DEFINITELY GET THE ALBUM
REALGUTTA.COM
I love this song. I think Solange will be bigger than Beyonce because she’s really unique. They aren’t competig of course but I think as talented at Beyonce is she kind of made a barbie out of herself. Solange seems very authentic. I will probably buy this album.
I love this girl. She seems so down to earth and relateable. Not a pop princess at all and she has her own style. Go get em Solange, we’re all routing for you!
Solange has always been a great artist and an exceptional musical writer. I’m glad that she’s always been true to herself and not fed into any media hype. She’s more balanced than most artists out there and am sure she will go a long way.
Fantastic article!! I just seen Solange in concert here in Columbus opening up for Raheem Devaughn & Chrisette Michelle. Even with a broken foot, Solange was OUTSTANDING. I am glad to see Solange growing up into her own person. I also like her “realness” (for lack of better words)
My favorite quote: “I look at life like a canvas and I choose the colors and as I grow to finish it, I figure out which strokes to use. I am pretty fearless right now. I think confidence is one of the best qualities to have. I’m not making apologies or begging for people to like me. I’m very optimistic that God has plans for me. When you truly find peace with yourself and who you are becoming it’s a beautiful moment.”
I look forward to August 26th to purchase her new album.
Great Job Sylvia!!
Solange is boring
I think that it is insane to compare these two sisters! One clearly outshines the other in the singing arena and in the acting arena. There is this saying that comes to mind: “Either you have it, or you don’t!” Beyonce cannot be touched by anyone…it is not because she is the best singer, performer, dancer, actor, etc…She just has it. No labels to be placed…God Blessed this girl and people need to accept that…it is just that simple.
Solange perhaps may have had a better chance if she weren’t Beyonce sister! Unfortunately this very cold world that we live in, will always have negative things to say, whether true or not! Look at Kelly, she is not related to Beyonce and she is always getting trashed!
Solange, fulfill your dreams and do you! You do have hard footsteps in which to follow…don’t ever forget that and always remember that unfortunately that is how you are going to be shadowed! Do things from your heart that make you happy and you will never lose, even it you don’t accomplish what you set out to…at least you will have tried and done it your way! I am sorry that this world is so crazy…but your parents seemed to have raised two level-headed smart women! So, I don’t worry about you guys…Keep being happy…that is most important!!!!
Solange i saw the making of i decided, and i love the vid and song, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH ^^ unfortunately i cant say the same of your sister, i love your music and style though, alotta class!
She’s definitely growing up! I’m suprised I like the new song and am looking forward to her album; even she realizes that her previous work was not “creative or stimulating”. Her first album was alright; I was still in my teeny bopper phase but I didn’t care for it at the time. I bet if she wasn’t B’s little sister she wouldn’t be so underrated…people will always make that comparison. I have a new sense of respect for Solange. She’s talented, not afraid to take risks, and a great song writer who just gained a new fan.
i miss you
i wish you are beyonce
i love you
nice song
i miss you
destiny child
The single is hot for the video concept…VERY CREATIVE! However, “God Given Name” is my absolute favorite so far 4 the lyrics and the tone. I cannot wait to purchase the album on the 26th of next month. I will be blowing you up on ALL my social networks because you have to get more recognition in the industry this time around. Girl, you are a GREAT SONGWRITER with GREAT potential to be a good performer. Writing is your God given talent like performing seems to be Bey’s God given talent, I think, but who am I? I’m just an observing fan. If you both keep working together as sisters should (helping each other out)- there won’t be no stoppin’ you. Just remember- IF GOD IS FOR YOU, WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU sista soulja?! Keep doing your thing. I’m so glad you have good comments (majority) on this site. Read the good comments and skip right over the bad comments because you are FIYAR. People will be PEOPLE and you just keep living and outdoing the goals and challenges you set for yourself. Your grace and humility will take you farther than you could ever imagine. WATCH! I can write an entire book on the differences between you and your sister. 2 wonders of beauty in my book. I always said that if my mother would’ve allowed me to go into the arts instead of Law, I would be Beyonce (i use to swear by it) but now I swear I would be a luscious mix of you and Beyonce because I see all my creativity in you and all my dramatic performances in Bey! I love/admire Bey…always will just like eyerbody else but being cast in the light and position you are in, your strength is compounded girl. I believe I read something that said you actually give Beyonce more wisdom, strength, and inspiration because of little Daniel. Beyonce was able to be cautious about starting a family too soon, etc. I feel myself getting emotional. Not too many people come out as wise and understanding as you are at this moment young lady. KEEP DOING YOUR THING NO MATTER WHAT…listen to TI’s new single…NO MATTER WHAT!! Annnnd you had the audacity to say your favorite pass time is Prayer…well girl, like I said IF GOD IS FOR YOU, WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU! Peace & Blessings to you and your beautifully talented family of whom I draw inspiration from every day of my natural born life…even Matthew- because sometimes people forget about the sacrifices your Dad makes and has made …on the humble, for real! Ok, fanaticism running away with me..let me go now! LOL God bless girl. ~D. P.S. Keep going with your own judgment with your style…I LOVE IT. Saw the b’day pics and the orange ensemble was PERFECT on your little frame girl! Flower…audacious and soooo your whole creative ora- feelin’ it!
GOOD LUCK GIRL
Hum, I’m not feelin’ her voice to much, but she isn’t all that bad, IMO either. However, I did love the videos concept and production.
Also, I wanted to say, I was totally impressed by her witty, maturity, extraordinary confidence and self-esteem unveiled in this article. I truly feel Solange is a genuine trouper and possible model for young black women to look up too. I dig how she views life though, she’s faced many ups and downs at such a young age. All I can say is that the Knowels have done a great job in rearing strong daughters. I look forward to seeing, Ms. Solange embrace further blessings through her many talents.
I have to admit that I did not care for Solange after her debut album. But I love her now. We have seen her grow and mature right before our eyes. She is totally underrated but she is defiantly working her up to the top. Good Luck to her.
This was a great Solange interview! She is really out there doing her!