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It's not often that the sole sibling of a superstar can evolve into a unique individual whose identity and image is distinctively her own.
But, everyone can't be Solange Knowles.
The sassy singer recently sat down with BlackVoices.com for a candid discussion about everything from leaving music for her son, why Prince will always be her favorite and how the media world has things twisted.
Earlier this year, Solange (as she is mostly known) released her sophomore album 'Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams' to little fan-fare but she isn't stressing the Nielsen Soundscan numbers one bit.
Snoop Dogg laid down a verse on her single 'I Decided,' and the tune can currently be heard in the new L'Oréal hair care commercial, in which she stars alongside her sister Beyoncé.
Of the album's first week sales, she says she "was really excited about it. I sold 45,000 [copies], which I felt was an accomplishment. Katy Perry had a number one song for six or seven weeks and we sold the same thing the first week."
Solange Pictures
Solange Knowles and Monica Cruz attends the MANGO flagship store celebration dinner at Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel on November 20, 2008 in New York City..Celebrities Help MANGO Celebrate The Relaunch of Its Soho Flagship - Dinner.Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel.New York, NY United States.November 20, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (56231768), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Solange Knowles and Monica Cruz attend the MANGO flagship store celebration dinner at Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel on November 20, 2008 in New York City..Celebrities Help MANGO Celebrate The Relaunch of Its Soho Flagship - Dinner.Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel.New York, NY United States.November 20, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (56231743), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Singer Solange Knowles attends the MANGO flagship store celebration dinner at Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel on November 20, 2008 in New York City..Celebrities Help MANGO Celebrate The Relaunch of Its Soho Flagship - Dinner.Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel.New York, NY United States.November 20, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (56231642), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Singer Solange Knowles performs attends the MANGO flagship store celebration dinner at Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel on November 20, 2008 in New York City..Celebrities Help MANGO Celebrate The Relaunch of Its Soho Flagship - Dinner.Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel.New York, NY United States.November 20, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (56231637), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Singer Solange Knowles performs attends the MANGO flagship store celebration dinner at Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel on November 20, 2008 in New York City..Celebrities Help MANGO Celebrate The Relaunch of Its Soho Flagship - Dinner.Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel.New York, NY United States.November 20, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (56231627), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Solange Knowles performs as designer Marc Jacobs dances at the MANGO flagship store celebration dinner at Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel on November 20, 2008 in New York City..Celebrities Help MANGO Celebrate The Relaunch of Its Soho Flagship - Dinner.Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel.New York, NY United States.November 20, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (56231621), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Solange Knowles and Monica Cruz attend the MANGO flagship store celebration dinner at Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel on November 20, 2008 in New York City..Celebrities Help MANGO Celebrate The Relaunch of Its Soho Flagship - Dinner.Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel.New York, NY United States.November 20, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (56231603), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Solange Knowles attends the MANGO flagship store celebration dinner at Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel on November 20, 2008 in New York City..Celebrities Help MANGO Celebrate The Relaunch of Its Soho Flagship - Dinner.Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel.New York, NY United States.November 20, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (56231296), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Solange Knowles performs as designer Marc Jacobs dances at the MANGO flagship store celebration dinner at Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel on November 20, 2008 in New York City..Celebrities Help MANGO Celebrate The Relaunch of Its Soho Flagship - Dinner.Shang Restaurant - Thompson LES Hotel.New York, NY United States.November 20, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (56231127), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Solange Knowles attends the 4th Annual PAPER Magazine Nightlife Awards at Mansion on November 16, 2008 in New York City..4th Annual PAPER Magazine Nightlife Awards.Mansion.New York, NY United States.November 16, 2008.Photo by Eugene Gologursky/WireImage.com..To license this image (56206857), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Knowles refers to her second offering as "an album's album," and notes how it is not "single driven." She hopes to continue recording music in the future, even if she says it's on a mix-tape level and for the streets. Laughing, she clarifies the mix-tape content would definitely remain consistent with her soul-influenced R&B sound, adding, "If I ever were to come on a hip-hop tip you would probably never hear me rapping because I turn so suburban white girl and I'm not afraid to say that."
She made headlines for her outspokenness during an interview with a FOX local affiliate television morning show. When she overheard a producer prompting the reporter to inquire about her rapper/mogul/brother-in-law, Jay-Z's nightclub closing down, she took the defense. But, hear her tell it, she didn't even let the television station have it like she could have.
"Listen, I did not even show my a**. I said 'please,' number one, and you would think that I was like 'b**ch don't f**ckin' talk s**t about my sister. I'd slap the s**t out of you.' I was just like, 'I think that's very unprofessional.''
She gives her parents, Music World head Mathew Knowles and House of Dereon clothing designer Tina Knowles, all the credit for encouraging her to "always just speak up when [an] issue bothered [her]."
And, one very big-named iconic singer has her back, too.
"A week or two after that happened [on FOX] I got invited to Prince's house and that was such a big moment for me because I know all cool people get to go to Prince's house. He was standing there and I was with a bunch of people and they were like, 'You're being such a p**sy right now.' 'Cause I was like, 'I'm just gonna sit here.' And he walked up and was like, 'I saw the FOX News thing' and I was thinking to myself, 'S**t even Prince is on my ass.' And he was like, 'And I loved it,' and I was like, 'F**k yeah! Prince said that he likes me, so y'all can kiss my a**.'"
So what's next for her? Knowles is humbled that she is being grouped with the new movement of daring female artists, like Janelle Monae and Santagold, who she says "individually express themselves through their videos, artwork and fashion," but she won't be recording too much longer so that she can focus on being mother to her son Daniel.
"I am blessed that I can take him everywhere with me. I was just telling my dad, 'He is about to turn four in two weeks and you got another year to work this record because come August of next year, I am on lock down like full-on -- taking him to school every morning picking him up every day that's the type of life that I want for him,'' she confided.
On December 21 at 10 pm, you can catch Solange and her sister Beyonce Knowles on a FUSE special called 'Beyonce and Solange: Hope for the Holidays,' a one-hour concert benefiting the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund to aid Texas victims of Hurricane Ike through the sisters' 'Survivor Foundation.'
Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation
In 2001, Destiny's Child won the Grammy Award for best R&B Song for their hit single 'Say My Name.' Beyonce was 20 years old, and Solange was 15. New to superstardom, these young girls from Texas would take their time developing their sense of style.
Kevin Mazur, WireImage.com
Looking just like her mom Tina here, Beyonce began her career with hair extensions based on braids, way before she would "upgrade" to lace front wigs.
Jim Spellman, WireImage.com
Working a strange mix of accessories, Beyonce used her ensemble to promote her self-penned hit 'Bootylicious.' We do what we must to reach the top! It was 2001, and still a few more years before Bey would cement her spot without resorting to desperate moves.
Kevin Mazur, WireImage.com
At the 2001 Teen Choice Awards Beyonce and Solange continue to evoke the "classless country" look with matching neon yellow outfits and braids in clashing shades of auburn. At this time, Solange had almost no identity of her own and was totally dependent on her sister's shine.
Gregg DeGuire, WireImage.com
NO TABLOIDS! Solange & Beyonce of Destiny's Child wearing Tina Knowles 2001 MTV Video Music Awards - Audience and Backstage The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center New York City, New York USA September 6, 2001 Photo by Theo Wargo, WireImage.com To license this image (231747), contact WireImage.com
Theo Wargo, WireImage.com
Solange was really just a teen growing up in the fast lane, as we can see here in this early pic. Her braids, scarf, tee and jewelry are clothing an average girl would wear.
Photo AOL
Solange and Beyonce Knowles Solange posed together in 2002 in an uncharacteristically dressed-down look for Bey. Do you think she still has that Michael Jackson's Thriller t-shirt?
L. Cohen, WireImage.com
Through this two-tone hair sculpture in the form of a lace-front wig, Beyonce shows the world that they do indeed do it big in Texas at the 'Austin Powers In Goldmember' in 2002. While Beyonce began to branch out into acting roles at this time, and slightly mature in her sense of style, Solange still seems like a non-entity totally dressed by Mom.
Gregg DeGuire, WireImage.com
These two sisters made an appearance on MTV's 'TRL' in 2002 wearing distinctly different casual looks. While Beyonce took even her relaxed dressing to a costume-like extreme, Solange was still dressing like normal young person.
Kevin Mazur, WireImage.com
At the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall, Bey gave a knockout performance and revealed what many would come to term the "Beyonce Look" in full force. The huge blonde mane and over-the-top sexy golden outfits were here to stay.
Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
Comments: (204)
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By: KEE, KEE, 4U on 12/05/2008 5:24PM
Solange made a comment above in the interview about Jay Z boy, she has a FOUL MOUTH! I watched the video when she was on that Fox affiliated network and she was the one who was IMMATURE and DISRESPECTFUL! It's not the reporter's fault what had happened! She needs to mature because it is not LADYLIKE! I guess now that her sister is everywhere, she wanted to do this interview so that she would be in the spotlight and get attention too! Not feelin her music, style, or dance either like her sister! Her album wasn't all that either like her sisters.
Sista PLEASEEEEEEEE!!!
She will always sound like a background singer and never be a lead singer! Solange tries so hard to be like sister. If only if she would have changed her style and voice maybe she would be a breath fresh of air. Her voice sounds so "Bey". My opinion and I don't call this hatin!
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By: Le.Le Battle on 12/12/2008 12:36PM
Solange is I think the most better Kowlnes Sista than Beyonce! don't trip now?..
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By: JoGamble on 12/05/2008 6:23PM
Oops I think she needs more help I don't hear her as a up front voicalist.Maybe with more practice and lessons in voice she might be O.K.She need to find herself and her own talent,she can't compare to her sister no way no how. Best of luck she has a beauitful son.
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By: Shannon on 12/05/2008 7:42PM
Its such a shame that her attitude sucks, I think she has a lot of talent, dont' really like her personality, but I was going to buy her album until I saw that interview on FOX, then I said forget it. She is not humble at all.
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By: Mitchell M. Clifton on 12/06/2008 11:26AM
Why is this girl so comfortable using profanity? I went to a show of hers in Florida with my daughter and I left after hearing this child cursing like a sailor. Grow up sister.
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By: bella on 12/06/2008 9:31AM
she IS C_O_R_N_Y! .. cant stand solange .. if it wasnt for her siter or family .. she would have been wiped out with So many failed attempts ..
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By: mizzdunn on 12/07/2008 3:56AM
After watching the interview on FOX, when is Solange going to realize that she messed up. If you watch the video on You Tube- even the reporter has to remind her that they was not on air and no one even asked her the question. After listening to how she talks it turned me off, eventhough I like her single. Its nothing wrong about speaking up for herself, but there is a professional way of doing and her way is not the right way. Ms. Soloange's attitude really shows that she is still a child and not a professional. I really believe if she didn't publicly display her attitude like most people who is in the public eye more people would warm up to her and listen to her music, instead of her foul attitude. Maybe if she tried this she would go further.
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By: sloane on 12/06/2008 2:30PM
Wow...brave little bugga isn't she! Sometimes you have got to learn when to be quiet! No one is seeking her out...she throws herself in front of the bus! You can't buy class...clearly this has been proven here! As far as Prince liking you...he liked Vanity 6 and Apollonia, and where are they...? So tell you what...keep the drama to a minimum...It is so sad because you continue to make a fool of yourself...sadly unnecessary!
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By: sloane on 12/06/2008 2:36PM
oh yeah...Beyonce be careful girl...did you watch the movie the bodyguard??? Your sister fits that profile!!!!!
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By: KEE, KEE, 4U on 12/06/2008 5:24PM
The above question asked?, "So what's next for her? The answer was, "she won't be recording too much longer so that she can focus on being mother to her son Daniel". So "Self" comes first in her life then her son? This a critical, special, and important years of a child's life. Solange took a break from the music scene and was "Supposedly" was writing children's books. What happened to that? Doing gigs, concerts here and there, being on TV, and so forth takes a lot hard work, commitment, you are constantly traveling and being away from HOME , and interviews. WHERE IS THE TIME SPENT WITH HER SON? NO TIME HARDLY! Maybe she should have thought about not having kids before getting married at the right time and the right AGE (Mature age), and pursue her music career, WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT? What shame, a IMMATURE BABY raising a baby.
I'm sure Prince was telling her lies. He only said that to make her feel better considering all the criticism she got for being on that Fox network show. I just want to know, what was the purpose of her going to see Prince at his home? Is he going to help her on her next album? I mean what?
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