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Solange Knowles: Flying Solo
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The R&B star talks exclusively to Essence.com about motherhood, her music and the mystery surrounding her marriage
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By Jeanine Edwards
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ESSENCE.com: What do you hope to accomplish with this album?
S.K.: First I want to create music that I enjoy and listen to. I just feel like a lot of my peers are in a superficial state, and everything is about clubbing and buying drinks. Nothing really has substance out right now. So I have many songs on this record that talk about life in general, the state of our society. I have a lot of records that inspire dreaming, which is so important as a young person, because a lot of people don’t know what they want to do yet; they don’t have any aspirations.
ESSENCE.com: What are some of the drawbacks of being in this industry?
S.K.: The lack of privacy is first and foremost. You just have to know that the more successful you get as an artist, the less of a normal life you have. It’s a trade-off. When I say I only want to reach a certain level (professionally), people look at me like I’m full of sh--. But when you get to a certain point, you can’t just go to the mall anymore, and I don’t know if I’m willing to ever give that up.
ESSENCE.com: So you don’t aspire to your sister’s level of superstardom?
S.K.: No, I don’t want to get that far. (Laughs) I feel really bad for my sister. I’m always like “Oh, let’s go to the mall” or “Let’s go here” and she can’t. I enjoy having that.
ESSENCE.com: But do you ever feel as if you have to compete with her?
S.K.: No, I think that as artists we’re totally different, and when this record comes out it will express that. But I admire my sister so much. She’s one of my role models in that she is successful and classy. She’s very diplomatic and lives her life true to self.
ESSENCE.com: She’s been known to say she doesn’t go on the Internet because of all the craziness. Do you avoid the Web and reading what’s in the blogosphere?
S.K.: People actually e-mail me the links all the time, and I’m like “Okay, thanks I really wanted to see that.”
ESSENCE.com: Let’s address some of the rumors out there. Apparently, folks believe you left your husband for Lil Wayne. Is that true?
S.K.: (Laughs) That’s absolutely not true. Yes, we know each other but I absolutely did not leave my husband for him.
ESSENCE.com: There’s also been some buzz that you had cosmetic surgery—a nose job.
S.K.: (Laughs) Not true. I’ve heard that one, too. That one actually cracked me up. I mean if I got some surgery, I would wait until I’m older and pop out a couple more kids.
ESSENCE.com: So even if you had had cosmetic surgery, you wouldn’t be ashamed to admit it?
S.K.: No.
ESSENCE.com: What’s the craziest rumor you’ve heard about yourself?
S.K.: I think the craziest rumor was that my dad paid my son’s father $1 million to marry me. That was everywhere at one time, and that was really funny. I always joke that I wish we had it like that: “Here, take a million dollars, marry her…”
ESSENCE.com: Your dad once said you were the family’s “secret weapon.” Does that mean folks better get ready for your musical arsenal?
S.K.: (Laughs) Umm, he could’ve meant that in a couple of different ways. There are a lot of times when people are diplomatic about things and I’m not that type. I’m not afraid to say exactly what I mean. I don’t feel like I owe anybody other than my child and my family anything. So if someone has opinions about something, then that’s fine, but I’m not going to just smile and hold it in. Also I think I’m a little different in the fact that if someone tells me to go right, I usually go left.
See Pictures of Solange with Friends and Family »
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Kim Porter on Leaving Diddy»
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To add your comments or to view all comments click here.
-5 latest comments
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Karli me enjoying Kellys first album has nothing to do with the sales. My 2 degrgees back up my ability to express what I like and not what everyone else likes. Yet another person who would rather argue and talk about someone then use comprehensive reading skills and respond accordingly. Both of Kelly's albums have flopped but that has nothing to do with the music being great. There are plenty of singers who have real talent and get overlooked for someone more popular. That doesnt mean the music isn't great! Pay more attenti
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-Ananda
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I really feel that whether Solonge married becasue she was in love or if it was just because of the baby she really seems to have a good head on her shoulders. She talks better than alot of women older than her black or white. I say, leave her alone and let her raise her child. Everyone has things that they've done,past or present.. Let her do her.. Stop criticizing everything a celeb does and remember if they didn't have all the money and fame they probaly would be YOU!!
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-Bianca
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Solange and Beyonce are human and they have feelings. They are just living their lives. No one should have to read the awful things people comment. The energy spent tearing someone down could be used building someone up. Think about if these people were your family and treat them as such. At some point you will have to acknowledge this family knows what to do and has what it takes. They are extremely blessed and highly favored.
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-Lei--Houston, TX
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It is so sad to see how we tear each other down!! We do not stand by or congratulate our own people. God gives us our own talents and we prosper in our season. Look around the Knowles family, regardless of how much you snare and ridicule, are making great names for themselves in every area of the industry. You may not like the people but be proud of the accomplishments. Someday it could be you and you will want the same respect.
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-Lei-Houston, TX
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Karli- please stop tearing down others...I beleive that you must project the kind of life you want to have. I have known of the Knowles family since the children were little girls and I beleive that the parentS did an excellent job suopporting what their children loved to do. Do not be bitter, your break though will come when you stop hating on others. If someone marries to bring their child into a Holy Union, who are you to question it? We learn from mistakes and make the best of our lives. TRY IT.
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-Devola
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