Solange Knowles Tells Her Story
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Solange Knowles Tells Her Story

Her new album "A Seat at The Table."

11
Solange Knowles Tells Her Story
DIY Mag

Almost everyone in the world knows who Beyonce is, 20-time award winning singer and performer, one of the most influential of our time, if you ask me. However, I bet not everyone knows that Beyonce is not an only child. In fact, she has a younger sister.

Wait...Beyonce has a sister?

Yes. Her name is Solange Knowles, and she is an actress and recording artist, just like Beyonce. Some of you may recognize her as Camille from Bring It On: All or Nothing.

Yep, that's the one.

I am here to talk about her brand new album A Seat at The Table, which was released on September 30th, 2016, just about a month ago. I have always known that Solange was a talented woman, but listening to this album has brought a new sense of love and admiration for her. This album was originated by Solange wanting to tell her story and wanting to tell her life story of being a black woman in society, because obviously, if you are not a black woman, you just would not understand. She wants to express her story on what it means to be an oppressed yet proud black woman in 2016, not to mention that Solange wrote, arranged, and co-produced every song on her own album! She discusses social and personal issues to the public while remaining classy and poetic.

Usually on albums there are songs that become more well-known than others. On A Seat at The Table, some of those songs that stick out just a little bit more are Cranes in the Sky, where she sings about her own personal issues and self-battles that she has been fighting all of these years.

Another personal favorite of mine is Don't Touch My Hair, where as a black woman, I can relate. Nothing irritates me more than when people touch my hair, especially when I decide to wear it as a natural afro and people come to touch WITHOUT ASKING and refer to it as "cool" and "crazy" as if it were some sort of science experiment. My hair is not just my hair, it is the feelings I wear. Like Solange, I consider it to be my crown, so please don't touch what is mine. For black women hair is not just hair, it is art, a way of expression, a way of life. As Solange sings this song others can listen closely to the lyrics and be enlightened.

The last song that stood out to me was F.U.B.U, standing for For Us By Us. This song's name was originated from the designer company FUBU, which was designed for African Americans to wear. Daymond Garfield John is the owner of the company, who is also known for his appearance on ABC's Shark Tank. The song basically explains how African Americans feel that although they are oppressed and looked down upon for their race, the same people oppressing them are the ones appropriating their culture; from wearing traditional hairstyles and clothes to taking their music and making it their own, it's something that African Americans are tired of. Solange basically says how other races and cultures can’t have everything from the black culture and some stuff is really just “for us.”

Overall, the album is such a good album. It shows how talented and outspoken Solange really is. She is one I would consider brave for telling her story. It's hard to share your struggle with other people that might not really understand what you've really been through. But hey, she did it.

Maybe with this album she won't be known as Beyoncé’s sister or the girl from that Bring It On movie.

She'll finally be recognized as Solange Knowles; her own name, her own album, her own story.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71024
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132589
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments