In Solange's interview in the Summer 2008 issue of Rap-Up magazine (on newsstands now), she speaks on the burden of being a 'Knowles'. Check out the extract below:

“At this point, it’s starting to hurt me more than help me because my family is sort of known as the new age Huxtables. We’re the clean-cut girls. But I got married at 17, had a kid at 17. Ever since I was younger, I always considered myself to be into more artistic things than [Beyoncé]. People just hear the [Knowles] name and they just put a stamp on it automatically.”

I've increasingly come to respect Solange's genuineness over the last few months. It really is refreshing in an industry that sees much of its stars assume the media-savvy, plastic/wooden personalities. More power to her...

Any thoughts?

Labels: Solange

Burgeoning stars Solange, Keri Hilson and Teyana Taylor feature the double cover of Rap-Up magazine's Summer 2008 issue (which is on newsstands now). They're all looking funky fresh, I must say. Good stuff. With each offering a breath of fresh air to an increasingly 'samey' industry, I'm real hopeful that these three make it BIG time.

Labels: Keri, Nelly, Solange, Teyana Taylor

Hmm. I'm kinda wishing I didn't listen to this, as, up until now, every track I'd heard from Solange's album was a winner. However, the same can't be said for this largely so-so track....which, for the most part, can be summed up as being kinda 'blah'. Still, with a array solid cuts under her belt for the record, 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams' is definitely still one of the few albums I'm anticipating this year.

In other Solange news, 'I Decided' debuted at #44 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart this past week. The charting is her highest to date.

Hit or Miss?

Labels: Solange

A host of stars joined Solange at a private resisdence in Los Angeles last night to celebrate her 22nd birthday. Celebs in attendance included big sister Beyonce, mum and dad - Tina and Matthew, Ludacris, Ne-Yo, Mario and Melody Thornton from the Pussycat Dolls.

Labels: Solange

The video for Part 2 (Freemasons Mix) of Solange's new single 'I Decided' premiered today. Largely the same, this video will be serviced to the European market as the first release from her forthcoming LP 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams' (due August 26th).

I must say that I'm really feeling this version of the song (peep the That Grape Juice chart on the right) and feel as though it has the better chance of making an impact.

Your thoughts?

Labels: Solange

I'm guessing it's not just the music that differs so much from Big Sis; Solange came across very animated, direct and generally all-round entertaining in the interview. I'm liking her more and more with each appearance/performance.

Any thoughts?

Labels: Solange

Great performance. I'm really liking the song.

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Solange

Though not the best video, I'm really feeling this one for its uniqueness; the vid most definitely is unlike any other clip out at the moment and I'm loving the 'popular culture through time' concept. Kudos to Solange for stepping out of the industry comfort-zone/template and going left-field, the results are obviously working in her favour. Word has it, a separate video will be serviced to the European market for the Freemasons mix - 'I Decided (Part 2)' - which is set to be released as the official first single over here. Solange's album 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams' hits stores on August 26th.

What do you think of the video?

Labels: Solange

I'm pleasantly surprised, she sounded even better than the record. Her vocals have most definitely matured, as has her stage presence. With the right promotion and single releases, Solange, IMO, really has the potential to be one of the biggest celebrity siblings to make a major impact in their own right - in the same way Janet emerged from Michael's shadow more than 20 years ago. Great performance.

Solange's video for 'I Decided' premieres tomorrow. Keep it locked on That Grape Juice for the goods...

Labels: Solange

{Click pic to enlarge}

A burgeoning star in her own right, Solange Knowles is currently prepping the August 26th release of her sophomore effort 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams'. This new promotional shot for the set recently surfaced on her official Myspace page. It's hard to ignore the similarities to 'Big Sis' in this one (in terms of posture); not a bad thing at all, as it's evident that Solange is taking what she's seen and putting her own stamp on it. Her album is definitely one I'm anticipating for the 2nd half of the year.

The video for Solange's new single 'I Decided' premieres on BET's Access Granted this coming Thursday (June 5th).

What do you think of the pic?

Labels: Solange

The full version of Solange's 'Sandcastle Disco' from her forthcoming album 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams' has surfaced. Having really liked the snippet that was floating around not too long ago, I'm feeling the cut even more so after hearing in it's entirety. Solange's record really is shaping up to be something. 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams' drops August 26th via Geffen/Music World.

Hit or Miss?

Labels: Solange

Though Solange's new single 'I Decided' was released digitally a while back, it is this, the Freemasons remix, that will be released as her official first single over here in Europe (it is being touted as the 'Part 2'). Having worked their magic with Kelly Rowland's 'Work' earlier this year, the 'Masons really came through for Solange; I'm actually liking this mix more than the original. What's more, considering the music that is dominating the charts on this side of the pond, Solange may just have a chance of doing big things on this side of the pond also.

Labels: Solange

Watching this really has me amped for the video. Solange's label (Geffen/Music World) as well as her management seem to be pulling out all the stops; the Melina directed clip really looks to be something. Though I wasn't entirely sold on the song initially, with the summer fast approaching, the likelihood of it catching on is a strong possibility. Random tidbit: It's real good seeing 'Big Sis' taking on a mentor-like role with Solange.

Your thoughts?

Labels: Solange

As previously reported, Solange Knowles is set to release her sophomore effort 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams' on August 26th via Geffen Records. These exclusive new promotional shots for the 21 year old were shot by Leslie Kee. She looks stunning, having blossomed into a very beautiful young lady.

{Click pics to enlarge}

What do you think of the pics?

Labels: Solange

Having tweaked the title of her forthcoming album 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams', Solange continues to ready the set for its August release. Meanwhile, a new snippet from the LP has surfaced in the form of 'Sandcastle Disco'. Judging by the lengthy clip, the uptempo cut is a winner - definitely one of the better cuts I've heard from the record thus far.

Labels: Solange

With Solange Knowles readying the release of her sophomore effort 'Soul Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams', a new promotional shot for the LP has surfaced. She looks stunning! Within the last year or so, especially since she began rocking a darker 'do, I've been feeling her look. The separating of herself both visually and musically from what her famous sister is doing really seems to be working for Solange. 'Soul Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams' is set to hit stores in August via Geffen/Music World.

Labels: Solange

Solange, the youngest of the Knowles clan, was snapped at the 'Armani Exchange Icons of Dance DJ Portraits' at the A/X Music Lounge in Miami yesterday. I must say, she really has grown into her 'look' and tends to be on her 'A' game these days. The 21 year old's sophomore album 'Soul Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams' hits stores in August.

What do you think of the pics?

Labels: Solange

As Solange Knowles preps the release of her sophomore effort 'Soul Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams' (due in August), another track from the set has surfaced. Titled 'God Given Name', the soulful jazz-inspired cut sees the youngest of the Knowles clan delve into more personal territory lyrically. With lines such as 'I'm no sister...I'm just my God-Given name', the song does provide an interesting listening experience. Saying that, I'm still undecided as to whether I'm sold on this 'Solange the Soul Angel' idea just yet. I guess time will tell. It's also worth noting that Michelle Williams is also set to drop her album 'Unexpected' in August too...hmmm.

Labels: Solange

'I Decided' has been confirmed as the first single to be lifted from Solange Knowles forthcoming sophomore album 'Soul Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams' (due this summer). Produced by The Neptunes, the track is a soulful/jazzy number that should sit well with the adult contemporary audience.

Labels: Solange

In preparation for the launch of her sophomore effort, Solange Knowles looking for musically talented individuals to form a band:

WHO: Solange Knowles, together with Kim Burse of BCreative Productions and Music World Entertainment.

WHAT: Solange Knowles will be holding auditions for singers, bands and individual band members with a great look, strong musicianship and stage presence to become members of Hadley Street Dreams, her band. All members must be able to dance.

WHEN: Thursday, March 6, 2008 from 12:00PM thru 6:00PM. Audition sign up will end promptly at 3:00PM.

WHERE: SIR Studios, 6465 West Sunset Blvd , Los Angeles, CA 90028

WHY: The Hadley Street Dreams, a 60’s inspired full band, will perform all live shows with Solange in support of her upcoming album to be released this August 2008 on Geffen Records, Soul Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams. Needed are:

*2 female background singers (must be able to sing, dance and harmonize)
*1 drummer
*1 guitar player
*2 keyboardists
*1 bass player (must be able to play upright as well)

CONTACT: To RSVP for auditions, send an e-mail to AuditionRSVP@musicworldent.com.

If you are unable to make the audition, you may also upload your audition video to the official Hadley Street

Dreams Audition Myspace:
http://myspace.com/hadleystreetdreams

Labels: Solange