We had the chance to catch up with Solange in NYC this morning as she lent her voice to the Staying Alive Foundation’s campaign to SAY YES to safe sex. She was tapped by MTV to become an ambassador and was happy to say YES. YBF’s New York Correspondent Kimberly chatted with Ms. Knowles about her involvement with the campaign, her experiences learning about sex as a teen, and her upcoming career moves…
On learning about sex at a young age: [My and Beyonce's] parents did a great job of giving us the real deal Holyfield on sex and allowing us to make decisions on our own. I was 13 when my parents first sat me down to discuss sex. And it was a very good age for me. But, it may be necessary to talk to my son at an even earlier age since kids are now having sex in Jr. High. I definitely understand that friends are the biggest influences on children and sex needs to be addressed by parents early.
Solange’s advice about teaching and learning about sex: You need to have the conversation before it’s too late. Talk about expectations and have that initial conversation before deciding to engage in sex.
Solange on the music industry’s sexual responsibility: In my own videos, I don’t necessarily make a conscious effort to abstain from “oversexed” videos. The music that I put out–I want it to be a real portrayal of myself. And to be bikini clad is just not who I am. Artistry is true expression and I do not expect every artist to be a role model, everyone makes mistakes and some don’t even practice what they preach verbatim. The past ten years artists have received a bad rep for letting our music stand for something, but we are now becoming more conscious of what we put out and our lyrics and I credit Obama and the recent election for that change, our lyrics should stand for something.
About her video for “T.O.N.Y.”: I wrote it because so many of my friends had their own “TONY” in their lives. The video that was put out was not the final version and leaked to the media long before it was done. The song is about dealing with pregnancy and learning to find love in other areas.
On the career moves she’s making now: I’m currently developing a show with “The Game’s” producer Mara Brock Akil. It’s based on the reality of my life. We’re still shopping the show around. I used to say yes to every acting project but now it’s important that I only take on projects that will maker me think and grow and will motivate and inspire others.
More pics and interview bits when you read the rest…
Cute amped up casual look for Solo in her SAY YES tank, sheer overshirt, distressed jeans, and aquamarine pumps:
Solange, who currently splits her time between Houston and L.A., tells us when she and Beyonce talk on the phone it is usually about music. She puts Beyonce on to new stuff since she doesn’t get a chance to listen to much new music. She adds “Music is where we bond.” Solo has a love for vintage shopping but has no plans for her own clothing line. She also dished to us that actress Jurnee Smollett is one of her good friends and they had a pow wow just the other day in Jurnee’s living room about what they can do to empower others to serve. Looks like they’re off to a fabulous start…
About the STAYING ALIVE FOUNDATION:
MTV and The Body Shop have teamed up for 3 years to put on this campaign with the Foundation. For every lip butter sold, $5 will be donated to the Staying Alive Foundation. This is one of largest media campaigns, marketing to 49 out of 50 of the highest impacted countries.
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:28 PM
nice interview and all..uhm did solange get a nose job??
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:29 PM
Loving Solo’s look!
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:29 PM
Your parents taught you so much about sex that at 17 you had to get married cuz you popped up pregnant….right…whatever you say, Solange.
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:31 PM
You think she’s going to flip out because the brackets say {My and *Beyonce’s*] ?
just curious ;-)
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:31 PM
i am not mad at solo. she is standing up and letting her voice be heard about a good and important cause.
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:31 PM
Love Solo, and I hope that show gets picked up…but um Mara needs to give all her focus and energy to The Game…I love that show and would really be heartbroken if it got cancelled. Let BET pick it up or something and hire some new writers…all the characters are underdeveloped.
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:33 PM
Her and her sis have had nose jobs.You two are not sleek.
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:34 PM
FEE FI FO FIF!!! LMAO!
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:35 PM
but good for her. this interview made her seem more intelligent than I would have given her credit for.
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:37 PM
Decent interview…..Acting?!!
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:41 PM
I am a teen myself but the thing is I don’t know what will work for my fellow peers to understand they need to protect themselves. Its so sad what comes out of these girls mouths and guys too. Its deeper than just saying yes to safe sex. My parents never really gave me the “sex talk” and I turned out fine. But idk some of these kids need a wake up call.
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:43 PM
I feel Solange on all points. You can be educated on something and still act on it… so yes she had a baby @ 17 but that doesnt mean her parents didnt try their best to teach their daughters about sex, especially in the industry. I know plenty of people who know the dangers of alcohol and still drink and drive or cigs and still smoke…. get over yourselves people and get educated
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:43 PM
Is it just me or does it seem like they are promoting sex? Red,silk bed sheets! lol
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:49 PM
Well, I hope her message has a positive impact on those little fast azzes out there that value sex over self worth. I hope her show is picked up. While not a fan of her nor her sisters music or whatever else they got going on, I do think that Solange has the spunk and personality for a Moesha type show. She could be a success at that with the right script and support. Best wishes on that.
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:50 PM
Ever since someone brought up the nose job in the other post, its all i notice now…ugh
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:51 PM
she looks like bey sitting in that pic with her sitting on the couch…good for solange..
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:51 PM
Solange and Beyonce are all about marketing and telling you what you want to hear. BLAH BLAH BLAH
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:51 PM
i love solo interviews more than beyonce, beyonce not really open !! imagine if they ask that for bee lol what would be her answers? lol
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:53 PM
She starting to look more and more like her sister B. Maybe thier father will start to like her again….I dunno :(
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:57 PM
Agreed. There are many campaigns out there dedicated to safe sex, but the ultimate decision comes down to the person/child. Some parents and can talk and talk, i’m 21 and still waiting on the talk myself, lol but it hasn’t happened. However, I’m still a virgin, and thats a choice i made all on my own, without no one in my ear.
I can’t believe how kids i’ve seen with babies in the holder, the strollers, and on their arms. Its really sad. And some of the things these kids are doing is just….wow I applaud her for what she’s doing, but i think the issue its soooo big, that its gonna take alot more. But of course i respect what she’s doing.
Tue, April 14, 2009 6:59 PM
She looks lovely. And good for her in getting involved.
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:02 PM
She looks good! Wish her all the best! Nice to see young folks getting involved!
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:04 PM
Dee, you got a point! LOL
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:04 PM
Yeah my parents never gave me that talk really. But what they did do was they kept me extra busy, encouraged me to do well in school to the point I developed confidence in other areas besides my looks. Have nothing against premarital sex. I am 20 and I made a personal choice to remain a virgin till I find someone worthy. And I am glad because alot of guys today just want to use you and be done. Also I always thought I would be the one to get pregnant immediatley I started. Women in my family are extra fertile, that thought still scares me today. It amazes me with all the education we receive how people go around having sex randomly and not being safe, scary.
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:04 PM
What a frickin hypocrite…
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:04 PM
Right, I am 17 1/2 and have been with my bf for two yrs. I am still a virgin b/c that is my own personal choice not b/c my mom told me sex is some nasty shit . lol My mom is crazy!
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:06 PM
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH WOW!! Such a fan of Solange!!! I would definitely tune in for her show. She is like a Mariah in that she has a language that she speaks via interviews, clothes she wears and now twitter that ONLY her fans understand. I think all of it is a stone winner dahling!!! lol! Solange lambs unite…..
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:09 PM
Well, technically born again virgin! But I am still proud of myself!
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:10 PM
Solo looks excellent! And the interview was on point too. She was intelligent, and well-spoken. And while she dished a lil about her son she didn’t give the full synopsis. And the point that she bonds with Bey about music was cute. I’m sorry I’m just a dumb Bey-Sol fan, you’ll have to excuse me. I not what I say.
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:11 PM
Oh and just becuz you have get pregnant at 17 doesn’t mean that your parents didn’t do their job in the sex talk department and doesn’t mean that you can’t educate people on some of the choices you made and how they impacted your life. I GUARANTEE you that if you ask her today if she would have waited and NOT had Juelz she would be like I would do it they way I did it no regrets….We can’t judge her choices because she did what was best for her. She had family support and the means to support a child which is more than some grown folks got at 30yrs of age and older….Let’s climb down off the MORALITY HIGH HORSE for like 5 secs people!!!
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:12 PM
You know what….Solonge needs to honest about everything. she mentioned girls having sex in middle school and what not…she was one of those girls (so was her sister). If she got pregnant at 16, she was probably was having sex at 14 or 15. It only takes one time, but its obvious to me that she was “out there.” She can slice the cake anyway she wants, but it was always taste like “bullshi*t” to her “fans.” The rest of the educated public aren’t buying her or B’s lies. Seriously, why are celebs getting passes for their behavior? I don’t doubt she loves her son, but I seriously question her judgement. I’m sure that’s just a “muturity” thing, but have her tell “it’s everyone else who has the problems.” Next!
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:20 PM
Am I the only one bothered by the fact that the only thing Solange and her SISTER Beyonce bond over is ….music? Odd.
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:23 PM
it was a good interview, but as some people noted, it’s interesting solange doesn’t really talk about her own situation. not that she HAS too, but it is the elephant in the room.
cute shoes.
love mara brock akil, love the game. not sure about an akil-knowles pairing. side note: give melanie a new love interest!
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:23 PM
I don’t really care for her either which way but if she continues to tilt her head to the side and smile with that vacant expression one more time I’m going to scream!!!!
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:25 PM
I love Solo’s shoes and jeans! Need to know where I can get those shoes ASAP!
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:27 PM
I love solo, I think she is very real unlike beyonce..
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:27 PM
HIII
it’s my birthday today!!
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:28 PM
that’s my bday !!
dont love soso’s outfits :-(
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:30 PM
Why is the darkest girl in the back behind everybody in that last pic, not tryna turn this into a race thing but i do notice stuff like that.
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:34 PM
I was wondering why she wouldn’t talk about her situation too. Its not exactly a secret, and it would help if she did….
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:54 PM
TV show on the reality of her life? I hope it’s a teen show, because I think grown folk don’t necessarily find her life to be that interesting or distinguished.
Tue, April 14, 2009 7:57 PM
lol is this the chick who got a baby at 17, fuck out of here..i;ll rather get advise from superhead..solange is slut..where alot of rappers ran up through.
Tue, April 14, 2009 8:08 PM
lol @ safe sex advice coming from a teen mom. These celebs will do anything. She has about as much credibility as Jamie Lynn and Bristol.
Tue, April 14, 2009 8:30 PM
How did I know u guys were gonna come with this, hehe, u lil’ meanies u! It’s ok though, because she can encourage teens not to do it as early as she did.
BTW: ” I could’ve been in luv by now, if it wasn’t 4 T.O.N.Y-puuuuuuuuuuuullllllllllluuuuuuuupppp. Big tune!
Tue, April 14, 2009 8:32 PM
My goodness! What is wrong with you people. Dang ya’ll criticize alot. You all must be some lonely,low self-esteem, envious people. So what if the girl had a baby at 17. She was young. Is it not normal that people do grow up and mature throughout their experiences in life? I like Solange because she is her own individual and finding her way. Sit back and evaluate your life; now can you be calling the kettle black?
Tue, April 14, 2009 8:36 PM
She looks cute…I love her shoes and jeans
Love the interview…
being that she got pregnant at a young age, i think she’s the right person to teach teens about protecting themselves..ALTHOUGH, no one shud be having sex @ that age..it’s 2009 and we gotta be realistic..SMH!!
I dunno about that show tho, we’ll see…
*HAPPY B-DAY Mammamia* :-)
Tue, April 14, 2009 8:39 PM
I think those are Fendi shoes
Tue, April 14, 2009 9:11 PM
If she is gonna do something like this campaign, she needs to talk about her actually being a teen mom, getting pregnant at 16, having the baby at 17.
Otherwise, it makes her look like a hypocrite and like she is hiding her past when it is so obvious
Tue, April 14, 2009 9:27 PM
Solange is pretty. I like her outfit. For those who say should talk about her situation. Well, I am sure she will in time.
Solange are you going to make another CD? I love your music and your style. Go pretty girl!
Tue, April 14, 2009 9:30 PM
Tue, April 14, 2009 9:32 PM
Let’s take the informatiom any way we can get it. There are 70 thousand young people that follow her everyday on twitter. Let her talk about something other than what she’s wearing, or where she is in the world. Why are we so quick to call her a hypicrite? How can you be so selective about how kids,and adults, get knowledge? Let anyone that is willing to speak up, do it. Speak as loudly and as often as you please, I don’t care who it is or what there past is. Are you oppose to a person that has HIV speaking out about it? Or a person that has been pregnant telling young people how to prevent that? I hope not. If you are, I hope that YOU are speaking to young people and doing YOUR part.Let’s not throw stones. That’s not our job. Let’s be greateful to anybody, including Solange, for speaking out. I’m greatful to any person that doesn’t hoard information, knowledge, or experience.
Tue, April 14, 2009 9:38 PM
I agree!!
Tue, April 14, 2009 9:43 PM
I like Solange. Buy her CD ya’ll.
Tue, April 14, 2009 10:44 PM
Is my gravi up?
Tue, April 14, 2009 10:51 PM
Seriously…she did not say the ONLY thing..obviously it’s a common interest…
Tue, April 14, 2009 10:57 PM
It’s kinda funny that between her and beyonce, Solange is really emerging as the more outspoken. Rather than hearing another generic interview about ‘how blesssed she’s been’ Solange really takes a stand on the types of things that a lot of artists usually overlook.
She looks great and I’m happy that she’s staying real. Great interview.
Tue, April 14, 2009 11:31 PM
Solange on the music industry’s sexual responsibility: In my own videos, I don’t necessarily make a conscious effort to abstain from “oversexed” videos. The music that I put out–I want it to be a real portrayal of myself. And to be bikini clad is just not who I am. Artistry is true expression and I do not expect every artist to be a role model
, everyone makes mistakes and some don’t even practice what they preach verbatim. The past ten years artists have received a bad rep for letting our music stand for something, but we are now becoming more conscious of what we put out and our lyrics and I credit Obama and the recent election for that change, our lyrics should stand for something.
TELL THAT SHIT TO YOUR SISTER
Tue, April 14, 2009 11:43 PM
Does someone really have to carry beyonce’s umbrella (ela ela eh! sorry!)…i mean, the bitch got two hands right?
Tue, April 14, 2009 11:44 PM
My bad…wrong post!
Wed, April 15, 2009 12:20 AM
I love that song TONY and she looks really cute…those shoes are HOOOT!!! If she comes out wit a show…I will be there front and CENTER!
Wed, April 15, 2009 12:34 AM
Since the nose has been done
its time to shave that chin off a little Solange
Funny she speaks about bikini clad artists
cause that’s all Beyonce has been wearing lately
Wed, April 15, 2009 1:52 AM
luvs her and FINALLY she got it done on thhe slick tip looks fucking great Halle got a lil pinch love it the interview was good solo has a different mental and she still puts her real self as much as she can in the interviews fucks wit her,,,, her muisc is good to damn shame Lames are just judging her becus her sister chick is mad talented and on some other shit ……….
Wed, April 15, 2009 7:29 AM
THANK YOU MISS GQ,thanks you so much (the one to wish me it) soooo thks !! :-D
Wed, April 15, 2009 9:39 AM
I don’t feel like reading the article, but Solange look’s really cute!
Wed, April 15, 2009 9:42 AM
I was a virgin until I was 18. almost made it through my first year of college
Wed, April 15, 2009 9:45 AM
Keep up the GOOD WORK! but, Why do Solo ALWAYS, ALWAYS have on a nice outfit and SHOE COLOR that don’t have nothing to do with the outfit. SOLO “PLEASE LOOSE THE AQUAMARINE” and again Keep up the GOOD WORK!.
Wed, April 15, 2009 10:27 AM
what artists you see carrying their umbrella? Beyonce is not the 1st who hasnt. Diddy had a freakin assistant specifically for that ish. Stop nitpicking. I’m sure the bodyguards,etc getting paid to do it don’t mind
Wed, April 15, 2009 10:28 AM
She is so beautiful. Her blog and photos were found at agegap dating site ^^^Agelesskiss dot com^^^ last week. I am wondering what kind of relationship she is seeking on that site.
Wed, April 15, 2009 10:30 AM
I would DEFINITELY watch a Solange reality TV show. She’s interesting, profound, and has character… All which would make great TV. Let’s just let Mara Brock Akil deal with “The Game” drama first…
Wed, April 15, 2009 10:55 AM
They don’t seem close at all to me. Solange stays making back handed comments about Beyonce in interviews. Read the one above it sounds like she’s talking about her sister. They seem to have one of those “i love u b/c ur my sis, but if we weren’t related I wouldn’t mess w/u” type of relationships.
She appears to be closer to her friends than she is to her sister from what I’ve seen.
Wed, April 15, 2009 11:46 AM
ummm didn’t cee-lo write T.O.N.Y? At least that is what it says in the writing credits in her cd cover….
Wed, April 15, 2009 12:28 PM
cute shoes!
wish i could see the back of them.
Wed, April 15, 2009 12:35 PM
SOLANGE IS SO PRETTY AND TALENTED. I COMMEND HER FOR THE WORK SHE’S DOING!
Wed, April 15, 2009 1:06 PM
Some of you need to retract your comments…SMDH. POSTIVITY IN 2009 PLEASE
Wed, April 15, 2009 1:27 PM
SOLANGE IS SO CUTE I LOVE HER.
Wed, April 15, 2009 3:28 PM
WHAT ABOUT NOT HAVING SEX AT ALL? WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT? IF ANYONE WANTS TO START THAT CAMPAIGN COME GET AT ME! THAT IS THE PROBLEM TOO MANY HAVING SEX AT A YOUNG AGE IT IS NOT SACRED ANYMORE! THERE IS NOTHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO ANYMORE! PREACH THAT! I AINT HATIN I’M JUST SAYING!
Wed, April 15, 2009 3:57 PM
for someone who got knocked up prior to her highschool graduatiopn, maybe she is a good spokesperson on why SAFE sex is needed. Her perosnal story probably can do used as a great SCARE tactic for teens! Did she get pregnant before or after she had a contract with Disney?
Wed, April 15, 2009 4:30 PM
I love Solange, she is definately a YBF chick! Keep doing what you’re doing Solo!
Wed, April 15, 2009 4:53 PM
huh funny… she didnt practice safe sex cuz she was a teen mom and fyi… rubbers dont break like ppl try and claim… its called u just didnt use one… i have been havin sex since 16 and im 27 2 rubber mishaps 2 date… ok solo…
Wed, April 15, 2009 5:29 PM
how would we b envious of a teen mom… hello thats y we talkin crap cuz it wasnt cute in the 1950’s and its still not cute now…all these fast lil heffa aspiring to be strippers… stfu and stop tryna be a captin save a solong-ho… and if i was 14 15 and some high class bopper was tryna tell me to be safe but wasnt willing to share her life story… i wouldnt buy that crap she was sellin… ppl can say what they want about kiki cole and her fam bam but at least neffe kiki and frankie preach off they life… tru kids have sex young and tru they need to learn about it cuz babies is not all that u get when u dont use condoms…. but i dont want another fake -ality show xspecially starring so-ho….
Wed, April 15, 2009 9:42 PM
Actaully in the 1950s it was cute! lol. Most woman around that time were married and had children at the age of 15. Yeah, Solange isn’t perfect but girls might be able to connect with her more after knowing her personal experience. And by the way anything is better than watching Keisha Cole’s deadbeat mooching ass momma and Prima Donna ass sister on tv. Quit hating on Solange, everybody make mistakes. I’m sure you’re no saint either, honey.
Sat, April 18, 2009 5:34 PM
when ur married 1st and children 2nd that is always ok… but in the 1950’s unwed teen mothers were frowned upon even more so than they r now… thats why they had homes for unwed mothers or ur kid got knocked up and u sent to “aunt june’s in alabama” until she had her baby…tons of chicks that grad wit my mom got knocked up at prom {‘67} and got married over the summer… they all tried to run that same story… “honeymoon baby” bs… like heffa stop lyin u kno u had 2 wedding dresses… ne ways true i am not perfect but i was resposible at 16 kno 2 use pills and condoms… so again stop tryna captain save a so-hoe… and u already kno them knowles dont keep it real they keep it edited… she aint gonna tell the real like yeah i was sneakin out and doin this and that and didnt use protection then i got pregger and my daddy made me marry this guy i didnt really like and now i got a baby daddy, a divorce and a kid under my belt….
Sun, April 26, 2009 10:44 PM
She looks more natural than Bey.
As to her early pregnancy, she could indeed be an excellent spokesperson about safe sex issues precisely because of her own experience. Regardless of how well she has adapted, no one prefers to have a child that young.
It would have been nice if the interview had explored this angle and she would have been seen as having lots more credibility. Was the interviewer uncomfortable about addressing this? If so that was unfortunate.
Mon, July 6, 2009 2:46 PM
I had a baby at 17, not proud of it, and I never got the sex talk. i don’t think it’s cause I didn’t get the sex talk I think it’s cause my mom never showed she cared therefore I struggled to see the point. However I don’t think getting to be next to my child is sad. I have only tried to make the best of what I can’t change. She’s my daughter, and I never want her to feel ashamed. It’s funny how everyone thinks the older you are the better parents you’d be. But if you look at the news it’s the 30’s or 40 year old moms that are pushing their kids off bridges. It’s not recommended to have your kid young, but at the same time who says you’re guaranteed to be a failure?
Mon, July 6, 2009 2:55 PM
funny how everyone talks crap when someone makes a mistake- and have a baby, they never let it go. But if someone got drunk and killed somebody you would only talk about it for the 20 seconds its on tv.