If you live in the Greater Toronto area, more specifically Hamilton, then you’ve experienced a non-eventful weekend… weather wise. Musically, with album releases like Solange’s latest effort along with electronic singer Banks. I will try keep the introduction short, but I have been a fan of Solange, also known as Solo, and her work for quite some time. From her music projects like the 2012 (which I can’t believe the time) extended play titled True to her eclectic collection named Saint Heron showcasing standout R&B indie musicians like Sampha and Kelela whom are on her album… it’s safe to say that Beyonce isn’t the only sister who has some musical genius in the family. Here are eight inarguable reasons as to why to you need have a seat at Solo’s table.
Her Style
Ever since she released her second album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St.Dreams, Solange has separated herself from her big sis’ in a huge way with her quirky sense of style. From mix-matching prints to creating a whole new funky outfit, she rivals the best in the industry like Rihanna and many others.
Her Hair
With natural hair, being on the rise for many black women for a few years, there is no denying that Solo has had a huge influence with this. The picture to the right is her rocking what’s now known as the ‘big-chop’. This is a process where women cut off all other the hair that contains chemicals in them… returning the hair into its natural for. This picture had to be at least seven years ago. Many people in the media didn’t even know what that meant until afterwards. She continues to slay with her blowouts to her long box braids and her afro. Go on girl!
Her Family
I can’t just post about Solo without talking about her kins. It is clear to see her love and dedication for her son on her instagram posts. In 2014, she broke the internet with her wedding to music directer Alan Ferguson; having everyone wear white while the bride herself still slaying! Of course I have to mention her big sister Beyonce somewhere in this paragraph. They have worked together in the past with Solo writing songs for Bey in Destiny’s child; I hope for future collaborations because the Knowles’ sisters are a magical music combination. Her father, Mr. Knowles has had a deep influence on her, some of the reasons are obvious especially on this current album. Tina, Solange’s mother not only influenced her style, but also what it means to love being black… which is pretty special in many ways.
The Music
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What I appreciate about Solange is that she takes her time crafting her music. It has been four years since the release of True (which I still play today) and I still can’t get the song Losing You out of my head. Another point would be how far away she tries to separate herself from pop culture and it’s saturation, being indie in a world where they try to compare her to artists who are considered superstars. Her music is simple yet effective in the message at the moment.
A Crane In The Sky
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There are only words for me to describe Solo’s song and the video which was released from her latest album: sadness, beauty, depression, understanding, ethereal, nature, sorrow, harmony, soulful, redemption, hope, classic, unity, baggage, emptiness, rhythmic, lightness and heavy.
F.U.B.U. (For Us By Us)
This song is another standout from Solo’s third album. You get a sense of pride because there is a feeling like she is right in the room singing the song to you. It’s emotional and relatable in the times that we live in with gun violence and racial profiling which is a touchy topic for many including myself, but it evokes confidence; I just feel like raising my left fist like no one’s business.
Mad Featuring Lil’Wayne
Another highlight off of A Seat at The Table, I have many reasons why this song is so important in 2016. From Lil’Wayne’s aggressive lyrics about the frustrations of being black in America to Solange opposing the stereotypical angry black woman vocals hitting people hard with her soft light falsettos from left to right; then there’s Tweet in the background stating, “I got a lot to me mad about,” this gets me every time!
A Seat at The Table
Lastly, I have to explain why this album is important in this day of age. With topics spanning from issues like what it’s like to be black, a millennial, Tina’s words of encouragement and shutting down the white lives matter topic, then there’s her father discussing how he dealt with the harshness of racism years ago. I have a lot of respect for Master P. He spoke in the majority of what I call skits/interludes in the album, speaking about trying not to sell out in the music industry and also (this stood out to me) how black kids who are poor can’t just go to rehab… they have to ‘rehab’ themselves. Very powerful words. Other highlights of the album is the opener Rise,the soulful Weary, Junie which has a Prince feel to it, the political song called Don’t Touch My hair features the multi-talented singer-songwriter Sampha who also produced the song (which is on the repeat button) and shall I mention the video which is amazing, Borderline (An Ode to Self Care) which features the legendary rapper Q-Tip, and last Scales that is one of the more darker songs album featuring one of my favourite up and coming singer Kelela.
A Seat At The Table addresses uncomfortable topics that are more than necessary to discuss in 2016. It’s loud without having to be aggressive, but lyrically explosive. You might not be able to dance to the record, but it will make you think, feel and uplift.
Grab a chair and take a seat.
Hammer Style Girl 