Why Solange Knowles Is The Real Underrated Icon Of The Family

Solange Knowles is incredibly badass, and here’s why.

Solange Piaget Knowles is, without question, one of a kind. While often recognized as Beyoncé’s younger sister, Solange has not just carved out a lane —she has designed the blueprint for today’s icon. From her timeless music to her incredible contributions across the creative industry, the Houston star wears many hats, proving herself to be a living legend. Let’s explore the diverse roles she has taken on and the impact she has created.

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Devoted Mother

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Daniel Julez J. Smith Jr. attends The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

When it comes to her beautiful son, Julez, motherhood is Solange’s first priority. The proud mother of the 21-year-old has centered her life around co-

Television and Film Actress

Before Solange Knowles redefined music and art, the Houston star built an impressive roster of film and television appearances. She was booked and busy, working on popular projects such as “Yo Gabba Gabba!,” “One on One,” “Bring It On: All or Nothing” and “Johnson Family Vacation.” She even voiced a character on the hit animated show “The Proud Family.”

Singer & Songwriter

Solange has always possessed a strong pen game as she helped her big sister, Beyoncé, write her hit record, “Get Me Bodied.”

Grammy Award Winner – “Cranes In The Sky”

Solange’s writing talent didn’t just bless Destiny’s Child and her sister, Beyoncé; she also gave the world a masterpiece with her hit single, “Cranes in the Sky,” from her critically acclaimed studio album, “A Seat at the Table.”

“A Seat at the Table” Debuts at No.1 on Billboard 200

NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 07: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Solange Knowles (L) attends “A Seat At The Table”, a listening event for Solange’s new album at Saint Heron House on October 7, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images)

Nearly ten years after its release, fans still stream the unforgettable and massively successful album, “A Seat at the Table.” Recognized as one of her best works, it captivated listeners by blending an old-school soul feel with a modern feel. The album’s quality was undeniable, which landed her on the Billboard 200 list.

First Black Woman To Compose New York City Ballet

It was only fitting for Solange to become the first Black woman to compose music for the New York City Ballet with her 2022 piece, “Play Time.” This achievement marked a pivotal moment in classical music history.

Founder of Saint Heron

NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 07: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) A general view of the atmosphere at “A Seat At The Table”, a listening event for Solange’s new album at Saint Heron House on October 7, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images)

Beyond being a phenomenal singer and songwriter, Solange is a certified boss. In 2013, she launched Saint Heron — a creative agency, record label, and cultural platform that spotlights artists across various disciplines.

“When I Get Home”

“When I Get Home” was a powerful exploration of Black music and identity. This experimental project, tied with its captivating visuals, helped Solange to form a deeper, more personal connection with her audience.

Creative Director

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 10: Singer Solange Knowles (Puma shoe detail) celebrates the release of her “Saint Heron” compilation album outside of Opening Ceremony in Soho on November 10, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Following the launch of Saint Heron, Solange took on the role of art director for Puma’s “Girls of Blaze” women’s sneaker line in 2013. She also served as an ambassador for Armani Jeans and was the face of Rimmel London and Carol’s Daughter.

Scholar-In-Residence at USC Thornton School of Music

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: (L-R) Jason King and Solange Knowles speak onstage as USC Thornton School of Music appoints Solange Knowles “Scholar-In-Residence” in collaboration with Saint Heron at USC Thornton School of Music on October 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for USC Thornton School/Solange Knowles)

In October 2025, Solange was appointed the first scholar-in-residence at the USC Thornton School of Music. In this role, she will help develop the school’s music curation curriculum and teach a future course on musical and cultural practices, beginning in 2027.

Lena Horne Prize Recipient

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 28: Solange Knowles speaks onstage at the Lena Horne Prize Event Honoring Solange Knowles Presented by Salesforce at the Town Hall on February 28, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images for The Town Hall)

Solange has also built a strong reputation for her activism. She has used her platform to advocate for civil rights, gender equality, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and greater access to the arts for youth. Through her contributions and donations to hurricane relief and arts initiatives, she was honored with the Lena Horne Prize for her commitment to social justice.

HBO’s “Insecure” Co-Music Supervisor

LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 31: (L-R) Moderator Regina King, Executive Producer/Director Melina Matsoukas, Executive Producer/Director/Writer Prentice Penny, Co-Creator/Executive Producer/Writer/Actor Issa Rae, and actors Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, and Natasha Rothwell speak onstage at Insecure FYC at Television Academy on May 31, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO)

Ever wondered why the soundtrack behind HBO’s hit dramedy “Insecure” was such a vibe? You can thank Solange for that. The superstar collaborated with creator and producer Issa Rae to curate the musical soundscape for the show’s first two seasons.

Saint Heron Library

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 28: Crown Royal and Solange Knowles for Saint Heron celebrate partnership on August 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)

The iconic superstar made a groundbreaking move to maintain arts and literature by launching her digital library.

Iconic Performance Venues

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 01: Solange performs during Orion’s Rise: A Special Performance With Solange And The Sun Ra Arkestra at The Kennedy Center on October 1, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Knowles is among the select few artists who have headlined prestigious performance arts venues, including the Hollywood Bowl, the Kennedy Center, and Radio City Music Hall, to present concerts that showcase staged choreography set against intricate, illuminating lighting, creating a truly breathtaking experience.

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