Solange Knowles on Being Compared to Beyoncé: ‘It Shouldn’t Be Surprising’

The Knowles family is anything but a one-hit wonder: With the release of her third studio album, Solange proved she can be as talented, dynamic and influential as older sister Beyoncé. A Seat at the Table has frequently been compared to Lemonade, and Solange says it makes sense that the two albums would be similar.

“It shouldn’t be surprising that two people who grew up in the same household with the same parents who are very, very aware—just like everyone else is—of all of the inequalities and the pain and suffering of our people right now, would create art that reflects that,” she told the FADER.

Their mother, Tina Knowles, was a major influence in both of their work, Solange said: “Through her voice and organizing, and her really being an advocate for black equality — and obviously through the intro of ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’—people are a little clearer in terms of the upbringing that we had and us having these very politically-charged, socially-charged conversations on a daily basis.”

“I’m really proud of my sister and I’m really proud of her record and her work and I’ve always been,” Solange said. “As far as I’m concerned, she’s always been an activist from the beginning of her career and she’s always been very, very black. My sister has always been a voice for black people and black empowerment. And I give so much of that credit to my parents.”

As for A Seat at the Table, Solange hopes that it’s uplifting while still being a commentary on society. “Although I wanted the album to have those moments of grief, and being able to be angry and express rage, and trying to figure out how to cope in those moments,” she said. “I also wanted it to make people feel empowered and [that] in the midst of all of this we can still dream, and uplift, and laugh like we always have.”

Read the full interview at thefader.com