Yea! I said it! lol And I mean every word. Solange Knowles (one of my favorite natural beauties) is and has always been an inspiring, original, multi-talented artist, both singing and dancing (and vogueing) to the beat of her own drum. If you're oblivious to her accomplishments both in the fashion and music world, just listen, you'll want to do research and dig up any picture she's ever taken, song she's written and/or been featured on. Her voice is crisp and soft, sultry and certain. Every song is so deep and soooooo what I (as a black woman) FEEL (see track 9: Don't Touch My Hair).
“Dont test my mouth, they say the truth is my sound.”
I feel exactly what she's describing. I can feel her joy and pain through the music. I feel her strength. Thats like super rare for music these days. The majority of mainstream artists don't really feed their audience valuable substance anymore. It Solange gave us A Seat at the Table and a served us 21 nourishing dishes. So for me to attempt to make this a quick 'Ajia thinks Solange is the shit' rant, or post...I literally had to blog about it. Im Almost seven years into blogging. Ive lately become extremely crucial on myself about what I share with my audience. Words stir up emotions...this album is raw. She tells it like it is but with strength. Kinda like when you can laugh about something that used to make you cry...even if the laugh is just to keep from crying. Ok ok lemme break it down to a few key points bc yeah, shits just got that real:
My favorites (just bc saying the entire album doesn't explain why shits so real)
A Seat at the Table
1. Rise "Fall in your ways so you can crumble" "Walk in your ways so you won't crumble." These phrases along with six other phrases say to me...Be purposeful in your walk to stand strong. If we fall in our ways we crumble. This says to me bad habits will leave you in crumbles. Go listen and let me know what you take from it.
2. Ok first off, I tried to take moments to really soak everything, write a short review of each song.......hahahahaha and I got lost lmao. If you haven't listened by now WAKE UP!!!! LMAO Everything above this paragraph was written around 2 am monday. Its 11:45pm tuesday afternoon and I'm still listening, I just can't put in words the magnitude of the blessing of her words and energy bring.
3. Ok so by the time you get through the album you'll wonder if Solo put one in the air to channel the late great Aaliyah. Thats literally the only artist that can compare to the mellow, sexy, and nonchalant vibe of this album. I hate to bring anyone up to describe how nice Solange is on the mic but come on just close your eyes and listen.
4. Aight so for any non-black people who've wanted to gain an understanding bad enough that you've actually reached this point: Listen to track 8 (Tina Taught Me) followed by track 13. If you still have questions like why we always 'so mad' lol listen to track 5 (Dad Was Mad) followed by track 6. Solange is her mama and daddys daughter. Bottom line. And she just so happens to have the gift and courage to speak up for those of us who don't. Thanks Solange!!!
5. Like I'm so inspired I'm arranging 'A Seat At The Table' Luncheon for black business women. This album is a reminder thats it's ok for us black women to be emotional. To be vulnerable and to be a bitch if need be without being labeled 'the angry black woman' we are all just human. Well we do have that black girl magic no one else possess but that can mean a range of things (like the ability our hair has to defy gravity and take and hold any shape we feel necessary).
6. This is my favorite album of all time. Because for me as a 27 year old black woman in 2016, I've gone through a lot with myself, family, friends, and associates. Just the world around me in general. I've often felt misunderstood. Been called crazy all my life lol only to hear an album like this remind that I may be crazy but nah not stupid. This is a tough body to live in in todays world. I own that shit. Solo just reminded us in 21 tracks that we better be fuckn proud bc we have every right to be. I AM. <3
7. Can I just say s/o to Solo for featuring the great Master P. The man who broke records and paved the way for other rap artists from the streets. S/o to Wayne for spilling his heart. Lord knows so many of us needed the reminder to let go. S/o to Tweet for blessing us wit a moment her voice is angelic. Ok I can't continue to go on bc I won't stop!!! Play F.U.B.U. and know I'm vibing wit you right now!!! <3 <3 <3 <3
with love,
AjiaZ
Wait! I forgot to mention the powerful imagery!!! How could I forget!!
Solo's visuals feature beautiful natural black girls of every shade. This shows little black girls everywhere their own beauty in the media. Growing up we only saw black women with relaxed hair so we relaxed our hair in the name of beauty. Its that important. The album means so much to my black girls.
I think the point she's making is when you're confident and beautiful it sensate matter what you wear, bc YOU wear the clothes, they shouldn't ever wear you.