Beyoncé Interviewed Solange About Sexism, Artistry And Whether She’s A Good Big Sister

Interview magazine has blessed us this day, releasing an interview of demi-god Solange by renowned journalist and demi-god, Beyoncé Knowles.

Aside from revealing how the notoriously private siblings actually talk to each other (Beyoncé uses “rock star!” as a compliment, something that will make me happy for infinity years) and how, as a big sister, Beyoncé still relishes in embarrassing Solange (“One of my proudest moments as a sister was when I was able to introduce you to your hero, Nas, and you cried and acted a fool. I was so surprised that Mrs. Too-cool-for-everything was acting a fool.”) the piece explores how difficult it is for women to assert authorship of their own work.

“As far back as I can remember, our mother always taught us to be in control of our voice and our bodies and our work, and she showed us that through her example,” Solange says. “Society labels that a control freak, an obsessive woman, or someone who has an inability to trust her team or to empower other people to do the work, which is completely untrue.”

When Beyoncé asks Solange about common misconceptions about being a strong woman — Beyoncé herself having often been criticised for her tight image control — Solange cites Jessica Hopper’s 2015 interview with Björk in which the artist laments how a man is almost always given the credit for her work. “One thing that I constantly have to fight against is not feeling arrogant when I say I wrote every lyric on this album. I still have not been able to say that,” Solange says. “That’s the first time I’ve actually ever said it, because of the challenges that we go through when we celebrate our work and our achievements.”

“It’s something I’ve learned so much about from you, getting to be in control of your own narrative. And, at this point, it should be an expectation, not something that you’re asking permission for,” she continued. In 2013, Solange and frequent collaborator, Dev Hynes, had a public falling out over writing credits on her EP, True (they have since reunited on stage).

Although the interview is a glittering thesis on believing in yourself and trusting your instincts, some of the best bits are when it just becomes about whether Beyoncé is a good big sister or not. Spoiler: she is! “You were the most patient, loving, wonderful sister ever,” Solange says, thoughtfully. “I was expecting something funny, but I’ll take it,” replies Beyoncé. How good are sisters.

You can (and should) read the whole interview here.