Little sister Solange is a creative in every sense of the word – fashion, art, dance, song, and so much more. Her imagination seems endless, and nearly all of that genius is on display in “Don’t Touch My Hair.”
The video is so rich that it’s almost impossible to turn away, and that’s likely exactly according to Solange’s plan. “I wanted to express an almost stately look for black men and women, because I feel like historically we haven’t been put in the most regal or majestic context,” she explained to Vogue. “I set out to create that in the album sonically, and I wanted that to carry through in the visuals as well… to represent black sisterhood, strength, pride, and elevate the black man and all of his beauty and glory. This was our way of contributing to that narrative.”
And what a gorgeous narrative she’s written in “Don’t Touch My Hair.” It’s filled with beautiful black people in all shades – some in motion, some nearly stark still, but all seen through a lens that worships them, instead of tokenizes, demonizes, or ignores them altogether. It’s perhaps so beautiful because it’s a perspective that is indeed so rare.
Throughout the video’s exquisite scenes, Solange is there with her gossamer tones, singing that the luscious hair you see is a crown, a spirit guide, a historical legacy, and a liberator. It IS worthy of worship.
So come praise alongside the younger Knowles sister, but hands off. Despite her dreamy sound most of the song, she WILL check you if necessary…
…“what you say to me?”
𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘:
“You know this hair is my sh*t
Rolled the rod, I gave it time
But this here is mine”