16: Solange – Powerful Women of 2013
Starting her career by singing and dancing backup for Destiny's Child, Solange may be Beyonce's little sister but the soulful R&B singer has been able to forge her own career by doing her own thing. She made a name for herself acting in films like 2004's 'Johnson Family Vacation' and 2006's 'Bring It On: All or Nothing.' She also wrote songs for various artists including her sister -- penning 'Upgrade U' and 'Get Me Bodied' for 'B'Day.'
Although she released an album at 14, she got her break in music after releasing 'I Decided' in 2008, which Rolling Stone named a breakthrough single. She released 'Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams' later that year. Her follow-up 'True' was released for digital download in November 2012, and came out on CD and vinyl in January. As a result, the singer was one of the must-see acts at this year's SXSW and was well-received by critics.
Now, she's focused on crafting a new effort to bring her sound to fans' loyal ears.