Los Angeles-based female rapper, songwriter, and film producer Helecia Choyce, better known as Rapper SKG sits down with us to speak about working with record executive, businessman and university lecturer, Mathew Knowles. He is best known for being the manager of Destiny’s Child. He also once managed the solo careers of his daughters Beyoncé and Solange Knowles.
SKG is back – with another story about working with legends in the entertainment industry. Her album “Unfinished Business” is available now on all streaming platforms.
Read Below as we interview SKG about working with the legendary Mathew Knowles.
1. Before Meeting Mr. Knowles
Interviewer • What did you think of Mr. Knowles before meeting him?
SKG • Of course the first thing you think about is Queen Bey. Like ok, this is the man that created “Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé” and Solange. A lineage full of greatness so of course I was nervous to meet Mr. Knowles because I didn’t know what to really expect.
Interviewer • What did you expect or hope to gain from working with him?
SKG • Whenever you’re around greatness, you want to absolutely learn. It’s better to talk less and listen more. I wanted some of his wisdom. You have to remember before Mr. Knowles was managing Destiny’s Child, he worked for a Fortune 500 company. He was always a smart man and really created his own lane within the Industry and help shift the culture. So I definitely wanted to gain knowledge and wisdom from him. That was very important for me.
2. Your Music Journey & Meeting Mr. Knowles:
Interviewer • How did you get into music before meeting Mr. Knowles?
SKG • My Older Brother “Trayveon Choyce” introduced me to music at an early age. Once I became older, I went to my first studio session and later ended up signing a deal with Death Row Records.
Interviewer • What led to your work with him?
SKG • I was actually introduce to Mr. Knowles by a very good mutual friend, that I consider family named “DC Coles”. DC is a music video director and movie director and actually directed Destiny’s child earlier music videos. DC and Mr. Knowles are very good friends. DC informed me that Mr. Knowles wanted to get a distribution deal for a Destiny’s Child Documentary. He has a lot of Destiny’s Child footage from back in the day, and Mr. Knowles was looking to secure a distribution deal for the project. DC and I are partners on a few film projects and he merged the partnership between Mr. Knowles and I. Crediting DC for the connection, which allowed me to work with Mr. Knowles and also have him as a Keynote Speaker for a few of my “Girlfriends and Champagne” events.
3. First Impressions:
Interviewer • What did you think of Mr. Knowles at first?
SKG • I was really nervous with my first time meeting Mr. Knowles. I flew into Houston from Los Angeles. I arrived at Mr. Knowles record label and office “Music World” when I arrived to the label and first walked in, lined up against the wall was awards for Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé and Solange. It was so motivating to see all those award’s, and then a tall man came from around the corner to greet me and it was Mr. Knowles. It was a really great moment. It was honestly like hanging out with one of my uncles. Mr. Knowles was so down to earth and really made me feel welcomed to be at the label.
Interviewer • Any goals or hopes you had going into the collaboration?
SKG • I was just hoping to learn as much as possible. I wanted to understand exactly what Mr. Knowles was looking for in regards to securing distribution for the Destiny’s Child Documentary and to make sure I was able to deliver.
4. Working Together:
Interviewer • What was it like working with Mr. Knowles?
SKG • Working with Mr. Knowles really taught me to be punctual and make sure my words are met with action. He wanted the best hotel, car service and a detailed itinerary. Mr. Knowles definitely doesn’t play any games and when he show up he is 100 percent about Business.
Interviewer • Did Mr. Knowles change the way you handle music industry challenges?
SKG • He actually made me look at social media a different way. He said he doesn’t engage and argue with people online because you could be arguing with a child. He said he doesn’t pay attention to social media or even be on social media other than having his team do brand post. He also said Beyoncé is the same way. They try not to focus too much on the negativity that come with social media. Instead the goal is to focus on brand awareness.
6. Growth and Lessons:
Interviewer •How did this experience help you grow as an artist was there any pivotal moments ?
SKG • I actually enjoyed having life talks with Mr. Knowles. Just sitting in his office, both Solange and Beyoncé called him. And just hearing him on the phone with his girls and listening to how proud he is of his daughters was a touching moment for me. I feel like their family really demonstrates Black Excellence. Understanding no family is perfect but to see them still in the game working hard and
over coming everything they’ve had to deal with, still moving with grace and also staying grounded and down to earth is commendable. Listening to the stories Mr. Knowles shared about Beyoncé and how she was so shy as a child but how him and her mom kept instilling leadership into her and watching her become one of the leaders of our culture. I enjoyed hearing Mr. Knowles speaking of Solange and how her penmanship is untouchable. As a Artist myself it was inspiring but also just to see a Black Father instill greatness into his Black Daughters was a great moment to witness.
7. Behind-the-Scenes:
Interviewer • How was working with Mr. Knowles different from other industry experiences, Got any cool behind-the-scenes stories?
SKG • Watching the tapes that he had in the vault of Destiny’s Child and Beyoncé really showed how long they’ve graced the industry with hard work and dedication. It made me reflect on myself as an artist. I think it was different working with Mr. Knowles because when he spoke, he wasn’t speaking from an arrogant place. So it made it easier to listen and take notes. He spoke from a nurturing aspect.
8. Personal Reflections:
Interviewer • How has this experience changed your view of your career or the industry?
SKG • Being able to get knowledge and game from Mr. Knowles really elevated my thought process. I learned a lot from my interaction with him especially the importance of hard work and dedication.
