In an official statement released yesterday, Kelly Rowland and Matthew Knowles (Beyonce’s father) announced that they were ending their “professional relationship.” Kelly has been under his management since her Destiny’s Child days, and he took over her career when she decided to go solo. Matthew also manages his daughters Beyonce and Solange, and another former Destiny’s Child member, Michelle Williams. He also started Music World, a record company that produces all of the music for his clients. The separation from Matthew Knowles will also mean a separation from his company.
In the joint statement, Kelly and Matthew try to curtail negative press by playing nice, but I’m not buying it:
“After a very positive meeting between Kelly Rowland and myself, we have amicably agreed to end our professional relationship. My company, Music World, will continue to manage Destiny’s Child as a group. As an artist Kelly has incredible talent and I only wish her the best. We will always be family first and foremost, and as a dad I only have love for Kelly.” – Mathew Knowles
“Mathew Knowles has been a positive influence in my career. I have had great success under his guidance – both as a member of Destiny’s Child and with my solo projects. Although we have decided to part ways professionally, the Knowles family and the entire Music World Entertainment team will always be my family.” – Kelly Rowland
[from That Grape Juice]
The split is especially surprising because Kelly considers Matthew to be a father, and he raised her as a daughter. During the Destiny’s Child days, Kelly actually lived in the Knowles house, and grew to think of them as her family. But it’s also true that Matthew Knowles does not have the best reputation. Like Joe Simpson, the father of Jessica and Ashlee, Matthew is known for being a bit of a hard ass. It takes a lot of tough love to raise successful superstar kids, but I’ve always heard that his temper got the best of him too often.
If Destiny’s Child decides to go back on tour – something they’re always hinting at – I wonder how they’ll handle it. He says that his company will manage the group, but the reunion will probably be tension-filled.
For anyone who’s interested, here’s the link to Matthew Knowles’ latest project. It’s a British girl group called “From Above” and they’re filming a reality show about their struggles to make it to the top. They’ll be releasing the show and their album sometime in 2009.
Matthew Knowles is shown on 8/21/08. Credit: PRPhotos Kelly Rowland is shown on 5/12/08 and 1/21/09. Credit: WENN
Its about damn time!!
sounds like he’s been doing a great job since beyonce is huge and i didn’t even know rowlands was still in the biz…
He does seem like the overbearing Joe Simpson type. At least he’s not being a perv and talking about his clients’ breasts! Joe hit an all-time low with that one.
I hate the misuse of the word “myself.” Sounds like a hockey interview.
I don’t blame her for firing him. Beyonce’s career is on fire and everyone else kind of forgot the other two existed. They clearly aren’t the priority. Kelly and Michelle (who’ll probably fire him next) are very talented, a better agent will market them.
*applauds*
Finally! As soon as he had her delay her album after her massive hit with Nelly a few years ago, because he didn’t want her to compete with Beyonce’s first solo album, she should have fired him then.
I always had the sense that for him Destiny’s Child was nothing more than a vehicle for his daughter.
Not to be cruel, but Kelly who? Oh the other one Beyonce cast off like a lead weight because it was good for her career.
WhaddaBitch.
Matthew Knowles is in this for his Beyonce…he’s been “managing” the other two so they won’t won’t jeopardize Beyonce’s career status as the reigning queen of R&B. Kelly had a great song with Nelly and Matthew did not get her album promoted properly. The jackass wanted to make sure both women were under his thumb. I’m glad she’s finally gotten rid of him.
Not to sound superficial, but wow, she’s really pretty.
Finally, a beautiful black woman who embraces that she’s black and doesn’t try to look as white as possible.
Mathew Said that “My company, Music World, will continue to manage Destiny’s Child as a group.” does that mean DC will get back together.
kelly did the right thing. she needs to leave and fine her voice.
ive seen and heard interviews where kelly and beyonce have admited that beyonces first solo album took a year because of kelly big break with DILEMMA the song shes in with nelly which contradicts all of the comments above saying otherwise.I think its a good carrier move for kelly i think shes talented and gorgeous hope everything works out for her! and ppl please grow tha F up and stop talking trash about beyonce.
The Knowles should be ashamed of themselves the way they did ALL of the Destinys Child Members. KELLY you have always been the better singer, definitely more humble and prettier. God has his arms around you and best believe The Knowles will get whats coming to them. You did right because it’s all about Beyonce and that talentless sister Solongoffkey………OOOPPPS my bad Solange! My God she can’t sing live or delayed! and she has a HORRIBLE ATTITUDE!!! will you please go and SIT down and then SHUT-UP Beyonce lil sister! You are without talent and personality!