Wale addressed his past connection with Solange Knowles, and shed light on long-running rumors during a recent appearance on Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe.
While discussing his early career and creative influences, the Washington, D.C. rapper addressed speculation about whether he and Solange were romantically involved. According to Wale, their relationship was rooted more in friendship, mutual respect, and artistic support than anything else.
"No, we was real good friends," Wale said. He went on to praise Solange's taste and instincts, calling her one of the first major celebrity figures to genuinely support his music at a time when he was still largely underground. Wale recalled that they performed together at the MTV Video Music Awards, where his band served as the house band, and that the collaboration helped strengthen their bond.
He credited Solange with introducing him to new worlds beyond music, including fashion and culture. Wale said she exposed him to brands like Givenchy and fragrances such as Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb, details that later found their way into his lyrics for the song "Lotus Flower Bomb."
Wale emphasized that these references weren't meant to signal a specific romantic muse, but rather reflected that period of his life and growth.
Wale also spoke highly of Solange's foresight, saying she recognized his potential long before his mainstream success. "If anybody knows Solo, they know that she's always ahead," he said, adding that she saw in him what many others would only come to recognize years later.
Rumors about a possible relationship between Wale and Solange date back to the early 2010s, fueled largely by their public appearances together, collaborations, and lyrical references that fans speculated were about her. Neither artist ever publicly confirmed a romantic relationship, and both have largely avoided addressing the topic until now. Wale's comments appear to confirm that while there was a close bond, it was primarily platonic and creatively driven.
Solange's name has also surfaced in other music-world relationship stories over the years. In a separate interview on Funny Marco's Open Thoughts, Omarion reflected on briefly dating Solange during their teenage years while touring overseas with B2K.
Omarion said the two became boyfriend and girlfriend for a short period on that tour and described Solange as "deep," recalling that she once gifted him healing stones or crystals. He added that he still looks back fondly on that time, even though "life has happened."