It was only a few weeks ago that Beyoncé and father Mathew Knowles denied any break in their professional relationship.
But tonight came this statement, direct from papa Knowles:
“The decision for Beyoncé and Music World Entertainment to part was mutual. We did great things together, and I know that she will continue to conquer new territories in music and entertainment.
“Business is business and family is family. I love my daughter and am very proud of who she is and all that she has achieved. I look forward to her continued great success.
Beyoncé told the Associated Press she was “grateful for everything he has taught me. I grew up watching both he and my mother manage and own their own businesses. They were hardworking entrepreneurs and I will continue to follow in their footsteps.”
Let’s be honest. The split will likely have minimal effect on Beyoncé’s career. Despite her father’s early guidance, she seems to have been in charge through most of her solo turns and has a strong ally in husband Jay-Z. A new album is in the works and due later this year.
Beyoncé’s leaving completes (or completely breaks) the DC circle. Kelly Rowland parted with Knowles as her manager in 2009, and Michelle Williams followed a year later.
He says he is now focused on the “tremendous investment” Music World has made in the gospel genre and his teaching gig at Texas Southern University. (A surprise visit from B now seems unlikely.)
Music World will continue its partnership with Sony with Destiny’s Child and promising UK girl group From Above, who has yet to release an album that has been in the works for at least two years.
