**Solange Knowles and Daniel Smith Celebrate Their Son’s Growth and Achievements**
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Solange Knowles, the acclaimed singer and sister of Beyoncé, has navigated the complex path of motherhood while also establishing herself as a powerhouse in the music industry. She welcomed her son, Daniel “Julez” Smith Jr., with her ex-husband Daniel Smith in October 2004, when she was just 17 years old. Now a model on the rise, Julez has grown into a young adult, marking a significant milestone in his life.
Julez was born on October 18, 2004, in the midst of Knowles’ early career. In a candid essay for Teen Vogue published in May 2017, she reflected on the unique challenges she faced as a young mother, especially after the tragic loss of a childhood friend. Knowles recalled her fears and the societal judgments she encountered, assuring her younger self that her decision to embrace motherhood was rooted in love.

The path of co-parenting has not always been straightforward for Knowles and Smith. The couple, who were high school sweethearts, married before Julez’s birth but divorced in 2007 after three years of marriage. In an interview with Honey magazine, Knowles shared insights into their co-parenting dynamic, acknowledging the benefits of having differing parenting styles that ultimately provided their son with a well-rounded upbringing.
Following their split, both Knowles and Smith played active roles in their son’s life. After relocating to Los Angeles, Knowles expressed the importance of providing stability for Julez, stating that it was vital for him to grow roots in one place. She later described their move to New Orleans as a long-held dream, recognising the perfect timing for Julez to establish friendships and community ties.
Another noteworthy aspect of Julez’s life is his relationship with his siblings. While he is Knowles’ only child, he has four half-siblings from his father’s other relationships: Saniya, Klover, Legend, and Five. Smith is known for his commitment to family, regularly paying tribute to his children on social media. His posts reflect a strong familial bond, celebrating the joys of fatherhood.
At a young age, Julez stepped into the spotlight as the face of Baby Jamz, a hip-hop-inspired toy line sold exclusively at Walmart. Knowles was actively involved in the project, explaining that her son’s love for music inspired her collaboration. Through this initiative, she aimed to channel her passion for music into a venture that resonated with children.
More recently, Julez has shown his talent on the modelling front, walking the runway during major fashion events. As he diversifies his interests, he has also garnered attention for his romantic life. Rumours emerged of a budding relationship with reality star Tommie Lee after the pair were seen together in a video posted on social media in March 2026.
Despite growing up in a musical family, Julez has expressed a keen interest in basketball, often citing it as his primary passion. In a radio interview back in June 2019, he shared his aspiration to play college basketball, revealing that players like Allen Iverson, LeBron James, and James Harden inspired him.
Though he has shown some inclination towards music production, Julez has shared that he does not view it as a career path. In conversation with PEOPLE, Knowles expressed her support for whatever direction her son chooses, ideally hoping he might aspire to a more conventional career, reflecting a desire for him to pursue a fulfilling and stable future.
In October 2023, Julez celebrated his 19th birthday alongside his high school graduation. His grandmother, Tina Knowles, marked the occasion with a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing pride in her grandson’s accomplishments and emphasizing the love surrounding him.
Most recently, Julez accompanied his grandmother to the premiere of Beyoncé’s film, “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” showcasing the strong familial ties that remain intact. Their public appearances together highlight a supportive family dynamic that bolsters Julez as he navigates his early adulthood.
As Julez continues to carve his path in the modelling world and pursue his passions, he undeniably carries the influence of his talented family with him. The journey of Solange Knowles and her son serves as a reminder of the complexities of modern parenting amidst a backdrop of fame and creativity.
