AceShowbiz - R&B singer Solange Knowles has developed an unlikely bond with reclusive soul icon Erykah Badu over motherhood. Beyonce Knowles' younger sister, who has a five-year-old son called Julez, admits she and Badu regularly discuss how to balance their duties as mums with their careers.

Knowles tells Vibe, "I just love her. We have conversations mostly about life... about being mums, about being in this industry and raising kids and dealing with relationships." The 24-year-old star admits she was stunned when she first learned Badu was a fan of her work, and she still can't believe she can call one of her music icons a close confidante and friend.

She adds, "On the music tip, the very first time I got a Tweet from her (Badu) telling me she loves my record was crazy. Jay Electronica (Badu's boyfriend) put her on to my music; he loves my song 'Dancing in the Dark'. It's moments like that where I get the fulfillment just knowing that the people I've grown up admiring are fans of my work. And these are people who culturally and artistically have the same views as me."

Badu has a daughter, named Mars, with Electronica, while she is also mum to two other children from prior relationships to Andre 3000 of Outkast and rapper The D.O.C.