Willow Smith came busting on the scene wippin’ her hair and taking names, but in a cold industry filled with harsh critics and increasingly popular gossip blogs, we all have to wonder if she can handle the dark side of the music business. She may be the daughter to two of black hollywood’s elite, but can two superstars really protect their offspring from the realities of a harsh world? It’s a legitimate question that must be considered as Willow climbs the billboard charts and begins her journey as a young pop sensation.
During a recent interview with Access Hollywood, Willow revealed her Dad’s plan to protecting his daughter from the blows of fame. When the reporter asked the young star about what it felt like to watch her music video for the very first time, she explained that she had to watch the video on Youtube while Will used his hands to cover up the comment section. The interviewer asked Willow why Will would do such a thing, and Willow responded that her father told her that while there are lots of people who are happy for her success, there are also plenty of people who do not like what she’s doing, and only intend to leave hateful comments and damage Willow’s self esteem.
After watching this interview, although I completely understand Will’s rationale, I wonder if he plans to cover Willow’s eyes the duration of her career. And is it best to focus on your work and less on the tabloids and what others think of you?
Maybe Will is on to something.
“Whip My Hair” is getting much radio play, moving up on the billboard charts, blasting in clubs, and reaching millions of views on Youtube; yet there is a group on angry parents and Illuminati conspiracy theorists who have already labeled this child as the spawn of Satan, and she hasn’t even managed to be in the business for a full five minutes yet.
But Willow might be just as confident as her summer anthem, and just maybe if her parents continue to guide her to put work in front of opinions, she could become a major force to be reckoned with.
At the age of 9, Willow Smith has already been compared to fellow pop sensation Rihanna and even rap sensation Nicki Minaj. While it may be flattering and a clear indicator of her potential success, I think it’s important that we allow Willow to be the child star that she is trying to be first. She’s not old enough to make mature themed music such as Rihanna and Nicki Minaj, so the comparisons this early on are unwarranted.
And I’ll admit, I’m a 25 year old woman, but even I cannot resist wippin’ my hair when the song comes on the radio. The song is catchy, fun, and dare I say…age appropriate. I believe black girls need their own young pop star to vibe to, and it helps even more when she exudes confidence and high self esteem. So I ask, what’s the problem to every single one of you that has decided to take your rage out on the comment section of gossip blogs regarding a song made by a 9 year old?
Regardless, Will was smart enough to teach his children that all of their energy should go to their craft and not to public opinion. And that’s something that maybe we all should apply to our own lives, and just maybe there would be less need to leave hateful comments regarding a 9 year old that has enough courage to chase after her dreams when most of us grown folks hung ours up a long time ago.
The only negative side to any of this will be the day that Daddy’s hands will no longer be able to cover up the ugliness of the world. And with good parenting, she’ll be able to handle it, and even become just as big of a star as her parents, with her own legacy to match.
And that is beyond fabulous.
