iGOTNEXT: WILLOW SMITH

Willow Smith  is an American child actress and singer who is the daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. She made her acting debut in 2007 in the film I Am Legend.  Smith launched a music career in the fall of 2010 with the release of her single "Whip My Hair" and signing to Jay-Z's record label Roc Nation.

June 2010, Smith's mother Jada Pinkett Smith announced in an interview on Lopez Tonight that Smith would be releasing an album. Her first single, "Whip My Hair" leaked on September 7, 2010.

"Whip My Hair" is a song Smith wrote the track with producer Jukebox. The song set media outlets abuzz, being covered by Time, Billboard, and CNN the day of its release. Initial reception praised the song's kid-friendly, yet universal appeal.  "Whip My Hair" is a R&B -hip-hop song with dance-pop and drawing from funk influences.  Lyrically the song is about letting loose, having fun and being full of swagger, while she asks ladies to "whip their hair" and "shake haters off."

Whip My Hair

Prior to radio add dates and release, the song collected greatest gainer recognitions on the Rap Songs chart, and debuted at number sixty on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.  The song's initial video uploaded to YouTube reportedly had garnered over 100,000 views on YouTube a day after release. The effort was applauded by several celebrities on Twitter, including Ciara, Brandy, Solange Knowles, and Alfredo Flores. 

RYAN SEACREST INTERVIEW

Ray Kay has been recruited to direct the song's accompanying music video, scheduled to be filmed in late September. Ray Kay, known for Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" and Justin Bieber's "Baby," among others, has been tapped to direct the clip. In an interview with Rap-Up, Kay said "I’m certain people that are watching the video will feel inspired to develop their own individuality and freedom and express their own art after seeing Willow in this video. Kay also confirmed that the shooting would take two days, and require a lot from Smith, but said, "she’s incredibly talented and has an amazing personality, so I’m confident she’ll kill it in front of the camera. She’s a star."

Born: October 31, 2000 (age 9)
HomeTown: Los Angeles, California,
United States
Genres: Pop, R&B
Occupations: Actress, singer
Years active: 2007-present
Labels: Roc Nation
Associated acts: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith
Website: WillowSmith.com

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