Alona of Hair Politik writes:
Nik,
I just came across this AMAZING “Whip My Hair” video by Will and Jada’s very own Willow Smith! I had to share it with you and the CN community. I am definitely loving everything about this video: the different hairstyles she’s rocking, the positive message relayed about hair by her music and of course her little nine-year old Girl Power swag! I also love the way she transforms a sterile and boring world into one of colorful fun and fabulosity… just by whipping her hair! Between this video and the the “I Love My Hair” Sesame Street video released last week, kids entertainment is really taking notice of the kiddie natural hair community, well at least more than it has in the past. I guess grown folks entertainment is just going to have to play catch-up, lol! Enjoy!
Love it. Btw, saw that premiere on 106. Ever had a straight A student go up to give a speech? They struggle too. Not because of education but because of nervousness. How is it inappropriate? Kids will grow up faster than you did,but it doesn't make it bad. Consider what else she could be doing. I think whipping her hair is ok.
And I want to reach another subject. People are saying how if it weren't for Will & Jada their kids wouldn't be whatever and all that type of stuff and how they're spoiling them.
You're telling me if you had the opportunity, money, and resources to let your child pursue their dreams, you wouldn't do it in fear of spoiling them or some other reason? C'mon now. Get real. If I had a kid I'd do anything possible to makes their dreams come true if I had the resources and their dreams were possible.
Back to the subject. I like the little heart bread thing! That was pretty creative.
I'm soo jealous of her confidence! Lol it's sad I'm jealous of a 9 year old and I'm 16.
It appears some other people are jealous as well, which is why they feel the need to bash a little kid? Let's direct that negativity into something positive. Criticizing someone isn't going to do anything for yourself.
Plus, I might be too young to decide this, but I don't think I saw any inappropriate dancing. Maybe some neck rolling (or w/e it's called) but the song is called "Whip My Hair" I think she has to move her neck to Whip Her Hair, haha.
I was already nervous when the song first came out and I heard that Willow signed with Jay-Z. This video just confirms that it is not possible for a child to be in the music industry and remain a child. Even with the setting as a school, Willow is dressing, acting and dancing much older than her real age. This video was only borderline problematic to me, but I hope her parents stop it from getting out of control.
Has anyone seen the "I love my hair" sesame street video remixed with the "whip my hair" song? It's too cute! 🙂 ~KF519
What does this song have to do with natural hair?
Willow Smith’s hairstylist Marcia Hamilton talks “Whip My Hair” creations LIVE Tuesday, October 26th at 8:00 PM PST on http://www.livestream.com/mynappyroots.
I love this song! I loved the video as well, I think she's adorable and kept it age appropriate. I wish her much success in her career.
Absolutely LOVE IT!!
I am going keep my comments focused on the video – she is dressed appropriately for a 9 year old – the song is catchy and fun and positive. The lyrics are fine. It's really cute, modern and sophisticated.
Some of the dancing is a little risque – it's the type of dancing you see in the background scenes of gentlemen's clubs in the movies or TV. Some not all. Fortunately I am thinking of PG rated movies.
I would have felt a lot better if she had been older. Her age made me uncomfortable. But that's just me. Overall – a cool video.
swoodward
I love this video; I've looked at it many times and I've even noticed a senior with gray hair. My girl! This along with I am not my hair is a testament to put an end to HATERS of any kind of hairstyle. 60 years old and LOVIN IT!
So I just watched the clip of her appearance on 106 & Park…I didn't see she had any trouble expressing herself at all! She stumbled over one word on the plaque – no big deal. She is NINE. I thought she was adorable; especially her humble tears after being presented w/that gift. I say let her be – she's being a light. (Just a thought: why are the negative comments anonymous????)
candice – naturaldancer
Willow is cute, lively, etc. Song is catchy. My concern about what I have seen is simply that she has expressed some things which suggest that education (i.e LEARNING THE BASICS) is not a priority for her. Her priority is "expressing herself", "being an individual", "work instead of school". These are important issues, certainly, but EDUCATION should be right up on that list. Learning the basics (i.e. basic math and reading skills, etc) is critical. Im not saying that she has to be admitted to MIT (lol), but she should be taught to value at least learning the basics. She proudly commented in an interview with Ryan Seacrest that she cannot multiply and divide like some of her peers because she does not go to school, tutoring is limited because she goes to WORK instead of school. Ive commented about this in other forums and got my head chopped off by people who called me a hater/jealous, stating that Willow will be making so much money that she can hire people to read, write and add her money for her. ???!!!! I have my education, my own business and a decent life. I am not jealous of anyone, just stating an OPINION.
Toni Braxton is a prime example of what happens when one has the attitude that s/he can simply hires others to do certain basic things for them – being able to comprehend what you are expected to sign and express yourself clearly when something needs addressing.
Yes, Willow is only nine yrs old, but the roots of these skills start NOW. It's sad that there are so many people who consider it hateful when the few who express this concern come forward and state their views. Are we that pathetic that given OUR history in particular, education is not that important anymore to us? Given our history with education in this country, I would think that WE would be first in the library, buying books, demanding that our children be OVERLY educated. I'm sadly finding that not only is the opposite true, but those of us who revere education are portrayed as haters, snobs, elitists etc.. SAD SAD SAD.
Best of luck to Willow (and her parents) and her future in the music business (or whatever she decides to do).
Shes soo cute!!
Go Willow!!! Go Willow!!
I just love the Smiths!
www.KinkyCurlyCoilyMe.com
Couldn't finish watching the video. . .
Wow… I'm so amazed at all of the negativity. Especially since most of it seems to be unfounded. I'm lost on "A nine year old shouldn't be dressed like that". Dressed like WHAT? LoL. Nothing she was wearing seemed inappropriate. Nothing was revealing or even form-fitting, for that matter. And as far as her seeming "uneducated" based on a couple of appearances…. as others have mentioned before, the child is nine years old! Don't you think she may be a smidge nervous? I'm 27 years old and I get super nervous when speaking in front of groups… and I assure you that it is not due to a lack of education. Besides, she just learned HOW to read only a few years ago… seriously, people. Give the girl a break.
Dear Jetblack,
I concur!
As an educator I do not approve of this video. When I first saw this my mouth hung open. I think that this is an attempt to have her act grown, like a teenager. I see a progression from shaved hair, to this, and what's next? Really this is as disappointing as Miley Cyrus and Brittany Spears. So glad that the Obamas (and I'm sure that there are other families), are raising "normal" girls.
I have yet to read any examples of the song/video being inappropriate. I keep reading,
"A nine year old shouldn't be dressed like that"
– Dressed like what? Who is she dressed like? I don't see any adults dressing like that so I'm lost as to what you're trying to say here.
As for the song… what's inappropriate about the song? Is it the fact that she sounds somewhat grown in it? Is that it? Because you can still tell she's a child. So… that's lost on me too.
And about her BET appearance. Either yall don't have kids, have never been around kids, or never even stopped to consider that when someone gets nervous they stumble upon words and are unsure of themselves. That is not just limited to adults. And as a nine year old she is DEFINITELY bound to make mistakes.
She is nine. I can't say that enough. Because these folks don't seem to grasp that.
wow.. she is seriously 9 people. a lot of what was said here was just unnecessary and came off quite bitter. its quite sad to think that fully grown women can be so spiteful and perhaps jealous too. Even if you don't like stuff concerning the song/video you don't have to come off as so mean. even if the unfounded/mean things that were said about the smith children were true there are different types of intelligence you know, not just book smarts. good on will and jada for just letting their children explore themselves from the get go.
she was wearing a lot of makeup but then again the theme of the video is about color and joie de vivre. she wasnt wearing anything revealing or tight, her hairstyles were playful not "grown woman-ish",and her lyrics were totally age appropriate.
#1 rule of internet courtesy, if you wouldn't say it to their face don't type it out. i would hope y'all aren't the types to treat a child like that.
Cute!
I believe anyone who is bashing the education of Willow Smith should most definitely view the Oprah episode that she appeared on a few years back. The girl is highly intelligent. I believe that a few people are forgetting that kids can be extremely nervous especially in front of their peers. We are really quick to judge but we do not know what kind of curriculum her parents have for her to follow. Plus, Will Smith was accepted into MIT but chose not to attend. To be accepted into such a prestigious school indicates that he is extremely intelligent. BTW, love the video. Keep doing your thing Willow.
the song and video are not age-appropriate.
on BET willow expressed herself like a 9-year-old, giggles and all. she clearly asked for help with "congratulates" after she correctly read the word. i don't think i would read too much into that. the award was a surprise, clearly not rehearsed, and there are a ton of lights in the studio that can put a glare on anything shiny. i wonder why they asked her to read her own plaque? usually if someone gives an award, the giver reads it because the recipient may be too emotional to do so. that was a bad call on BET's part.
@ Anonymous 2:58 p.m.:
With all due respect, what you are voicing is an opinion. I don’t see anywhere in either of your comments anything that backups what is wrong with the video.
To say that you find it "obnoxious and disturbing" just comes off as someone who wants to be negative. What is disturbing about it? Make a viable argument against it. I can respect that. Otherwise it sounds like you are negating something for the sake of negating.
@ Anonymous 3:00 p.m.
You are basing your opinion on just what exactly? A random viewing of two incidents you saw on television? Do you know any of them personally? Yeah . . . that’s what I thought.
The FACT is you don’t know the Smith family so how can you jump to a conclusion that Willow and Jaden aren’t educated based on a random viewing of a television show. That is ridiculous.
As far as being coached for interviews, it doesn’t matter whether or not they are coached. That won’t stop anybody whether nine-years-old or twenty-29 years old from feeling nervous or uncomfortable and coming off a bit awkward if they aren’t used to doing it.
we spend tooo much time allowing ourselves to see the negatives in the lil people do, stars are human beings like us,their lives are jus in the public's eyes because of their jobs. if the SMITH kids wanna be stars their parents can only guide them in the right direction but can't force them otherwise, normal kids at jaden and willow's age struggle with reading no matter how much money their parents have. lets jus try to enjoy the message in her music and also love our hair, and if we think the SMITHs aren't doing right by our kids, let us look at our kids and not make the same mistake that we think they are making…..
Anonymous 1:49 p.m.,
Considering the degree of work that went into this video, are you seriously suggesting that Willow came off badly in public purely by accident? When any amount of coaching would have been available?
It sounds like she needs to spend more time at lessons than making un-age-appropriate videos. Not surprising. She's nine.
As I noted, I got the impression that Jaden can't read very well. Great message to send.
They don't need to be showbiz kids. Their parents have plenty of money with which to educate and shelter them.
It's a great message and I can't stop singing, "I LOVE MY HAIR! I really love my hair"!… (and I forgot to add) "YEAH!" LOL
Anonymous 1:24 p.m., THANK YOU.
Sorry folks, disagreeing does not automatically make one a "hater." That's just a built-in defense. Try to address the substance of the complaints.
We don't "want" to find something wrong with this video, there IS something wrong with it.
Anonymous 12:38 & 12:47 p.m.
The video is cute and her smile at the end is priceless! I like the message of her song and the Sesame Street "I Love My Hair" too. I find myself singing both since I've heard them. I've grown up watching Sesame Street and to see a muppet sing about loving our hair no matter how it looks is WONDERFUL. The message helps all little girls especially girls of color to appreciate their hair the way it is. Many women especially women of color need to hear this message and sing it until they believe it. When I first BC'd, I would "hop out of the bed and turn my swag on" (LOL) and say in the mirror every morning, "I love my hair". I did this until I believed it. Even if I was bald-headed, I would still love my "head" because "I am not my hair". It's a great message and I can't stop singing, "I LOVE MY HAIR! I really love my hair"!
I love the video. It is fun and positive. I won't be one who is so quick to judge the Smith family as a whole because Willow SEEMED to "struggle with reading and clearly express herself" on some television show.
I think it's pretty harsh to suggest that she isn't well educated or that her parents have failed her in this regard.
Since everyone has repeatedly stated that she is in fact a nine-year old, why not take that into account. Willow and her brother Jaden are emerging into the entertainment industry-that is the key word here, EMERGING.
In that light, talking to the media about what they are doing is NEW, and even adults in the entertainment industry go through an awkward phase when dealing with the press.
Some people freeze up in different social-type situations and may come across inept or stumble over their words because they don't know what to expect, they are nervous, or have not done it enough times to feel comfortable and confident.
I think it is silly that people want to find something wrong with this video.
The song is catchy but the whole thing is obnoxious and disturbing. I caught the premier of the video on 106th and Park and she needs to be in school (a real school, not home schooled). She struggled reading and also struggled to clearly express herself. Why when you have millions would you expose your children to such a harsh industry? When you have the money to provide the best education for your children why wouldn't you? In my opinion the video is cute, the hairstyles are not appropriate for a 9 year old child and NO she is not singing every verse in the song. I am sure because I have expressed a different opinion I am a HATER, and because no matter what black folk do we should always support it especially when it is a child involved. Sorry folks, but I am not impressed.
Those are also obviously extensions. So next month, when Willow's role calls for straight hair, what's the "healthy hair message" going to be?
I still remember her brother's appearance on the Oscars with another child actor when he stumbled over what seemed like a fairly easy teleprompter speech. Maybe the Smith kids should spend less time performing and more in school.
I never particularly liked "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" because it had the troubling message that, in the end, blacks are really entertainers; anyone else attempting to do something else will be mocked as pompous and silly.
It's an uncomfortable series of stereotypes. Boring, literally white world (at least the kids are multiracial) then in sweeps the black entertainer, singing angry, loud, boring hip-hop music. Suddenly, color!
I also don't think nine-year-olds should be dressed that way.
Also, it's interesting to note that the guy who created the Sesame Street song is white and did it for his adopted daughter because he recognized that she was not comfortable with her hair. Check it out on CNN: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2010/10/22/carey.wm.love.my.hair.hln?iref=allsearch
lol this makes me wanna whip my hair in public for no reason!!!
if you liked this AND the Sesame video you might just love this… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4AVd8El-QY&feature=player_embedded#!
I think it's really well done lol.
She is my new shero! You can tell Jada and Will are doing great by their kids!
So cute and empowering! I love how her parents support/encourage her to embrace her own swag.
There is a really cute video on youtube of little girls dancing to this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5L1TrqhUJ4
I might get some hate on this, but child or not, I am SO TIRED of this song already. This is the last place I was expecting to have to see it again…
I love the video some of her fans put together, it too is on youtube.
Yes, I've seen this video and it is such a fun song 🙂
Nicki Minaj is actually not on the remix…someone took a verse from a very old song of hers & just added it to Willow's song. The song they took the verse from is called 'Looking at Me.'
LOVE IIT! WILLOW SMITH AT THE AGE OF 9 HAS THE "IT" FACTOR! I WONDER WHAT SHE'LL BE DOING WHEN SHE'S 20! PURE GREATNESS! LOVE HER, HER SWAGGER AND THE VIDEO!
wait she is natural!? she is so cute…
what a shame they ruined this adorable song by allowing nicki minaj on the remix (ugh)
Sooooo Cute!! This tune is really catchy.
This Is Funny I've Been Posting This Video And I Love My Hair Video Like Crazy Even The Remixed That Combines Willow Song With The Puppet LOL
That Child Is Pure Cuteness!!
I absolutely LOVE this video!!!!! I love the positive message and the color and fun (especially for the little black sistas)! GO WILLOW! GO WILLOW! GO WILLOW! GO WILLOW!
She's adorable! I'm glad she seems to have such a strong sense of self at such a young age.
I love this! and she's so friggin' cute 🙂 Makes me want to hit the club so I can whip my hurr 😉
I'm loving it.
BTW – this is what's on the chalk board in the classroom:
I pledge to be brave
I pledge to always give my best
I pledge to respect myself and all those around me
I pledge to be willing to learn and experience new things
I pledge to not be afraid to dream big and go for it
I pledge to be a WARRIORETE/WARRIOR
There is already a mash-up video where the sesame street muppet is singing this song instead! it's super awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4AVd8El-QY
posted this on my facebook yesterday, song is so darn catchy and cute
I love this video and the song. It's great for young girls and women alike! It's my new ring tone…and I haven't seen 9 years old in more than two decades! LOL!
already reposted on my Facebook. Loves it!!