It’s been a whirlwind week for Will and Jada’s daughter Willow Smith. After shocking the music industry with the release of her surprise hit “Whip My Hair,” the talented 9-year-old then upped the ante by signing to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation imprint. She visited the Ryan Seacrest show Thursday to share the news.
When asked about the hype, the younger Smith could hardly contain herself. “It’s very very amazing, and it’s very overwhelming ‘cause all of the red carpet and the flashes, all the people wanting to meet you, it’s very overwhelming for a 9-year-old,” she shared.
As the interview continued, Smith also shared the meaning behind her hit song. “[It] means just being an individual,” she stated. “You can’t be afraid to be yourself and you can’t let anyone tell you that that’s wrong. My mom and I are very strong individuals, and I just know that because lots of people don’t act like themselves so they’re not happy.”
Before the interview ended, her new label head Jay-Z called in to confirm the signing. Here’s an excerpt from Hov’s comments.
“I heard the record first before I even knew that it was recorded by a 9-year-old. I was like “Man that record is a smash.” And then Jay Brown told me that she was 9, and I was like “Whoa!” Then they told me that it was Will and Jada’s daughter and I was like ‘whoa, whoa!’ Then I was in Japan doing some things and they were all in Japan, so I met Willow and she walked in and the first thing she says was ‘I’m really nervous.’ I thought that [showed] maturity, explaining exactly how she was feeling when she walked in the room. I knew right then that she is a star. I believe in superstars. I believe in big records and big superstars, and I believe that she has both.”
Jay-Z may be on to something. Only time will tell though. I have to say though; Willow is off to a great start. Check out the video of the complete interview below. –djr
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