what Jay-Z said is "She's a child, she has child innocence but she has a refreshing clear vision of what she wants to be...And I imagine that's how Mike [Jackson] was as a kid." (Rap Radar)

banks said:

what Jay-Z said is "She's a child, she has child innocence but she has a refreshing clear vision of what she wants to be...And I imagine that's how Mike [Jackson] was as a kid." (Rap Radar)

And we all know how that turned out.

DesireeNevermind said:

banks said:

what Jay-Z said is "She's a child, she has child innocence but she has a refreshing clear vision of what she wants to be...And I imagine that's how Mike [Jackson] was as a kid." (Rap Radar)

And we all know how that turned out.

He grew up to become an icon and arguably the greatest entertainer of all time *shrugs*

banks said:

what Jay-Z said is "She's a child, she has child innocence but she has a refreshing clear vision of what she wants to be...And I imagine that's how Mike [Jackson] was as a kid." (Rap Radar)

OK...HOLD UP!

HOLD UP!

The song's OK but comparing her to young MJ is just...WRONG.

banks said:

what Jay-Z said is "She's a child, she has child innocence but she has a refreshing clear vision of what she wants to be...And I imagine that's how Mike [Jackson] was as a kid." (Rap Radar)

I linked to the interview instead of quoting him so people could read it in its entirety.

He also said "I believe in superstars. I believe in big records and superstars, and I think she has both."

This is also the man who discovered Rihanna at 17 and signed her to Def Jam. And even after all those money-making hits, she was broke a just couple of years ago (which is probably one reason she puts out so much, um, product).

I'm not hearing Michael. I could be wrong, but I'm not hearing that level in either the confidence of her performance or in her vocals. That's not to say that she doesn't have any talent, but I can hear in this song where she definitely needs growth.

Timmy84 said:

banks said:

what Jay-Z said is "She's a child, she has child innocence but she has a refreshing clear vision of what she wants to be...And I imagine that's how Mike [Jackson] was as a kid." (Rap Radar)

OK...HOLD UP!

HOLD UP!

The song's OK but comparing her to young MJ is just...WRONG.

I think he means them both starting out so young and her being poised. She is gonna have to work hard to prove to people that she earned this deal and it wasn't because of her parents, micahel started from the bottom with his brothers, he didn't have anyone to ride.

mimi07 said:

Timmy84 said:

OK...HOLD UP!

HOLD UP!

The song's OK but comparing her to young MJ is just...WRONG.

I think he means them both starting out so young and her being poised. She is gonna have to work hard to prove to people that she earned this deal and it wasn't because of her parents, micahel started from the bottom with his brothers, he didn't have anyone to ride.

That what's i got... i thought he was referring to what he imagined Michael's demeanor to be like at that age... don't think he was talking about Mike's talent

[Edited 9/9/10 14:27pm]

UptownCitizen said:

Identity said:

[img:$uid]http://i51.tinypic.com/2w2nat5.jpg[/img:$uid]

Sep 9, 2010

Willow Smith Signs Record Deal With Roc Nation

Link

Lawd, now here Jay-Z come calling this c...el Jackson ...

The track is cute, but it ain't all that. Comparing her voice to Rihanna is one thing, but they should leave the MJ comparisons alone for a while.

Exactly!

mimi07 said:

Timmy84 said:

OK...HOLD UP!

HOLD UP!

The song's OK but comparing her to young MJ is just...WRONG.

I think he means them both starting out so young and her being poised. She is gonna have to work hard to prove to people that she earned this deal and it wasn't because of her parents, micahel started from the bottom with his brothers, he didn't have anyone to ride.

That might be the case but we'll see how poised she is by 18...

banks said:

That what's i got... i thought he was referring to what he imagined Michael's demeanor to be like at that age... don't think he was talking about Mike's talent

Um, just the fact that he even put Mike and this child in the same sentence is just downright sleazy. Mike isn't even cold in his grave. Not to deify Michael or anything like that, but that's just vulgar and obvious. No, he didn't specifically compare Willow's talent to Mike's - only because he knew, as a businessman, he didn't have to.

^ It's like give the child room to grow before comparing that child to someone else.

As long as it's somethin she's seriously passionate about I have no problem with her wanting a career. There's denying that nepotism is playing a role with these kids though. Everything just falls into their laps in large part to who mommy and daddy are.

With that being said, Ms. Smith just dragged a list of grown ass women.

UptownCitizen said:

banks said:

what Jay-Z said is "She's a child, she has child innocence but she has a refreshing clear vision of what she wants to be...And I imagine that's how Mike [Jackson] was as a kid." (Rap Radar)

I linked to the interview instead of quoting him so people could read it in its entirety.

He also said "I believe in superstars. I believe in big records and superstars, and I think she has both."

This is also the man who discovered Rihanna at 17 and signed her to Def Jam. And even after all those money-making hits, she was broke a just couple of years ago (which is probably one reason she puts out so much, um, product).

I'm not hearing Michael. I could be wrong, but I'm not hearing that level in either the confidence of her performance or in her vocals. That's not to say that she doesn't have any talent, but I can hear in this song where she definitely needs growth.

Jay Z did not find Rihanna. Songwriter/producer Evan Rogers did.

The song is horrible bytheway. Novelty garbage.

mimi07 said:

she's so GROWN.....

mimi07 said:

DesireeNevermind said:

And we all know how that turned out.

He grew up to become an icon and arguably the greatest entertainer of all time *shrugs*

With drug addiction, child abuse accusations, money problems, people he couldn't trust worth a damn, two divorces, a sad and suffering childhood, lawsuits up the ass, children of questionable parentage who unfortunately have to grow up without him, money hungry relatives, and death before his time. Yeah we loved his music but the man suffered for our enjoyment and that shit just aint right. Any up and coming artist should pray to not have to endure what MJ endured. With great success comes great sacrifice.

So autotune is singing now?

mimi07 said:

babybugz said:

The only smith kid I like is trey the others are fame whores.

the name calling in unnecessary, she's 9.

I thought I was able to state my opinion here you don't agree that's fine. Her age had nothing to do with what I said Will and Jada pimp their kids out and two of the kids seem like famewhores except for the oldest I stand by what I said.

Jay-Z's comment is not that deep. All he was referring to by mentioning MJ is how mentally mature Willow is at such a young age, like Michael at 9. Remember how Mike was called a "45 year old midget?" Willow is clearly the same way in the studio, considering she sounds like an experienced grown woman on record, similar to how little Michael sang and performed like a veteran grown man. Simple. He was not saying that her talent level right now is equivalent or even close to MJ's. However, she has the potential to be a seriously fantastic music star if her voice develops well and she ends up being a killer act onstage.

What I don't understand is all the "hate" towards the kids! You can dislike the parents all you want but if your dislike of the kids...is based on your dislike of the parents...I think that's just wrong!

Sure...nepotism is playing a factor in the opening of doors for the Smith kids...as it SHOULD...because that IS...how LEGACY...is designed to work! (i.e. Kirk Douglas - Michael Douglas...etc.)

No matter what you think of Will Smith's acting ability...he has consistently REMAINED the #5...top box office grossing ACTOR...OF ALL TIME...for damn near the last 15 years straight! Look it up!

If he and Jada...who is no slouch...by any stretch of the imagination...can give their kids...the solid foundation that they didn't have...to get on. Why the hell shouldn't they?

.

[Edited 9/9/10 19:42pm]

Identity said:

[img:$uid]http://i51.tinypic.com/2w2nat5.jpg[/img:$uid]

Sep 9, 2010

Willow Smith Signs Record Deal With Roc Nation

Link

ARE YOU GUYS KIDDING ME!!!! WTF ARE WILL & JADA THINKING?!!! A 9 YEAR OLD CHILD LOOKING, SINGING AND DRESSING LIKE THAT!!! DOES ANYBODY ELSE SEE WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE, BESIDES ME?!!!

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

What I don't understand is all the "hate" towards the kids! You can dislike the parents all you want but if your dislike of the kids...is based on your dislike of the parents...I think that's just wrong!

I've also noticed that and I can't relate. Those posters can speak for themselves.

Some people use the word "hate" to describe anything they don't agree with. I think there's a big difference between constructive criticism and vitriol. And I prefer to read opinions that sound as if some thought went into them, but people are entitled to them regardless.

Sure...nepotism is playing a factor in the opening of doors for the Smith kids...as it SHOULD...because that IS...how LEGACY...is designed to work! (i.e. Kirk Douglas - Michael Douglas...etc.)

My concern is that these are children - and children, from the sound of it, who probably should be more focused on just being children than being on a red carpet.

In Willow's case, the publicity machine is already constructing the image of a little fashionista poised and confident beyond her years - and obviously a superstar talented enough to evoke the name of Michael Jackson.

Um, I didn't hear all that in either the song or the interview.

The song is cute and may even be a hit. She sounds like Rihanna (which is not a difficult feat) and, what a coincidence, this song was released the day before Rihanna's new single from her upcoming album. The song even has a message; about taking pride in one's own individuality. Good for her! However, exactly what the correlation is between that message and the act of whipping your hair back and forth remains a mystery.

In the interview, she sounds like a little girl who likes music. Nothing more, nothing less. Poised and confident beyond her years? She's on one cute track and it sounds like she just started listening to music this year. Hova's job is building that up to sell it - and sell her - so I expect even more PR shenanighans from him. I just hope that he and her parents don't forget that she's a little girl first and a potential superstar second.

No matter what you think of Will Smith's acting ability...he has consistently REMAINED the #5...top box office grossing ACTOR...OF ALL TIME...for damn near the last 15 years straight! Look it up!

If he and Jada...who is no slouch...by any stretch of the imagination...can give their kids...the solid foundation that they didn't have...to get on. Why the hell shouldn't they?

Of course - that's their job as parents. Their own talent as actors is moot and beside the point.

What's funny about this entire conversation is that Will & Jada could probably give half a hoot to anything anybody says up in here and will continue to raise their children however they see fit. Good luck to them. Plus we all get a front-row seat.

PoppyBros said:

Identity said:

[img:$uid]http://i51.tinypic.com/2w2nat5.jpg[/img:$uid]

Sep 9, 2010

Willow Smith Signs Record Deal With Roc Nation

Link

ARE YOU GUYS KIDDING ME!!!! WTF ARE WILL & JADA THINKING?!!! A 9 YEAR OLD CHILD LOOKING, SINGING AND DRESSING LIKE THAT!!! DOES ANYBODY ELSE SEE WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE, BESIDES ME?!!!

That pic is messed up but I really didn't feel like comenting on it.

This child has zero talent. U could literally take a million other little girls into the studio and come out with this piece of shit. The one and only reason we hear this "song" is because her rich parents have decided to try an "create" a "star".

And that is all she is is a "product". What she should be is a little girl. And the reason she can compete with the grown women making music right now is because they are all as equally untalented as she is.

If nothing else this justs shows how vapid and empty the music industry is. Where once there were artists now we simply have products.

[Edited 9/10/10 7:01am]

and on that note i'm outta this thread... some of you people need to check your souls... somethings not right !

banks said:

and on that note i'm outta this thread... some of you people need to check your souls... somethings not right !

tricky99 said:

This child has zero talent. U could literally take a million other little girls into the studio and come out with this piece of shit. The one and only reason we hear this "song" is because her rich parents have decided to try an "create" a "star".

And that is all she is is a "product". What she should be is a little girl. And the reason she can compete with the grown women making music right now is because they are all as equally untalented as she is.

If nothing else this justs shows how vapid and empty the music industry is. Where once there were artists now we simply have products.

Co-sign with about 85.4% of that. (Yes, I counted.)

I wonder why they leaked the song... especially since Rihanna released her single. Assumption is they released it on purpose idk... I have to check the news on Willow to see what exactly is going on. It just fell into my lap while I was on Twitter the other day. Weird stuff has happened. I don't know, the way this came out was strange to me. I agree the song has a nice message though lol

MAN!

I was at Google News just a few seconds ago.

Tell me that Snoop's children and David Beckham's kids are not trying to form a supergroup...well it's for Christmas I think but wtf?

Maybe it's just coincidence idk lol

Profile: Will Smith and family

[img:$uid]http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/49055000/jpg/_49055736_009925926-1.jpg[/img:$uid]

The Smiths are one of the most successful families in Hollywood

A record deal signed by Will Smith's youngest child, Willow, with rapper Jay-Z is the latest success for a family who are big business in the US.

Will Smith, who started out as one half of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, has gone on to become one of the most popular actors in Hollywood.

With eight movies in a row grossing more than $100m, he is one of the most bankable stars in the world.

He got his big acting break in US comedy show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which began in 1990 and was also a hit in the UK.

[img:$uid]http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/49055000/jpg/_49055737_009925741-1.jpg[/img:$uid]

The children have their own distinctive looks

His lovable and laid-back character - together with a catchy rap for the show's title music - helped make him one of the most recognisable faces on US TV.

From early movie success with 1995's Bad Boys, he has gone on to star in huge blockbusters including Men In Black, Independence Day and I, Robot.

He has continued to make records throughout his career - often using them on the soundtracks to his movies.

Successful films at the box office have often been accompanied by top 10 hits for the star.

In 1997, he went to number one in the UK with the track Men In Black and has had a further 10 UK solo hits.

Jazzy Jeff and the The Fresh Prince, meanwhile, have had five UK hits.

Solid marriage

Also in 1997, Smith married Jada Pinkett, who he met when she auditioned for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air two years earlier.

After 13 years of marriage, the couple appear to have one of the most solid relationships in Hollywood.

She once told the USA Weekend magazine that she would rather "throw my career away before I let it break up our marriage".

A star in her own right when the pair tied the knot, she began her career appearing in several low budget films before landing a starring role opposite Eddie Murphy in the 1996 movie The Nutty Professor.

She has gone on to appear in films such as Scream 2, two Matrix movies and Collateral, with Tom Cruise.

In 2003, she helped create the metal rock band Wicked Wisdom in which she starred as lead singer.

Sharon Osbourne said the band "blew her away" when she saw them perform.

"When you see and hear Jada with her band it's apparent that she has nothing but love and respect for this genre of music," Osbourne said.

Born to one of the most famous and powerful show business couples in the world, both the Smith children have followed in their parents' footsteps.

Their eldest child, Jaden, appeared in his father's 2006 movie The Pursuit of Happyness at the tender age of eight.

The child star was presented with the best breakthrough performance at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards for his role in the film.

[img:$uid]http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/49055000/jpg/_49055738_51285700-2.jpg[/img:$uid]

Will and Jada appear to have one of the most solid marriages in Hollywood

That same year, he presented an award at the Oscars.

As well as appearing in the 2008 movie, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Jaden landed the starring role in the recent Karate Kid remake opposite Jackie Chan.

However, unlike most child actors, it is unlikely Jaden had to audition for his role as the movie was produced by both his parents.

When asked, in July, whether he was planning to be a bigger star than his dad, Jaden said: "I'm going to try."

His father, meanwhile, said having famous parents was definitely a bonus.

"He grew up in this industry so it's not foreign to him," Smith said.

"He understands that this is a family business.

"He didn't have the shock and the radical life change that child actors usually have coming into the business."

Before her musical career began, Willow started out in film.

She made her acting debut in her father's film I Am Legend, in 2007, and voiced a character in the animated movie Madagascar 2, along with her mother.

Willow's debut single, Whip My Hair, has been viewed a million times on YouTube since its release in the US this week.

It has been released through Roc Nation - the label of rap star and business mogul Jay-Z.

Jaden and Willow - with their individual looks and styles - have already become red carpet regulars and, when interviewed, show assurance beyond their years.

With their parents to guide them, there success looks set to continue for many years to come.