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Whip My Hair

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"Whip My Hair"
Song

"Whip My Hair" is a song by American recording artist Willow Smith. Smith wrote the track while rookie producer Jukebox handled that aspect of the track. The song serves as her debut single from her yet-to-be-titled debut release. While attending events, Smith received media attention for her extravagant outfits compared to Rihanna, whom she later credited as a musical influence. Coincidentally leaked on the same day as Rihanna's "Only Girl (In the World)", 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, while dubbing Smith "baby Rihanna."

Soon after the song's release, it was officially announced that Smith signed a record deal with Jay-Z and Roc Nation. The song impacted urban airplay on September 21, 2010. Prior to radio add dates and release, the song collected greatest gainer recognitions on the Rap Songs chart, and on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song's accompanying music video, features a colorful concept in which Smith dons several hairstyles which act as paintbrushes to enliven a school.

Background

Prior to the release of the single, Smith garnered media attention for her flamboyant and outrageous outfits at red carpet events,[1] while the singer said she was influenced fashionably and musically by Barbadian singer Rihanna. Smith's mother, Jada Pinkett Smith, revealed on Lopez Tonight that her daughter was prepping an album soon.[2] Coincidentally, on the same day Rihanna premiered her "Only Girl (In the World)," Smith's single was leaked onto the internet. The song dominated blogs and news outlets, who universally praised the song, dubbing the singer "baby Rihanna."[3] Time magazine, CNN, Billboard, all covered the song the evening of its surface.[1][4][5] The song's initial video uploaded to YouTube reportedly had garnered over 100,000 views on YouTube a day after release.[6] The effort was applauded by several celebrities on Twitter, including Ciara, Brandy, Solange Knowles, and Alfredo Flores.[7]

She has an energy and enthusiasm about her music that is truly infectious. It's rare to find an artist with such innate talent and creativity at such a young age. She's just a wealth of information and ideas. She has child innocence but she has a clear vision of what she wants and who she wants to be.

Jay-Z on Willow Smith.[8]

Rumor spread online that rapper Jay-Z, who also introduced Rihanna,[9] was prepping to sign Smith to his Columbia imprint, Roc Nation. However, Mediabase had already listed the budding song as credited to RocNation/Columbia.[10] Two days after the song's surfacing, Smith, her mother, and Jay-Z appeared on On Air with Ryan Seacrest confirming that Smith had signed with Roc Nation. Jay-Z also released a statement, calling the young singer a "superstar," welcoming her to the Roc Nation family.[11] The rapper called the song a hit, revealing that the record was presented to him without knowing of her age or parentage.[8] He was enthused after learning the whole story, saying "everything went from there."[8] The rapper and singer first met in Japan when she was traveling with her family promoting her brother Jaden Smith's film, The Karate Kid.[8] At that moment, Jay-Z said that he knew she was a star, commenting, "I believe in superstars. I believe in big records and superstars, and I think she has both."[8] Although stating he did not want to go far into his thoughts, Jay-Z compared Smith to Stevie Wonder and the late Michael Jackson, who both started their music careers at the age of eight, yet had universal appeal.[8] Jay-Z called her "a wealth of ideas," who "has child innocence but she has a clear vision of what she wants and who she wants to be."[8] Additionally, Jada Pinkett Smith said, "After meeting with several record companies, it was clear that Jay-Z, Ty Ty, Jay Brown and the Roc Nation staff was the unquestionable choice. Their passion for Willow combined with their boundless vision and artistic integrity made Roc Nation the perfect home for our little girl."[11] The singer herself responded, calling everything "overwhelming," but credited values instilled by her parents.[8]

Composition

"..it means just be an individual. Like, you can't be afraid to be yourself, you have to be yourself, and you can't let anyone tell you that that's wrong."

Willow Smith on the lyrics of "Whip My Hair"[8]

"Whip My Hair" is a R&B[12]-hip-hop[2][9] piece, while incorporating dance-pop[4] and drawing from funk influences.[13] 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."[9][12] Smith's vocals are auto-tuned in some parts,[12] while containing keyboard washes over a drum-heavy[1] beat described as "propulsive" and "futuristic."[14] The song features a knocking beat, including the vocal refrain of "I whip my hair back and forth," which Billboard commented makes for Smith an impressive debut.[5][15] Most critics compared the song heavily to Smith's musical influence Rihanna.[1][15] Additionally, others said also said the song was like other Rihanna contemporaries Ciara and Keri Hilson,[7] as well as containing a hip hop feel of Lil Mama.[10] Gina Serpe of E! Online called the track a fourth-grade version of Rihanna and Hilson.[2]

Critical reception

A main point critics attributed to the song was its ability to be kid-friendly, yet appeal to all music listeners, with Gerrick Kennedy of The Los Angeles Times calling the song radio, club, and recess-friendly,[7] and Daniela Capistrano of MTV News calling it a "kid-friendly club banger."[8] Kennedy commented, "don't let her age fool you; the song packs serious punch."[7] Capistrano said that the song's "crazy" beat works on the schoolyard and dancefloor.[16] Commenting that the song was age-appropriate, Gina Serpe of E! Online said, that accomplishment was commendable, stating, "it's got to be a bit of a battle finding material suitable for someone still in the single-digits."[2] Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly commended the song, complimenting the production value, stating the song was "Lil Mama meets Rihanna."[17] CBC said while the song may not be deep, it was the best to be expected from a "fourth grade fashionista," commenting the track was more "schoolyard friendly" than any music released by Miley Cyrus.[9] The Guardian described the track as "a pretty good R&B belter in the same vein as Rihanna, all heavily treated vocals and huge juddering beats."[12] BET Sound Off blog commented that Smith had more personality on the track than fellow artists three times her age.[13] Bill Lamb of About.com said that the song was "not only quality music for a nine year old, but it is also solid, catchy R&B / pop that will appeal to a wide range of music fans."[18]

Chart performance

Prior to radio add dates and release, the song collected greatest gainer recognitions on the Rap Songs chart.[19] On the week ending September 25, 2010 the song debuted at number sixty on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[20][21] It jumped to number 38 on that same chart in the following week. It is currently charting at number 17.

Music video

Background

Smith filmed the song's accompanying music video in Los Angeles the week of September 20, 2010.[22] Ray Kay, known for Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" and Justin Bieber's "Baby," among others, was to direct the clip.[22] 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."[22] 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."[22] [23]

Later, Kay commented to Rap-Up, "I think this video will be considered iconic in the future. Willow is definitely here to stay, she’s a superstar. I think we managed to create a fresh expression using Willow’s amazing energy, a positive and inspiring concept, and mixing the colors of the sets with Willow’s fashion, which consisted of custom-made clothing and exclusive One Z jumpsuits. She’s a trendsetter already and I’m sure others will be copying her style soon!"[24] The video premiered on October 18, 2010, with Vevo hosting its online premiere, and its first televised airing during Smith's appearance on 106 & Park.[25]

Synopsis

File:Whipmyhairvideo.jpg
In the video, Smith's multiple hairstyles act as paintbrushes (top) to enliven scenes (bottom).

The video beings with in a futuristic classroom with kids sitting down at tables wearing all white while the tables and walls are blue.[26] Smith then enters the room in colorful attire, including a blue vest, orange pants and a belt with her name on it, while donning rhinestones on her lips and extravagant nail tips.[27] She carries a boombox filled with paint and plays it while dipping one of her micro braids into paint inside the stereo, using her hair as a paintbrush and enlivening the atmosphere with colors.[26] Smith then performs dance moves and gets the classroom involved, which is intercut with the singer performing choreography with dancers with blue shirts in front of a light blue backdrop. She alternates different hairstyles, and then walks down a hallway with her backup dancers, donning a cotton candy-esque hairstyle. She further whips her hair to give color to the lockers and students' attire, before performing extensive choreography with the hallway students. The last scenes involves Smith with puff braids and in a yellow jumpsuit with her backup dancers in a different classroom trying to get them to dance, which is intercut with previous paint-splashing scenes, as the students, teachers, janitor, elderly lady, and toddler dance.[26] A writer for Rap-Up said that Smith "is in a class of her own in the breakout video for her empowering anthem," calling the video "the birth of a star."[24]

Reception

Natalie Finn of E! Online commended the video for being "sassy, yet kid friendly."[28] Carina Adly MacKenzie of Zap2it said while the song took everyone by surprise, that the video was "even more awesome," commenting, "we probably shouldn't be shocked that Willow has more charisma in her pinky finger than half the artists twice her age."[29] Ryan Brockington of The New York Post reviewed the video positively, stating, "great thing about the video is that director Ray Kay kept it very young and colorful, the complete opposite of the very grown up sounding track."[30] A Popeater writer said that the video "has transcended from Jada and Will Smith's 9-year-old kiddo to a legitimate star," stating, " the video stacks up to the incredibly catchy, Rihanna-sounding song with killer outfits, fun classroom dance pieces and, yes, tons of hair whipping -- with paint!"[31] Also, a Celebuzz writer said that Smith "kills it with some seriously fierce bling, dance moves and, of course, intense hair whipping."[32] Bill Lamb of About.com said in the video Smith had "seasoned energy" that was "stunning."[18]

Live performances

Smith will perform the song for the first time live on November 2, 2010 on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.[33]

Charts

Chart (2010) Peak
position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[34] 17
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard)[35] 5

Release history

Region Date Format
United States September 21, 2010 Urban airplay[36]
October 12, 2010 Mainstream airplay[37]
October 26, 2010 Digital download[38]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Godfrey, Gavin. "Willow Smith drops new single 'Whip My Hair'". CNN Marquee Blog. CNN Online. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  2. ^ a b c d Serpe, Gina. "Willow Smith (Yep) Has a Hip-Hop Song. And It's Good". E! Online. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  3. ^ "Current Twitter trends: 'All I want,' 'Sons of Anarchy,' Eid, Willow Smith". Indpendent.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  4. ^ a b Friedman, Megan. "Will Smith's Daughter, 9, Drops New Single". Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  5. ^ a b "Billboard Bits: 50 Cent Raises Eyebrows on Twitter, Katy Perry Tapped for 'SNL' Premiere". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media Inc. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  6. ^ Van Druten, Rebekah. "'Superstar' signed". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  7. ^ a b c d Kennedy, Gerrick D. "Will Smith's daughter Willow wows the blog world with debut single 'Whip My Hair' [UPDATED]". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Capistrano, Daniela. "Jay-Z Signs 'Superstar' Willow Smith To Roc Nation". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  9. ^ a b c d "Will Smith's daughter releases hip-hop song". CBC. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  10. ^ a b "Will Smith's Daughter 'Whips' Towards Roc Nation Deal". AOL Boombox. AOL. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  11. ^ a b Concepcion, Mariel. "Willow Smith Signs to Jay-Z's Roc Nation". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media Inc. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  12. ^ a b c d "New music: Willow Smith – I Whip My Hair". guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  13. ^ a b "New Kids on The Block". BET Sound Off Blog. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  14. ^ Wilkening, Matthew. "Willow Smith, 'Whip My Hair' -- New Song". AOL Radio Blog. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  15. ^ a b Concepcion, Mariel. "Willow Smith Earns Rihanna Comparisons For 'Whip My Hair' Single". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media Inc. Retrieved 2010-09-094. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  16. ^ Capistrano, Daniela. "Willow Smith Makes Music Debut With 'Whip My Hair'". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  17. ^ Stack, Tim. "Will Smith's daughter releases new single: Is she the next Rihanna?". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  18. ^ a b Lamb, Bill (2010-10-18). "Willow Smith Premieres Fierce "Whip My Hair" Video". About.com. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  19. ^ "Chart Highlights: Country, Rock Songs & More". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2010-09-13. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  20. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: Week of September 25, 2010". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  21. ^ Trust, Gary (2010-09-16). "Weekly Chart Notes: the Beatles, Eminem, Willow Smith". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  22. ^ a b c d "Director of Willow Smith's 'Whip My Hair' Hopes Video Will Inspire Others". Rap-Up. Retrieved 2010-09-18.
  23. ^ "MUSIC VIDEO: Willow Smith - Whip My Hair". Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  24. ^ a b "Video: Willow Smith - 'Whip My Hair'". Rap-Up. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  25. ^ [Willow Smith Premieres Fierce "Whip My Hair" Video "Willow Smith Unleashes 'Whip My Hair' Single Cover, Video Pics"]. Rap-Up. Retrieved 2010-10-18. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  26. ^ a b c Byrne, Katie (2010-10-18). "Willow Smith's 'Whip My Hair' Video Premieres". MTV News. MTV Networks (Viacom). Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  27. ^ Bain, Becky. "Willow Smith Gets Whiplash In Her "Whip My Hair" Video". Idolator. Buzzmedia Publishers. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  28. ^ Finn, Natalie. "Watch Willow Smith's Hair Whip Back and Forth in Debut Video". E! Online. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  29. ^ MacKenzie, Carina Adly (2010-10-18). "Willow Smith's 'Whip My Hair' video premiere: Watch out, Rihanna". Zap2it. Tribune Media Services. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  30. ^ Brockington, Ryan (2010-10-18). "Get ready for 9-year old world domination". The New York Post. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accesdate= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ "'Whip My Hair' Video Arrives, Willow Smith Remains Awesome". Popeater. AOL. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  32. ^ "Willow Smith's 'Whip My Hair' Video Hits the Internet". Celebuzz. Buzzmedia Publishers. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  33. ^ "http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2010/10/watch_willow_smith_whip_her_hair.php". Extra Online. Retrieved 2010-10-18. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  34. ^ "Willow Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  35. ^ "Bubbling Under and other charts". Billboard. 123 (41). Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2010-10-23. ISSN 0006-2510.
  36. ^ "Urban/UAC Future Releases". AllAccess. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  37. ^ "Top 40/Mainstream Future Releases". AllAccess. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  38. ^ "WILLOW SMITH UNLEASHES 'WHIP MY HAIR' SINGLE COVER, VIDEO PICS". Rap-Up. Retrieved 2010-10-14.
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