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{{Infobox single | Name = Whip My Hair | Cover = Whip My Hair Single Cover.jpg | Border = yes | Caption = | Artist = Willow | Album = | Published = | Released = October 26, 2010
(see release history) | Genre = Hip hop, R&B, dance-pop | Recorded = 2010 | Length = 3:13 | Writer = Ronald M Jackson Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). Time magazine, CNN, Billboard, all covered the song the evening of its surface.[1][2][3] The song's initial video uploaded to YouTube reportedly had garnered over 100,000 views on YouTube a day after release.[4] The effort was applauded by several celebrities on Twitter, including Ciara, Brandy, Solange Knowles, and Alfredo Flores.[5]

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.[6]

Rumor spread online that rapper Jay-Z, who also introduced Rihanna,[7] was prepping to sign Smith to his Columbia imprint, Roc Nation. However, Mediabase had already listed the budding song as credited to RocNation/Columbia.[8] 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.[9] The rapper called the song a hit, revealing that the record was presented to him without knowing of her age or parentage.[6] He was enthused after learning the whole story, saying "everything went from there."[6] 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.[6] 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."[6] 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.[6] 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."[6] 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."[9] The singer herself responded, calling everything "overwhelming," but credited values instilled by her parents.[6]

Composition

Lyrics

"..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"[6]

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."[7][10] The lyrics have motivational undertones, speaking of self-love and assurance, and referring to letting your hair down as a representation of this in parts like the line, "Keep fighting until I get there, when I'm down and I feel like giving up/I whip my hair back and forth, I whip it, I whip it real good."[11]

Music

"Whip My Hair"
A sample of the song, featuring the motivational line, "Don't let haters keep me off my grind."
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Whip My Hair" is a high-tempo R&B[10]-hip-hop[12][7] piece, while incorporating dance-pop[2] and crunk,[13] while from funk and disco influences.[13][14] The song is said to be composed in an "eclectic" style, and makes use of heavy synthesizers and drums.[11] Smith's vocals are auto-tuned in some parts,[10] while containing keyboard washes over a drum-heavy[1] beat described as "propulsive" and "futuristic."[15] 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.[3][16] Most critics compared the song heavily to Smith's musical influence Rihanna.[1][16] Additionally, others said also said the song was like other Rihanna contemporaries Ciara and Keri Hilson,[5] as well as containing a hip hop feel of Lil Mama.[8] Gina Serpe of E! Online called the track a fourth-grade version of Rihanna and Hilson.[12]

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,[5] and Daniela Capistrano of MTV News calling it a "kid-friendly club banger."[6] Kennedy commented, "don't let her age fool you; the song packs serious punch."[5] Capistrano said that the song's "crazy" beat works on the schoolyard and dancefloor.[17] 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."[12] Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly commended the song, complimenting the production value, stating the song was "Lil Mama meets Rihanna."[18] 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.[7] 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."[10] BET Sound Off blog commented that Smith had more personality on the track than fellow artists three times her age.[14] 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."[19] Melinda Newman of HitFix complimented Smith's "competent" singing voice.[20]

Chart performance

Prior to radio add dates and release, the song collected greatest gainer recognitions on the US Rap Songs chart.[21] On the week ending September 25, 2010 the song debuted at number sixty on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[22][23] It jumped to number thirty-eight on that same chart in the following week. It has so far peaked at number twelve.[24] "Whip My Hair" debuted at number seventy-eight on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of October 28, 2010.[25]

Music video

Background and release

Smith filmed the song's accompanying music video in Los Angeles the week of September 20, 2010.[26] Ray Kay, known for Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" and Justin Bieber's "Baby," among others, was to direct the clip.[26] 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."[26] 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."[26][27] Later, Kay commented to Rap-Up in a separate piece, "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!"[28]

A teaser video released on September 16, 2010 received 1.2 million views prior to the release of the official music video.[29] 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.[30] Before the video received its official premieres, it was leaked online, and RocNation removed all unauthorized clips.[29]

Synopsis

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

The video begins in a futuristic cafeteria with kids sitting down at tables wearing all white while the tables and walls are gray.[31] 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.[32] With her braids shaped to form a heart, she carries a boombox filled with paint and plays it while undoing her braids and dipping them into paint inside the stereo, using her hair as a paintbrush and enlivening the atmosphere with colors.[31] Smith then performs dance moves and gets the classroom involved, which is intercut with the singer now donning a colorful mohawk, 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. Midway, Smith and her dancers perform a dance routine with music not in the original song.[29] 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, including her brother Jaden,[33] teachers, janitor, elderly lady, and toddler dance.[31] 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."[28]

Reception

Natalie Finn of E! Online commended the video for being "sassy, yet kid friendly."[34] 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."[35] 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."[36] 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!"[37] Also, a Celebuzz writer said that Smith "kills it with some seriously fierce bling, dance moves and, of course, intense hair whipping."[38] Bill Lamb of About.com said in the video Smith had "seasoned energy" that was "stunning."[19] Commenting that Smith had the attitude of a "full-blown teen," Melinda Newman of HitFix commented, "As Miley Cyrus gets ready to become an adult, we can fill that spot with Willow," complimenting her charisma.[20]

Matt Cherrete of Chris Ryan of MTV Buzzworthy said the video lived up to the "energy" and "power" of the track, commenting that it contained the "most inspiring and awesome youth power dancing, hair whipping and floor stomping that you're going to see all day."[39] Matt Donnelly of The Los Angeles Times said with the release, the singer "introduces to us a pre-preteen firecracker who lives up to her impeccable breeding and perhaps takes the legacy one step further."[40] Admitting she originally dismissed the song and a video concept, due to her quick rise to fame and the oversexualized image of pop music already, Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly commented, "his clip is about to put a boom in the chiropracting industry (with possible ancillary benefits for housepaint), because girl can snap it."[41] Billy Johnson, Jr. of Yahoo! Music said among the many dancers in the clip, Smith "shines as the clear breakout star," calling the video a "smash," and commenting "she pulls it off without need for cameo appearances from her famous parents."[42] Veronica Miller of NPR that it wasn't the hairstyles that made the clip, but "the sheer fearlessness with which young Willow is singing, dancing and whipping," stating she has "just enough sass and pluck and confidence to hold our attention and leave us wanting more."[43]

Live performances and promotion

Smith accompanied the premiere of the video at 106 & Park on October 18, 2010. She was interviewed and presented with a plaque by hosts Terrence J and Rocsi for the video being her world premiere, and she broke down in tears and admired the award.[44] Smith will perform the song for the first time live on November 2, 2010 on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.[45]

Cultural impact

Billboard gave Willow Smith the ranking of number seven in their '21 Under 21' on September 23, 2010 due to the song.[46] Chris Ryan of MTV Buzzworthy commented that Smith and her single seemed to "come out of nowhere" and managed to captivate both teen pop and hip-hop fans.[39] Billy Johnson, Jr. of Yahoo! Music said that the video would "spark a youth hair revolution."[42] Frannie Kelly of NPR said that the video had "become a talker for women all over the country — and especially women of color."[47]

In September 2010, a fanmade mashup of the video and a Sesame Street segment appeared online.[29] The original Sesame Street clip featured a puppet portrayed as a young black girl proud of her hair. She flails her braids, cornrows, afro, and other ethnic hairstyles.[43] According to the show's writer, Joey Mazzarino, the song was a tribute to his Ethiopian daughter's hair, writing it, stating that he wanted to say, "Your hair is great. You can put it in ponytails. You can put it in cornrows. I wish I had hair like you."[29] The mashup uses different shots in the show's segment paired with "Whip My Hair" to act as a music video.[29] During the week of release of the "Whip My Hair" video, the Sesame Street clip also went viral. Veronica Miller of NPR commented that with both clips, "little black girls are having the best week ever," noting the rarity that "little African-American girls are publicly celebrated for their uniqueness and beauty," due to non-positive comments about their physical appearance, making them question individual and collective beauty.[43] On the single's video, Miller said, "Little Willow is operating with a sort of empowerment that grown women can sense, admire, and in some cases, envy," stating, "not many girls are taught that it’s OK to openly love and affirm yourself."[43] Noting that the norm is not to be "sassy" or "cute", she said that "Whip My Hair" is "a celebration of little girls celebrating themselves."[43]

Charts

Chart (2010) Peak
position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[48]
[24] 		12
US Billboard Hot 100[25] 78

Radio adds and release history

Region Date Format
United States September 21, 2010 Urban airplay[49]
October 12, 2010 Mainstream airplay[50]
October 26, 2010 Digital download[51]

References

  1. ^ a b c Godfrey, Gavin. "Willow Smith drops new single 'Whip My Hair'". CNN Marquee Blog. CNN Online. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  2. ^ a b Friedman, Megan. "Will Smith's Daughter, 9, Drops New Single". Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ Van Druten, Rebekah. "'Superstar' signed". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ a b c d "Will Smith's daughter releases hip-hop song". CBC. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  8. ^ a b "Will Smith's Daughter 'Whips' Towards Roc Nation Deal". AOL Boombox. AOL. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  9. ^ a b Concepcion, Mariel. "Willow Smith Signs to Jay-Z's Roc Nation". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media Inc. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  10. ^ a b c d "New music: Willow Smith – I Whip My Hair". guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  11. ^ a b Concepcion, Mariel. "Willow Smith, "Whip My Hair"". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  12. ^ a b c Serpe, Gina. "Willow Smith (Yep) Has a Hip-Hop Song. And It's Good". E! Online. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  13. ^ a b "Harriet Walker: The authenticity of Willow Smith". Independent.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-10-19. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  14. ^ a b "New Kids on The Block". BET Sound Off Blog. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  15. ^ Wilkening, Matthew. "Willow Smith, 'Whip My Hair' -- New Song". AOL Radio Blog. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  16. ^ 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)
  17. ^ Capistrano, Daniela. "Willow Smith Makes Music Debut With 'Whip My Hair'". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  18. ^ Stack, Tim. "Will Smith's daughter releases new single: Is she the next Rihanna?". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  19. ^ 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.
  20. ^ a b Newman, Melinda. "Willow Smith whips her hair in 'Whip My Hair' video". HitFix. Retrieved 2010-10-19.
  21. ^ "Chart Highlights: Country, Rock Songs & More". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2010-09-13. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  22. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: Week of September 25, 2010". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  23. ^ Trust, Gary (2010-09-16). "Weekly Chart Notes: the Beatles, Eminem, Willow Smith". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  24. ^ a b http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs?begin=11&order=position
  25. ^ a b Caulfield, Keith; Pietroluongo, Silvio (2010-10-28). "Chart Moves: Susan Boyle, Willow Smith, Taylor Swift, Bo Burnham, Cee Lo". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  26. ^ a b c d "Director of Willow Smith's 'Whip My Hair' Hopes Video Will Inspire Others". Rap-Up. 2010-09-17. Retrieved 2010-09-18.
  27. ^ "MUSIC VIDEO: Willow Smith - Whip My Hair". Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  28. ^ a b "Video: Willow Smith - 'Whip My Hair'". Rap-Up. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  29. ^ a b c d e f "http://voices.washingtonpost.com/blog-post/2010/10/whip.html". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2010-10-19. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  30. ^ "Willow Smith Unleashes 'Whip My Hair' Single Cover, Video Pics". Rap-Up. 2010-10-14. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  31. ^ 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.
  32. ^ Bain, Becky. "Willow Smith Gets Whiplash In Her "Whip My Hair" Video". Idolator. Buzzmedia Publishers. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  33. ^ McClanahan, Matt. "Will Smith's daughter, 9-year-old Willow Smith releases video for hit song "Whip My Hair"". San Diego Entertainer Magazine. Retrieved 2010-10-19.
  34. ^ Finn, Natalie. "Watch Willow Smith's Hair Whip Back and Forth in Debut Video". E! Online. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  35. ^ 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.
  36. ^ Brockington, Ryan (2010-10-18). "Get ready for 9-year old world domination". The New York Post. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  37. ^ "'Whip My Hair' Video Arrives, Willow Smith Remains Awesome". Popeater. AOL. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  38. ^ "Willow Smith's 'Whip My Hair' Video Hits the Internet". Celebuzz. Buzzmedia Publishers. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  39. ^ a b Ryan, Chris. "New Video: Willow Smith, 'Whip My Hair'". MTV Buzzworthy. MTV Networks (Viacom). Retrieved 2010-10-22. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  40. ^ Donnelly, Matt. "Willow Smith: All you need to know, including what it's like with Justin Bieber in the picture". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  41. ^ Greenblatt, Leah. "Willow Smith's 'Whip My Hair' video: Watch it here". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2010-10-19.
  42. ^ a b Johnson, Jr., Billy. "Parental Advisory: Willow Smith's 'Whip My Hair' Video To Influence Your Tween Daughter's Hairstyles". Yahoo! Music. Retrieved 2010-10-22. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  43. ^ a b c d e Miller, Veronica. "The Best Week Ever For Black Girls". NPR. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  44. ^ "Willow Smith Makes An Emotional 1st Appearance On 106 & Park (Video)". Soulculture.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-10-19.
  45. ^ "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)
  46. ^ Billboard Staff (2010-09-23). "21 Under 21: Willow Smith". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media Inc. Retrieved 2010-10-27.
  47. ^ Kelly, Frannie. "'Whip My Hair' And Sesame Street Song Rare Moments Of Positivity In Viral Video". NPR. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  48. ^ "Willow Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  49. ^ "Urban/UAC Future Releases". AllAccess. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  50. ^ "Top 40/Mainstream Future Releases". AllAccess. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  51. ^ "Whip My Hair – Willow". Amazon. Retrieved 2010-10-26.
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