Willow Smith Whips Up a Movement Despite Negativity

By J9 of J9's MusicLife

Willow Smith, 10-year-old daughter of Will and Jada Smith, has turned into an overnight star due to her popular debut single, "Whip Your Hair."  Before even knowing who's kid she was, Jay-Z listened to her song and loved it.  Eventually, he signed Willow to his label, Roc Nation. 

For those who remember, Willow is like the Raven-Symone of today.  In 1993, Raven came out with her first single "That's What Little Girls Are Made of" when she was only 8 years-old.  Click here to see the video.

In the mist of Willow's debut success, many have already started to shed a bad light on her.  It started before her single dropped, when she shaved the sides of her head.  Some felt she was too young for this type of hairstyle and frowned upon Will and Jada for condoning it.

If I had a girl, I probably wouldn't allow her to shave her head.  But seriously, what's the harm?  Recently, many people were allowing their little boys to wear a shaved Mohawk style.  What makes Willow so different?  Is it because she's a girl?

On May 14, 2010, the whole Smith family was on Oprah and Willow's hairstyle was discussed.  She and Jada explained that "her beauty didn't depend on her hair."  Willow wanted to be free and not worry about her hair when she participated in activities like swimming.

I think for a young, black girl to feel that her hair isn't a big deal, shows confidence.  Such an outlook is rare, especially in the black community when even older women are obsessed with their hair.  If anything, Willow is a young role model for little girls out there teaching them to be proud of not only their hair but who they are in general.

To read more, click here.

State of Emergency: Hammer vs. Jay-Z

State of Emergency: A featured post that sheds a light on offensive acts, all in the name of music.

By ChinaBabe of J9's MusicLife

Really "King" Hammer, are you really coming for HOV?

Now I know you did a double take when you read the title or you laughed (I mean a true LOL). If you are a true hip-hop lover not only did you LOL, you also SMH.

If you don't know who MC Hammer is, click here for a bit of hip-hop history.

Well, Jay-Z happened to make mention of Hammer's financial situation or lack there of, in his latest super collaboration with Kanye West on a track called So Appalled. This track is one of many to inspire the forth coming Jay-Z/Kanye album "Watch the Throne."

*** I digressed***

Hammer took the 2 lines that referenced him...I'm sorry, I should say King Hammer was so irate about the line(s) he released a song and video Better Run Run... I'll wait...

If you opted not to waste 5 minutes of your life, here's a very brief summary:

In the video, Hammer takes a slight swipe at Kanye, using the Runaway theme. However, it is quite clear that the target is Jay-Z...from the very bad look-a-like with the Yankee hat to playing up the internet rumors of Jay and his affiliations with the illuminati (another time). At some point, Hammer makes mention of Jay selling his sold to the devil...

**Looks side ways at Hammer**

To read the full article, click here.

Kanye West's "Runaway": Reaction & Review

By J9 of J9's MusicLife

Just in case you missed it, last Saturday, October 23, Kanye West premiered his highly anticipated 35 minute video, locking down three major TV stations MTV, MTV2, and BET. This video's soundtrack was tracks from his upcoming album My Dark and Twisted Fantasy due for release on Monday, November 22, 2010.

Listen to Kanye explain the symbolism in the video:

ChinaBabe's Take:  This video is mostly a beautiful piece of abstract moving art with Selita Ebanks as the center of attraction.  I understand the phoenix represents his career and the rise from the ashes.  I even understand the dinner scene, being the "last supper" symbolizing his rebirth and renewed spirits.  There are great touches of brilliance moving toward genius throughout this short film. However, I believe that the genius will be lost to most people because of the cocky arrogance that is Kanye West. In some ways, I don't think that this production was completely necessary.  There were times where I just thought this is a bit much...but in true Kanye form, he was pleased with himself.  Kanye is beyond talented but this film will just be 35 minutes of confusion to most people...

To read the entire article, visit J9's MusicLife.