Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Filed under: Willow

Willow is a metaphor for globalization and she doesn't even know it

Fully recovered from whipping her hair, Willow has now released her new single for "21st Century Girl".

I've already discussed that the song is a pretty weak follow up here, so let's just talk about the video.

It starts in an African desert. A mystic woman finds a bone, which turns out to be the last relic she needs to create some kind of hole in the ground where Willow emerges, as some kind of harbinger of the future.

Willow creates a butterfly and follows it, along with some newfound friends. And that's where things get weird.

In the midst of their frolic through the desert, the kids find parking meters, roads, cars and skyscrapers buried under the sand. They pretty much say "Fuck this nature, let's get some concrete up in this joint!" 

Pretty soon, the beautiful landscape has become a downtown core. I don't think this is what that mystic woman had in mind. I also think if she new all that stuff was buried underground, she would have pulled some stuff up to help her impoverished nation.

While Willow probably didn't intend for this, I can't help but interpret the video as a thinly veiled commentary on how globalization is inevitable and that big business, first world nations kick every other nation's ass when it comes to it's cool factor.

Meanwhile, on the whole, first world inhabitants over miserable, greedy bastards while third world inhabitants seem much more happier with their lives, despite their wants.

Anyway, I'm thinking way too much about a video by Will Smith's entitled daughter. Just watch and let me know what you think!

Willow is a 21st Century Girl

10-year-old Willow Smith's first hit "Whip My Hair" could have been a pop music fluke. But, we know that with parents like Will and Jada, they wouldn't let that happen.

She's released her second single "21st Century Girl", another pop stomper with lyrics that seem slightly too mature for someone who's 10. I mean, she's stepping on the gas and has a whole lotta class. When I was 10, I wore Batman tracksuits. Then again, I didn't have millions at my disposal. Oh well.

For me, the song isn't as impressive as "Whip My Hair" is. It sounds like she's trying her hardest to sound like an amalgamation of Rhianna, Ke$ha and the Chipmunks. But, can I really fault her for that? She's TEN! She hasn't has had time to develop her own voice yet. 

I would go out on a limb and call her a one-hit wonder, but with her family tree plus and appearance on Oprah earlier today, I know that ain't gonna happen.

Listen to "21st Century Girl" below and tell me what you think?

<span>21st Century Girl by Willow Smith</span>

Willow whips my emotions back and forth

Will Smith. I can't stand him. For the same reason I can't stand Tom Hanks. People who are universally liked grate on my nerves. 

So, it really irks me that he's pushing his children on us to create a "dynasty" of sorts. I mean, the world has no place for precocious and entitled children. 

I didn't bother with Jaden's acting debut in The Karate Kid remake. And I could barely stomach the duet he did with Justin Bieber for the soundtrack. Nice try, Smith family. Dodged that one.

But, my resolve isn't so strong with Willow. Oh, Willow. The 9-year-old with crazy hair styles, bejeweled lips, and a strangely mature voice. The 9-year-old singing about her "swag" to all her "ladies" while pulling up in her "ride". 

On paper, I should hate everything about this little pipsqueak. Logic wants me to hunt down Will and Jada and scream "LET YOUR KIDS BE KIDS!"

But, I can't deny the beat of this song. And I know in my heart of hearts that if this song came on in a club and I was appropriately inebriated, I will dance like a mofo.

Damn you, Willow. You've won this round.