TheGrio's 100: Willow Smith, creating her own lane in acting and music

theGRIO's 100 - Willow Smith is creating her own lane in acting and music despite being the child of famous parents...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

Willow Smith, daughter of actors Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, works hard. The 11-year-old actress and singer has been on the Hollywood scene for years, first appearing with her father in the 2007 blockbuster film I Am Legend. She quickly followed up with roles in Kit Kittredge: An American Girl and Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa in 2008. But what made her a household name, and what likely gave a few people neck sprains, was her 2010 hit single “Whip My Hair.”

The release of “Whip My Hair” came after Smith was signed to Roc Nation, rapper Jay-Z’s record label. The single peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 list. And the music video for the club banger was nominated for Video of the Year during last year’s BET Awards.

Since the success of “Whip My Hair,” Smith has released two more singles, “21st Century Girl” and “Fireball,” on which rapper Nicki Minaj makes an appearance.

Willow Smith is making history … as a YouTube sensation and one of the youngest internationally-known artists today. Through her eccentric style, Smith has created her own lane through her acting and music, despite being the child of famous parents.

What’s next for Willow?

Smith is scheduled to release her debut album Willow: You Think You Know Me this spring. She’s also making a return to acting, starring in the remake of Annie, which is being developed by her father’s company Overbrook Entertainment, Jay Z and Sony Pictures.

A little-known fact about Willow Smith …

Smith and her brother Jaden are youth ambassadors of Hasbro Inc.’s Project Zambi, which raises awareness and funds for orphaned children in Africa who lost their loved ones to AIDS.

For more information about Willow Smith, click here.

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