Willow Smith had me whipping my hair back and forth for the past couple months, ever since I first heard her single, through Roc Nation. Now the pint-sized powerhouse has just released the music video for her can’t-get-out-of-your-head single, “Whip My Hair.” Her voice is so infectious, it’s hard to believe she’s only nine years old. But, she is a Smith, which means age has nothing to do with her tremendous talent. Daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow is proving that the entire family has got some serious game.
The video has Willow transforming a bland school into a splatter-painted masterpiece just by whipping her hair. While getting the other kids hyped and on their feet, it’s obvious the song is not just about the action of whipping your hair, but the attitude as well, as she sings, “I don’t let haters get me off my grind / keep my head up, I know I’ll be fine...”
Peep the video below:
She’s already been signed to Roc Nation—the record label of hit-maker Jay-Z, who’s helped artists like Rihanna and J. Cole become the sensations they are today. I’ve also followed the career of Roc Nation’s newly signed Hugo, and last week spent some time with him backstage at the Kimmel show. In addition, YH was invited to be the exclusive camera onset of another young Roc Nation artist, Alexis Jordan’s first video for “Happiness.” With such an eclectic mix of talents and genres, it’s no surprise the R-O-C signed the sassy Smith. HOV truly knows how to pick out those gems, and I have no doubt this is just the first of a lot we’ll be seeing from Willow. I’m sure that soon we will see a bunch of random YouTube videos of fans trying to whip their hair like Willow, but no one will be able to do it as good as Miss Smith... mark my words.
I may not be an NFL quarterback, but I learned last night that I am indeed a professional athlete... almost as good as Forrest Gump. I came to this realization while playing a mean game of ping-pong along side Audrina Patridge ("The Hills") and Trevor Donovan ("90210") at the launch of The PUMA Social Club LA. The event was held at the Sunset Towers in West Hollywood where I had my birthday party two years ago, back when it was "One Sunset." You would never know it was the same spot, as the whole first floor has been completely redesigned into a really cool PUMA lounge celebrating "vintage" social sports like bowling and darts.
While my ping-pong skills are nothing to sneeze at, I certainly made the most of the "social" part of "social sports" by hanging out in the Patron photo booth with my friend Gregory Michael ("Greek") and chatting with Jeremy Piven ("Entourage"). Once again, the photo booth was a big hit with my friends and I, but a really cool feature of the venue was the dancers. Hollywood clubs are known for their scantily-clad box dancers, but PUMA put a nice urban twist on the concept by showcasing some amazing breakdancers pop-n-lockin'. They were busting out some really impressive moves; all they needed was some cardboard to make it an Electric Boogaloo-ish experience.
Dan Black killed it on the ones and twos, playing an eclectic mix like he always does. The Patron drinks were delicious, but I also had my first Pink's Hot Dogs experience. I know, I know, Pink's is a Hollywood fixture, but I had never made it over to their stand on La Brea, nor did I understand why there is ALWAYS a line at that joint. Now I get it, and I may have to stop by the infamous stand, as the small bite of my friend's veggie dog I had was definitely tasty.
PUMA also had their new line on display, and I spent some time checking out the new kicks, as there were definitely some cool new designs that I could see a lot of Young Hollywood stars rocking around town in the coming months. I'm a big fan of the hi-tops and being that I take hip-hop dance class every week, you know I gots to cop me a pair of them ASAP. Dancers are naturally better when they have steez and a cool pair of kicks.
I wish the PUMA Social Club was sticking around for more than two weeks, as I definitely want a little more time to perfect my table tennis back swing! I will not lose. Forrest, I'm coming for you next time...
This past weekend I experienced 2010's "Party of the Year." And everyone who attended the event, held at a private residence in Beverly Hills, would agree. "Family Guy" creator, Seth MacFarlane is known to throw extravagant parties, but this year he took it to another level. Night Vision Entertainment put together "An Evening Affair" reminiscent of "The World of Old Las Vegas," where having class meant men going out on the town in a suit and Fedora, and women dressed to impress in a chic dress and pearls. Seth has always been a fan of "The Rat Pack" era and he truly was able to bring it back for just one evening.
The most amazing part of the evening was watching the live 60-piece Ron Jones Orchestra performing music from Star Wars and other classic soundtracks, while Frank Sinatra Jr. took the stage singing his father's classics. One of the coolest moments was when Sinatra Jr. sang "New York, New York" in front of a lit up backdrop of New York that made me feel like I was really on a rooftop garden party in the Upper East Side. And if that wasn’t enough, Seth joined him on stage to perform the classics, while Cirque du Soleil members performed elaborate routines while hanging from the ceiling. In addition, the orchestra paid tribute to favorite film Back To The Future, in celebration of it's anniversary. An original DeLorean was even on-hand for guests to enjoy.
While the “Big Apple” influences were certainly present, there were also homages to the other Rat Pack city, Las Vegas, as well. I got to enjoy some amazing sushi, shrimp skewers, and even grilled cheese from Vegas chef Keven Alan Lee and celebs like “Entourage”'s Jeremy Piven spent the night gambling at a charity casino benefiting the spcaLA, an animal cruelty prevention organization that “Family Guy”'s Brian would certainly bark in approval for.
It was cool seeing today's celebrities like David Arquette, Paris Hilton, Kate Walsh, Jeremy Piven, David Spade, Cuba Gooding Jr., Molly Sims, and Aziz Ansari dressed to the nines in “Rat Pack” chic attire. I spent some time catching up with “Glee”'s Mark Salling, and “Chuck”'s Zachary Levi, but it was more than the company that made the night so incredible. Even the celebs were in awe of the surroundings and calling it the “best night ever.”
Throughout the evening “Peter Griffin” got to enjoy some tasty Svedka Vodka martinis, while I sipped on champagne served by silver-clad show girls. "Peter" even confided in me that he was jonesing for one of the Camacho cigars they were passing out... although I’m pretty sure his plastic head would have melted if he tried to smoke one. By 2 a.m., when all the bars and clubs would be closing down, Seth’s place was still packed. DJ Rick Rude spun late night tunes, and in turn, no one wanted to leave.
I can’t imagine another partying topping this one in 2010, but I guess there are still 81 days left in the year... and my birthday is coming up.
