Willow Smith, the multi-talented artist and daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, has graced the cover of Allure magazine’s May issue.
In a candid interview with editor-in-chief Jessica Cruel, Willow opens up about her highly anticipated new album “empathogen,” her musical influences, and her unique perspective on beauty standards.
Embracing Her True Self
Willow exudes confidence and self-assurance as she discusses her evolution as a musician and her journey of self-discovery. “I’m settling into more of who I am,” she says, embracing her natural beauty and defying conventional beauty norms.
“I’m brown, my hair is nappy. That’s why I think I straddle a very interesting position in the beauty standard world.”
The new album, “empathogen,” marks a significant milestone in Willow’s musical career. She cites jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, and Sarah Vaughan as influences, adding depth and emotional resonance to her sound.
“I just grew up a little bit, and I really am starting to figure out what kind of musician I really want to be,” she reveals.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Her Voice
Willow’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. She candidly discusses the pressures of fame at a young age and the struggles she faced in finding her authentic voice.
“There was a time where it was really, really dark,” she admits, acknowledging the difficulties of navigating the industry and societal expectations.
However, Willow’s resilience and determination shine through. “I didn’t write the songs,” she says of her early albums. “I didn’t produce the music. And now I [think] I need to write the songs. I need to produce the music. If I’m not doing that, what’s the use of this?”
Collaboration and Artistic Growth
For “empathogen,” Willow embraced the power of collaboration, working with acclaimed artists like St. Vincent and Jon Batiste. “Collaboration, I’m starting to realize, is how you make the best art,” she says, acknowledging the beauty of creative synergy and the nurturing of ideas.
Breaking Free from Labels
Despite her famous lineage, Willow defies the notion of being a “nepo baby,” a term used to describe those born into privilege and connections in the entertainment industry. “I truly believe that my spirit is a strong spirit and that, even if my parents weren’t who they were, I would still be a weirdo and a crazy thinker,” she asserts.
Moreover, Willow acknowledges the complexities of being a Black woman in America, regardless of her privilege. “Being Black in America, even with privilege, which I’m never going to deny that I have, you’re still Black. And I love being Black.”
