Thursday, September 9, 2010
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW W/ TYNISHA KELI
FANTASIA AT THE TOM JOYNER FAMILY REUNION
WILLOW SMITH GETS SIGNED TO ROC NATION
It’s very very amazing, and it’s very overwhelming ‘cause all of the red carpet and the flashes, all the people wanting to meet you, it’s very overwhelming for a nine year old.
The song means just being an individual. You can’t be afraid to be yourself and you can’t let anyone tell you that that’s wrong. My mom and I are very strong individuals and I just know that because lots of people don’t act like themselves so they’re not happy.
Jay-z called into the show and confirmed himself signing Willow to Roc Nation
I heard the record first before I even knew that it was recorded by a 9 year old. I was like “Man, that record is a smash”. And then Jay Brown told me that she was nine and I was like “Whoa!”. Then they told me that it was Will and Jada’s daughter and I was like “Whoa Whoa”! Then I was in Japan doing some things and they were all in Japan so I met Willow and she walked in and the first thing she says was “I’m really nervous”. I thought that maturity, explaining exactly how she was feeling when she walked in the room, I knew right then that she is a star. I believe in Superstars. I believe in big records and big superstars and I believe that she has both!
On Willow’s Attitude:
She’s a child, she has child’s innocence but she has a clear vision of what she wants and who she wants to be. I can only imagine that’s how Mike (Michael Jackson) was as a young kid, he knew exactly what he wanted.
On Her Being Too Young:
I believe that you have to start somewhere. When you have that sort of talent and you have that sort of vision then there is no such thing as too young. Again, I heard the record without knowing who it was, it’s a hit record! If you listen to anyone, if you listen to any comments, everyone says that they can’t believe, as adults, that they like a record that is made by a 9 year old. But we all dance to Michael Jackson records from when he was 8 years old. Stevie Wonder started at 8. It’s just what it is, it’s who she is.
Jay-Z’s Advice to Willow:
Just enjoy. Just enjoy the process and have fun doing it. Stick true to the values that she has coming in the door. I’m gonna try to help her not let the music business change any of those ideas and stick true to who she is as a person. And enjoy it and have fun!