The talk of the town has been Willow, the daughter of Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith, and her signing with Jay-Z and his Roc Nation imprint. While the song “Whip My Hair” undoubtedly has hit potential, one has to wonder if Willow is ready for the spotlight.

She’s nine-years-old but has two parents who understand what the life of a superstar is all about. Although neither had the attention that Willow has at the tender age of 9. Twelve-year-old Jaden Smith made his first film appearance in 2006′s The Pursuit Of Happyness at the age of 8, so this wouldn’t be their first child to step into the spotlight. However, being a young girl the music business can be difficult. We’ve all heard the stories of child stars forced to grow up too soon, their childhoods becoming virtually non-existent.

On the Ryan Seacrest show, Jay-Z stated that Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder were both very young when they started in the music business. However, we all know Michael Jackson’s life appeared to be more enjoyed by us than by him. Not to mention, times have changed. Who knows what effect the music business could have on young Willow. But then again, if her parents have already prepared her for this, who are we to say when it is too soon? As long as everything stays age appropriate, I personally have no problem with it. The moment she starts looking 19 at 9 with too high heels and too short skirts, I’ll take issue with her stardom.

Willow could quite possibly be the next big star on the pop scene. She may not have the vocal chops of a young MJ or Stevie, but she has the look and apparently understands how to make a hit record. It’s really up to Will and Jada to control her future without allowing their daughter to get out of control. Because—especially in this day and age—being a star is such a short-lived affair. Manage it well and you can be like a Malcolm Jamal Warner who strive well beyond their career on television ends.

Or you can end up being Montana Fishburne and Paris Hilton (both are a stretch). Nobody wants that.

Bookmark to: