WILLOW Talks New Album 'empathogen,' Reflects On "Whip My Hair" & More | Billboard News

WILLOW talks about her new album 'empathogen,' how it different from her last album 'COPINGMECHANISM' the vision she had for the two singles "Alone" and "symptom of life," reflects on the virality and success of "Whip My Hair" ten years later, the viral success "Meet Me At Our Spot" had as well, how her biggest music influences came from her mom, the potential of collaborating with her brother Jaden Smith and more!
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#WILLOW #WhipMyHair #BillboardNews
WILLOW Talks New Album 'empathogen,' Reflects On "Whip My Hair" & More | Billboard News
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[@leilaikusura4904]

Her intelligence, her depth, articulation, her pure aura, her artistry, her honesty. I love her so much. She has this warm energy that makes me feel so joyous. I enjoyed this so much. Thank you.

[@gaylecarnegie7679]

She her fathers daughter he gave her that energy so positive so possessive of your own feelings in herself She will earn her Grammy

[@paulineagius1402]

Agree, well explained. Well articulated, intelligent, confident, humble, beautiful girl to watch.

[@monicagomez4616]

You said that so beautifully.

[@user-rn9ij8rk5c]

...All good, but that doesn't make up her inability to sing any more than me being a doctor because I watched many medical programs on TV.

[@user-rn9ij8rk5c]

@@paulineagius1402: Watch yes, listen to sing. Oh, hell no!!

[@Norkaisa1]

This girl is extremely underrated as an artist.

[@mannycalavera2335]

Stop it. She has a whole machine behind her and more exposure than most of the globe would have. She is legitimately talented and deserving of recognition. But there are a lot of talented people out there who do not have her opportunities.

[@NebraskaFalls-ee7qp]

@@mannycalavera2335 HOWEEVR AT HER CORE BEFORE THE MACHINE SHE COMES FROM A LINEAGE OF TALENTED PEOPLE AND SOULS AND HER TALENT IS RAW AND PURE AND transcendent. THE MACHINE CAN ONLY HELP HER GET MORE EYES but the product AKA HER IS THE MACHINE. GET WELL SOON.

[@whentheworldwasatwar8717]

@@mannycalavera2335 She deserves it, whatever you said in your comment means nothing, if shes talented, she deserves it, regardless of where she comes from.

[@nhtynia]

And that " underrated" statement is an old , tired and a backhanded complement.

[@user-rn9ij8rk5c]

Six albums that have sold or gone nowhere!! If she wasn't the daughter of Will and Jada, we wouldn't be giving her a stage.

[@Frank_Alexander]

She has an old soul and a huge personality

[@modoodles]

because she's will smith's daughter. he has the biggest personality

[@yveanmore]

Symptom of Life is a masterpiece.

[@macphallic]

Absofuckinlutely!!!!!

[@a-katai]

It is indeed all that and more! 🖤🩷🤎🩵🤎🩷🖤

[@smooth_jazz_escola]

What an incredible girl, she doesn't stick to stereotypes, she went further with her art...she's a free soul!

[@grizarts170]

These kids grow up so fast its impossible. She has such a beautiful voice its unimaginable wow .....

[@igualdad5505]

A concert in South Africa will be welcomed😭😭😭😭😭😭please

[@lotusphoenix8]

Let's!

[@robot12423]

It'll probably be too expensive 😢

[@Pal3sa]

Yes. I need it!!!

[@thandisilec835]

@@robot12423no it won’t, she’s not Beyoncé so she’d be more affordable. Besides SA has had major acts like Gaga, Kanye, U2, Coldplay play to sold out stadium crowds, so Willow can do 2 shows and we’ll definitely go. Trust

[@TheDollDon]

Need it!!!!!!

[@kimwritenow]

“we never arrive…” Go Willow!

[@WilliamsPinch]

There is such a purity about her Jaden. They really are beautiful people.

[@LoVeInADiUniVerSe]

i agree..

[@lotusphoenix8]

She's such an intentional human being. I absolutely love her and her art ❤ Her parents must be proud of the woman she has become

[@gabriellewrren]

It’s nice to see some in depth music journalism 😭

[@TheGuyBry]

The background music playing DURING the interview is throwing me off bruh lol

[@TheErinnAffect]

Exactly!!!

[@nhtynia]

Perhaps learn how to focus better. It's not that difficult 😊

[@jadyngalore3]

can't wait for this album! i've been listening to big feelings and symptom of life on repeat🔥

[@macphallic]

Me Toooooo!!!❤❤❤

[@nusi4043]

sameeee!!!

[@user-eq4qm5vs5w]

Same!!!

[@josegil8020]

They could call the smith children nepobabies, but these dudes are actually very talented, so i wouldn't know if you could qualify them as nepobabies. i love willow smith's music quite a lot, it's funny how she isn't more music famous considering how good she is at it.

[@WilliamsPinch]

They’re nepo babies, but they extremely talented and disciplined.

[@extrashotofespresso_]

Two things can be true at once. But their talent speaks volumes and I will say, even though they come from extremely famous parents, people seem to miss their true artistry. I think folks like gimmicks than actual artists.

[@ShyiaRobinson]

I also think that big artist have to sacrifice parts of themselves to be really big stars and I bet their parents taught them not to sell out to get there. I believe Willow and Jayden want to actually make it as pure as possible to become the artist that they deserve. Even with like the Diddy thing going on it’s refreshing to see what it actually looks like for people to write amazing music and make it to the top naturally. She’s exactly where she needs to be in the industry and I absolutely love both her and Jayden’s music! I can’t wait to continue to see her growth!❤

[@jahzara.d]

They’re very talented nepobabies lol. I do believe they could’ve gotten big on their own, but they got huge jump starts from their parent’s successes.

[@ensabahnur3104]

They are, they say it themselves, however unlike the spirit from which the word comes, they put in the work and the exploration, that only comes with time.

[@sinasomxakaza9170]

She deserves a Grammy!!! Very mature and beautiful music. Her energy is amazing

[@extrashotofespresso_]

Say what y’all want about her parents but she is her own person. You can tell she is actually passionate about music and not just a nepo baby wanting to sell some records for clout and a check. She is intentional and love what she does. I love reading and am excited for her book to come out.

[@cpeeps430]

Fortunately, she is actually talented and also doesn't need a check maybe.

[@RahYisrael99]

Nepotism aside, she's the product of two musicians. It's very likely that she would be a natural musician.

[@ancestralabundance]

Overthinking IT is one of my favorite songs.

[@igualdad5505]

me too. It really helps calm me when I am overthinking it

[@almightyotaku6615]

Why isn’t Alone on the albummmmmm😭like I understand her explanation behind it being a bridge between what this new album is gonna sound like and her older music but I think it really deserved a spot on the track list, especially because I believe it didn’t get the treatment it deserved. I love it sm😂

[@Septemberxmusic]

Factssssss

[@gabby20316]

Same!!!

[@chefwhitney7793]

It's there for you to love , maybe she wants it to be "Alone"❤

[@almightyotaku6615]

@@chefwhitney7793 Oh that’s actually a nice way of looking at it😭

[@TimeTravelerBrandon]

Mature is the same word I used to describe her work this era, so excited to hear the album in full!

[@josephinenorman6649]

So talented and mature. She knows who she is and what she wants. You go girl!

[@macphallic]

This is probably her most mature album to date! I absolutely love her two singles that she dropped. I’m a 37 yr old who feels so connected to the music she’s created! Particularly symptom of life!!!!

[@joyannointed]

when she said: “i just want to be a service of love” and “sharpening my compassion” - i MELT!!! cause same, sis!!! also, super keen to read her book, wowowowow!!! 🎀

[@angelahardy2685]

I see a lot of Will's mannerisms in her actions, her hand movements, her conversation

[@extrashotofespresso_]

I see it too. She even looks like him here but of course a very femme version.

[@catkeech]

Yeah she's kinda his double

[@wes9982]

this album/era fits her very well

[@tse4730]

I LOVE her !!! So fresh & creative !!

[@florazul5240]

She is extremely talented and I'm excited for her Journey

[@danjablumling4242]

She seems so pure! I like her embodiment she’s good!

[@MadArtLang]

Symptom of Life is my fav too!!! So glad it wasn't removed. I love this whole interview. She seems so sure of herself and grounded. I was a mess at 23. Kudos to Willow. I'm sure she has her own struggles but man, artisticly, she is so beyond these other artists. I struggle from bipolar mood disorder and I felt so seen and understood by the mood swings of "Big Feelings" like if i had to show a visual of the mania vs the depression and hopelessness. The music videos are simple bust so captivating I cant look away. It's not flashy or gaudy or overprpduced. It's raw, authentic and transparent. I love the speed that she sings at and going from slow to fast. It's captivating I ant tune it out at all. It keeps my attention.

[@JaquaviousRobinson]

Wish nothing but success for WILLOW.

[@ourbreakthroughpodcast9353]

I just love how she articulates and expresses herself. Ever since she was a little girl (in the public eye) you just knew that she was EXTRAordinary.

[@thirtyyearcosmetologist]

I’m grateful for this type of new talent!

[@zakiyahyman1496]

I absolutely love this young lady. She is so well versed. People call her weird. I'd much rather be like her and be called weird than be normal. She is an absolute gem! I'm excited to read her book. When I traveled to Iceland there was a painting of the Black Madonna in one of the museums. I always thought hmmm.... What's the story behind this?

[@taikaantoine2362]

That was great interview 😊. He asked really good questions.

[@beautifulcrazy]

I never thought anything good could come out of Will and Jada, but, good always wins over evil. Willow and Jaden are such smart deep kids, I guess they've seen a lot! I love this album so much, ....and I'm 61. She's a young Joni Mitchell and Joplin. I love her vocal range, but then I love different. Willow is authentic and she's going to be a legend.

[@dakotac180]

Balanace and harmony with that Lapis. THEY have to collab with Hiatus! She's so beautiful, always love their message, excited for this ethereal hippie funk punk album.

[@tierrasworld]

I love this woman for who she is and is becoming

[@PAULDIPEOLU]

i love when we get a willow interview. so excited for the new project

[@tylerhackner9731]

Willow is an amazing talent

[@LightPerspectives]

Excellent Interview. Love to see this baby blossom into the musical genius that she is. 🎼 Love how she is allowed to sing without walls or barriers…allowing to hear the full dynamics of her sound vocally and the weight of the chords instrumentally. Even her body language in the videos is saying everything nonverbally. Like an in-depth impression of a signature Art-piece. For those who grew up watching the younger Jada and Will-she has her mom’s Spark poetically and intelligently, and her dad’s whole face and demeanor. Keep up the great work Willow! ~with Luv

[@mercury_rises]

😭 The way she holds her chin, now sir? Lol ugh I love this deep human, so much growth.

[@BertyNolks]

People definitely should tune into billboard news.

[@user-hg3iv5hy3s]

She truly is the real deal

[@thyotim]

Such a beautiful, intelligent young woman!! Excited for her album

[@jahmelbrown85]

Great interview

[@Divineeauraa]

Wonderful interview all across the board!!🔥🔥🫶🏿🤍🤍🤍

[@user-sk4gj3ji3o]

Desperately waiting for this album

[@GoGetFree]

Willow has brilliantly redefined the boundaries often placed over Black identity, giving it a new depth and breadth. Her sound and artistry remind me of visionaries like Blood Orange, Shamir, Solange, BREE Runway, and Yves Tumor-artists who capture the essence of what it means to be human in our shared global reality. As someone born in London, raised in Lagos, and having lived in LA, now embracing a global perspective, Willow’s music resonates with my own understanding of freedom. It’s more than just music; it’s an exploration of identity, and every note she plays seems to expand the scope of what we might become. How does Willow’s music inspire your own perceptions of identity and freedom? - Déji Saka

[@4thaluvofeverything]

Loved this interview 🫶🏾

[@sealife13]

I really love her voice and especially the song alone. That song is pure gold

[@Kenyas]

Loved this! She literally is my favorite musician 🥹

[@PxsDD]

This album is gonna make this summer. I’m so blessed to be able to follow along on this journey

[@808mauna]

Lovely music and vibes!. I think 1:17 she meant "Entheogen" not empathogens shout out Terence Mckenna.

[@flowersafeheart]

Damn. Willow Smith videos been popping up on my KZbin lately since seeing the Tiny Desk (big fan of Tiny Desk in general). It's really inspuring the level of passion, experimental exploration, dedication, fascination, collaboration, authenticity, and of course love of music that comes through. Fuels a desire to dive deeper into appreciating + making music or really any expressive outlet. Yes, Willow was born into enormous privilege/connection - and is also obviously a very hard working artist. That's wild Whip My Hair was only 10 years ago; life moves fast.

[@LAVISHING]

Awesomeness! Love this interview!

[@lauraryan1674]

This is a great interview , they really vibed 😊❤

[@lanielxx]

10:40 I really felt that on a spiritual level and I think everyone needs to hear this

[@stephenandrews5530]

She is ridiculously gorgeous! Looks like her mom in the 90s🔥😍

[@user-rn9ij8rk5c]

She looks like that blue/green chick from Avatar.

[@oc5939]

Major kudos to Willow for really working on her craft and being her own person. Not easy when you come from such a well-known family. This album is really impressive. ♥

[@earthworldserver]

great interview

[@user-sh2rc5kc7x]

Beautifully articulate and so easy to listen to. I really enjoyed this interview

[@TheDollDon]

I love her so much. I love all of her work and her growth as an artist. What a pleasure it is to be able to have access to her art and watch a piece of how she navigates the world, well as much as she shares.

[@cruisycai]

Wow!!! Willow has arrived! Congratulations 🎉❤

[@roxannescott2136]

This was so dope!👏🏾🔥💯💃🏾🎶💫

[@tarawright8152]

Willow is a ✨Vibe✨ Great interview❗️

[@feels.9304]

I love Willow's art!

[@ebrownd]

Love her vulnerability and depth of diversity. So refreshing-

[@selispeks]

I've loved her and her brother for years! Very wise for such young people, they always have been!

[@dancingriverwonderful9786]

Amazing inspirational authentic shining in her full glory sharing pure beauty with the world

[@bcgreen1966]

I am so into Jazz and am amazed at Willows eclectic music. I felt 60, 70's style. Music worth listening to.

[@Studycase3000]

Willow, wanting to reach your highest level -" being a servant of Love" THAT journey I truly wish, hope and pray you can achieve. I've been on that same journey for as long as your dad has been here. This world will fight you on it. Try and warp that vision etc. Stay focused one that base line. it is beautiful when touching that ceiling, even though it is often only moments

[@johnnyterra1309]

hey willow! yes youre so right!.- i also felt that this is your actual first "grown up" album. and we can hear it! youre a beautifully grown up soul. thx for this new record. feels like a gift to me

[@darendee5682]

Not to be funny, but she is the female version of her father. The way she speaks her mannerism. and her body movements.

[@lotusphoenix8]

I see her father's signature too. It's beautiful

[@extrashotofespresso_]

Very much. She even has his face, but a girly, femme version.

[@judigemini178]

I see her mom more than her dad tbh but I mean she's both so there's no right answer here

[@nikkib.6005]

I love her voice and the way she speaks and carries herself.

[@FullyAware___]

I love her!!!! She’s such a wise beautiful soul! Love you willow 🏵️🏵️🏵️🏵️🏵️

[@HealthyHairJourney]

Loveeeeeeeeeee this album so much. Geezzzz❤❤❤❤

[@virtuousmountainwoman]

Liking Willow for wearing her natural hair in different styles.

[@Evolved-]

Her new album is absolutely MIND BLOWING.

[@AlexManningSPRINGTIME]

The music in the background is so distracting lol but this is a great interview and I’m excited for the album 😄

[@ReasonablySpeaking9808]

This new album was really good. I listened to it back-to-back a few times to really allow it to ethereally settle in and take roots. It seeped in nicely. Willow has put out a really nice piece of work!

[@akayla2398]

This album has so much depth and inner beauty, between the musicality and the lyrics I feel strong emotions being expressed in ways that feel so tangible through her art

[@kamhardee8558]

What an articulate person that is so intentional with their art

[@broktober]

Willow is a perfect representation of an independent black woman

[@kincamell2]

Gratitude

[@Createwhitchris]

I love it!

[@thandisilec835]

My friends and I have liked her since we’re around 10 when she came out with Whip my hair…she’s kind of underrated 😊

[@ambermcdonald3487]

Obsessed with the album. Her energy is passionate and grounded and wise. 🫶💖

[@TheHardins1017]

Love Her ❤

[@aprilross1980]

The whole album is a hit. She is a genius. Have Empathogen on repeat.

[@mommyreadtome5668]

Shes only 23 and has become a true artist. Im so excited to see what else she creates as she learns and grows

[@Dimpleface59]

I like Willow.. the last 2 ppl. She wanted to sing with I have no idea who they were. But I like her music.

[@sunmont1461]

Been a fan since whip my hair

[@loveilfe]

Servant Of Love … I love that … I love Willow 🖤

[@liglisachae7238]

Willow absolutely knows how to answer questions in the way asked. So impressive!

[@redtaperecorder1]

I knew Willow was gonna do special things when she and JABS started posting random bangers like 'Female Energy' and 'Whatislife' on Soundcloud. Everything they did during that 'indigo child' phase was just magical. And people still sleep on just how amazing her album ARDIPITHECUS really was. The production values alone on those songs should have been enough to make people realize something really important was happening. But hey, better to come late to the show than never. I must admit I wasn't too keen on the alt-rock phase she went through. But every song I've heard from her in the last few months has been fire so far. I'm so amped to hear where her musical journey is taking her next with 'empathogen'!

[@ShelbyWilliams-ul8ib]

Been a fan since then too 🥹 she is out of this world her and Jaden always have been 👁️👽 PROUD of them both! Seen them in Tempe.

[@extrashotofespresso_]

I loved her alt-rock music soooo freaking much. Thats my favorite genre and it’s always a pleasure seeing black people partake in it. I haven’t really been that into neo-soul but Willow pretty much makes anything sound good l.

[@world-wide9136]

She is one of the most beautiful women in the world

[@Garytyronejohnson]

Awesome!

[@mosestyson2705]

Great humility...

[@user-vq8vs8tg8c]

love her❤

[@aajha7351]

just love her to pieces

[@merchreal]

I love Willow Smith.