Willow Smith 'Sugar and Spice': New Track Tackles Heavy Themes

Posted on Jan 8th 2013 2:20PM by Caitlin White

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As the daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, 12-year-old Willow Smith has faced a lot of scrutiny in her short life. Living in the spotlight has certainly affected Willow, and the track she just released entitled "Sugar and Spice" reflects these concerns with surprising openness.

The song -- which is a far cry from her breakout hit "Whip My Hair" -- deals with feminist issues about what society expects from little girls as Willow sings "I tried to be sugar and spice / But I'm melancholy and can't do anything right." This kind of naked honesty at such a young age is a rare gift in a songwriter -- but is the song a cry for help?

Although not yet a teen, Willow has faced criticism for everything from her fashion choices to her decision to shave her head. The youngest Smith has also been caught up in her parents' drama, as rumors of a divorce between Will and Jada have persisted for years now.

Without a doubt, this song will strike a chord with Willow's fans and peers, who were equally moved by her soulful "I Am Me" ballad released last summer that boasted her strong, independent spirit. "Sugar and Spice" sounds like the tearful flip side to that strength. At one point, clips of female voices critiquing and calling another girl ugly are interjected and she also goes as far as singing "inject my soul with darkness."

Do you think Willow is posing a cry for help in this new song or simply channeling her sadness into a beautiful track? Stream the track below and sound off on Twitter -- @AOLMusic.

Listen to Willow Smith's New Track "Sugar and Spice"

See Willow in Our "Most Stylish Music Offspring" Gallery

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Filed under: Hot Off the Press

Around The Web:

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revcynth8

the copywrite claim by Warner Chappel should be rethoyught. One doesn't "own" anything. The Universe owns it. All of life is meant to be shareed and can be taken away with just one tragedy. When One shares something they have taken " responsibility" for in this life, it brings people together and prospers the sharer. Greed is a produc6 of fear. Fear never results in positive reward. Good luck W. Chjappell. You may have sold a million over this sharing. Now you're closed down.

February 08 2013 at 3:37 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

bl76km81

What ever happened to age appropriate? She is 12 years old! Was she pushed into show biz or were her parents to busy to take the time to parent her, she has a pierced tongue for goodness sakes. I raised 2 daughters & had my share of battles with wardrobe, they had a dress code, not mandated by the school, mandated by me.

January 16 2013 at 1:07 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

pfg131

Especially when she syas INJECT MY SOUL WITH DARKNESS???? Will and jada need to get this girl in the Church!

January 14 2013 at 4:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

clancy3909

I think that kid needs to go out and play with the other little girls

January 14 2013 at 4:11 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

jjneiss919

I'd cry for help if I looked like my Daddy too.

January 14 2013 at 12:14 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

jbroskoski3

Willow Smith has no talent at all... Her "career" was bought and paid for by the Fresh Prince...

January 14 2013 at 10:36 AM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down Reply

sharonboy30

I hope this young lady makes it....she has been given far too much far too early.

January 14 2013 at 10:08 AM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down Reply

kate

I appreciate the Hollywood parents who choose to keep their children out of the Hollywood circus spotlight, at least as much as is possible. This article is just hype for her music. Is she anxious or moody? Of course, she's 12. Wow, that picture in the blue plaid shirt looks just like Fresh Prince :)

January 14 2013 at 8:24 AM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to kate's comment

lauriecook353535

EXACTLY....on both counts!

January 14 2013 at 8:36 AM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

Melody

Contraversy (spelling?) is what sells music people!! Now everyone is going to run out and buy her CD to see what else she is saying.

January 14 2013 at 7:42 AM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down Reply

elmo2some1

Well I have never been to the Smith's house myself, never seen them interact at home with their children or discipline them so everyone that is saying they are bad parents apparently, have spent alot of time with the family to know so much about what their lives are like behind closed doors. Oh, I guess probably not or you would not be on here acting like you know anything about the Smith family other then what the media has spoon feed you. I think both their children are charming and talented not that I listen to her music etc. but they seem pretty stable to me but then again I haven't spent that much time one on one with the family. If you have them I suppose you can state facts if not then stop judging people you have no clue about.

January 14 2013 at 5:49 AM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down Reply