I have never been a big fan of rap. I remember Will Smith from the Fresh Prince Days, though, and even back then his “Parents Just Don’t Understand” was not offensive. It was “safe rap”. I respect Will Smith for creating non-violent, non-misogynistic, non cursing rap. He once said in an interview that he did that so that his children wouldn’t be exposed to it. He is one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood, and that shows you that you don’t have to be nasty to get ahead.

So, his daughter comes out with this song, “Whip My Hair Back And Forth”. I imagined from the title that every drag queen on earth would be doing the tune at the bars. When I started the song, though, I was greeted with a squeaky high child voice repeating over and over “I whip my hair back and forth”. I wasn’t really liking it, but I kept it going to see if it got better. The verse came and her voice was great! It sounded like Rihanna (spelling?). Very mature voice. I listened to the rest of the song. I have to say it’s an ok song. It’s not something I’d listen to again, though. The one thing I do respect is that it’s more of Will’s signature “safe rap”.

The video has an interesting concept-she dips her braids into paint and colors a colorless world around her. Very 80s! (UPDATE: I just watched The Mighty B! from 2008 and there is a scene where a girl dips her hair in paint and slings it on a canvas. So, I am less impressed now. sigh…)The shaky camera thing is a bit much, but as it neared the end, I noticed one of the dancers doing the death fall or whatever it’s called. I recognized the move from the sequel to Paris Is Burning from around 2005. This move is amazing and the trannies in the movie turned it out! And, yes, I attempted the move and snapped both knees out of place.

I looked a little closer and saw that it looked like the tranny from America’s Next Best Dance Group (MTV/Randy Jackson)! I yahoo’ed it and saw that it was her! It’s too bad they didn’t show her more in the video. I actually think the song came from one of the moves she did on the show.

So here’s the video-enjoy!