Whip My Hair (3:16)

“Whip My Hair” is a song by American recording artist Willow Smith. The song is the debut single from her yet-to-be-titled debut release. The song was written by Janae Rockwell and Ronald “Jukebox” Jackson, with the latter producing the track. While attending events, Smith received media attention for her extravagant outfits compared to Rihanna, whom she later credited as a musical influence. Coincidentally leaked on the same day as Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World)”, the song was covered by numerous media outlets, including Time, Billboard, and CNN the day of its release. Initial reception praised the song’s kid-friendly, yet universal appeal, while dubbing Smith “baby Rihanna”. However, some others critics called the song’s hook “grating” and “a nightmare of a brain drill.”
Soon after the song’s debut, it was officially announced that Smith signed a record deal with Jay-Z and Roc Nation. The song impacted urban airplay on September 21, 2010. It was released digitally on October 26, 2010. Prior to radio add dates and release, the song collected greatest gainer recognitions on the Rap Songs chart, and on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It would later go on to debut at number eleven on the US Billboard Hot 100, and reach the top five on the US R&B chart.