December 12, 2015
Jordan Strauss/AP
Willow Smith arrives at the Roc Nation 2014 Pre-Grammy Brunch Celebration on Friday, Jan. 25, 2014 in Los Angeles.
After a series of cryptic tweets calling attention to the date December 11, singer and actress Willow Smith – teenage daughter of Philadelphia icon Will Smith – finally released her debut album in a surprise move.
Smith, 15, described the concept of her album, 'Ardipithicus,' in an e-mail to the FADER:
"Ardipithecus Ramidus is the scientific name of the first hominid bones found on earth. I wanted to name my musical compilation after it because, while I was making these songs I was in such a transitional state. Digging deep in the soil of my heart and finding bits and pieces of my ancient self that tell stories, which end up being the lyrics to the songs. Ardipithecus is my first album in my entire career and it makes me feel so blessed to be able to share my evolution with the LightEaters as I continue excavating my inner worlds…"
The teen is given sole songwriting credit on 14 out of 15 tracks on the album, which includes guest appearances by her older brother AcE (Trey Smith) and collaborate JABS.
Listen to the debut track "F Q-C #8" below and visit iTunes to purchase the album.
