So many children of celebrities get sucked into the music business by their famous parents. For example, Jada Pinkett and Will Smith's nine-year-old daughter Willow Smith released her very first single earlier this month. Right after its release, Jay-Z signed Willow to Roc Nation.
Even though Willow might actually have a hit on her hands, the logic behind why anyone feels a famous kid should get a record deal is generally beyond me.
Unfortunately there are other celebrity parents who believe their kids have something to offer to the world just because they do, or they once did. Snoop Dogg is negotiating with Victoria and David Beckham to have their kids collaborate for a Christmas song. This is a prime example of a celebrity who's making a project happen just because he has money... so basically, just because he can. And if this isn't a ridiculous idea, I don't know what is.
Oh wait... Master P getting his son Lil' Romeo (now known as Romeo) into the business wasn't a great idea either, how could I forget. Romeo, son of the star who sang a guilty pleasure of mine, "Make 'Em Say Uhh!" in 1998, was signed to his dad's record label at the age of five years old after writing a rap for his father. He released his first album at age 12. Romeo's limited fame ended up also ended up scoring him a scholarship to USC so he could have a spot on their basketball team. However, that didn't end up going too well, and after having scored only five points over a two-year span, he was dropped from the team. Way to go, sport.
On the more successful side of the spectrum is Diggy Simmons, the 15-year-old son of Reverend Run of Run-DMC. He impressively signed a deal with Atlantic Records earlier this year without his dad's help. He made a mixtape from home that was downloaded by over 100,000 people. Apparently Rev Run never pushed Diggy into the music biz, and he made it all on his own.
To my dismay, Miley Cyrus is also quite successful. She was signed to Hollywood Records when she was 15 to pursue a solo career in music after having gotten done recording for her hit television series, Hannah Montana. Her father, country star Billy Ray Cyrus, made her huge. I ultimately blame him for having to listen to "Party in the U.S.A." when it played on the radio a million times last year.
While I can't stand Miley Cyrus, I wish Willow Smith the best of luck. It's only a matter of time before additional celebrities abuse their power and drag their kids into music. Snoop Dogg, I'm holding you to your word for that single with the Beckhams' kids. And thanks, Snoop, for giving me one extra reason to look forward to Christmastime.
