Five years after her infectious single “Whip My Hair,” Willow Smith has decided to release her debut album, Ardipithecus.
On Friday (Dec. 11), the 15-year-old unexpectedly dropped the 15-track project. The primarily feature-less album features her older brother Trey Smith, also known as AcE, and her old friend JABS.
During an interview with the Fader, Smith opened up about the meaning behind the title of her first album.
"Ardipithecus Ramidus is the scientific name of the first hominid bones found on earth," she said. "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."
Ardipithecus features a track called "F Q-C #8," which serves as a sequel to her "F Q-C #7."
"I have an ongoing list of F Q-C songs," Smith revealed. "These songs were created through characters I have developed within my mind."
While talking with DJ SKEE at Odd Future's Camp Flog Gnaw Festival, Smith discussed her on-stage persona and revealed some of her other musical influences, including Kathleen Hanna of the band Bikini Kill.
"I just let it all flow out. I feel like I try to channel certain people at certain performances. Like, on this one, like, I've been looking at a lot of Kathleen Hanna, and just like Grrrl Riot (sic), and like Bikini Kill and just like, the Runaways, and all these different, like, punk girl bands. And I just love the way that they perform. Just like, how, like, outright--It's so emotional. I love it."
Stream Willow Smith's album below:
