Luckily (or unluckily if you ask some people), I’m an only child, so I’ll never truly understand the concept of sibling rivalry. You know, when you compete for the attention of your parents and friends, when you try to outdo your brother or sister and prove that you’re the better one. Well, what happens when you’re in the public eye and you have to compete with your sibling? Sometimes it’s a benefit to you both. (Think Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen and Michael and Janet Jackson). In this new century, we have new sets of siblings where I think the older sibling was the first to make his mark on the world, but then his younger brother or sister came along and outshined him. The two young stars I’m referring to are JoJo Simmons, son of Rev. Run and Justine and Jaden Smith, son of Will and Jada.
First, let’s start with JoJo. If you’re a fan of “Run’s House” like I am, then you are very familiar with the family of Rev. Run and Justine Simmons. During one season, JoJo and two of his friends created a rap group called Team Blackout. Unfortunately for the trio, their dreams of becoming the new millenium’s version of Run DMC didn’t come to fruition. Now, his cutie patootie younger brother Daniel aka Diggy came out with a slamming single…and shot to instant stardom. Luckily, JoJo has moved to other things-I beleive he currently works for his Uncle Russell at Global Grind-but his dreams of becoming a rap superstar have stalled. Diggy, on the other hand, was signed to Atlantic Records in August and released his second mixtape “Airborne” in September.
Next up, Jaden Smith. Jaden became America’s sweetheart when he first starred with his dad in “The Pursuit of Happyness”. He shined on the big screen again in “The Karate Kid”. But a few months later, his younger sister Willow popped up on the music scene with her single “Whip My Hair”. All women, and probably some men, are whipping their hair back and forth everytime they hear the catchy song (yours truly included). I think it’s safe to say that Willow has surpassed her older brother on the media scale. Now Willow is all on our tv screens doing interviews, singing, and being a little socialite globe trotting with her mom, Jada.
Do you all agree (with my assessment of JoJo/Diggy and Jaden/Willow)? Do you think these siblings have made a bigger mark than their older siblings who came before them? Or is a little sibling rivalry healthy to bring out the best in people? Maybe you can help this only child truly understand the concept of having a brother or sister-the good, the bad, and the ugly. Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!
Related Articles
- Willow Smith In W Magazine: “Hollywood’s It Kid” [PHOTO] (hellobeautiful.com)
- Willow, Jaden and Jada Smith: 2010 American Music Awards (socialitelife.com)
Southern Girl in the City 
I think you are spot on with your assessment of the JoJo / Diggy relationship. As for Willow and Jaden I feel it’s hard to quantify due to the nature of their chosen crafts. I think this sibling rivalry will go through the ebb and flow of album releases and movie premieres. Willow is in the forefront now due to her single but I believe Jaden will get his shine back with his next movie
Willow does not have the body of work to match what her brother has accomplished. Jaden has had TWO movies that have done well at the box office. You did not mention his role in the Karate Kid remake.
Jojo cannot rap and it should come as no surprise to him that his younger brother is getting more shine. His family has money though so I am sure he will be okay.
I did mention Jaden’s appearance in “The Karate Kid”. It’s the sentence right after my mention of “The Pursuit of Happyness”.