By Carina Cole ’22 News Reporter
Following the release of SYRE in 2017 Jaden Smith, also known by his stage name Jaden, released ERYS, his second album and sequel to SYRE. Smith started his musical career in 2010 when he rapped on the Justin Bieber track “Never Say Never.” He has since developed his own unique sound, drawing influence from fellow rappers Kanye West and Tyler, the Creator, and from classic rock artists Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles. In addition to his music, and with the help of his parents Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Jaden founded his own company “Just Water” in 2015. Using renewable resources to create the packaging for his products, Jaden proved himself as an entrepreneur and environmentalist as well as a rapper.
Continuing the narrative of SYRE, ERYS follows the storyline of “a boy who is obsessed with chasing the sunset” as Smith describes it. Jaden has identified SYRE as his alter ego, symbolizing teenage love and heartbreak. ERYS, on the other hand, represents the negative parts of SYRE. The combination of the two alter egos allows the listener to understand all aspects of the character, and the negative and positive highs throughout both albums. Jaden shows the uniqueness of not only these characters, but also of himself, breaking stereotypes and using his creativity to build an image and the theme of his albums. Never shying away from wearing unique clothing, he has famously sported skirts and dresses while working with the Louis Vuitton women’s wear campaign and entertainment events. He said on Twitter, “If I wanna wear a dress, I will, and that will set the new wave.” He is also known for dying his hair neon colors.
On the album songs “Summertime in Paris” feat. WILLOW, “Ghost – Remix” feat. A$AP Rocky, and “NOIZE” feat. Tyler, the Creator, show inspiration from influential rappers and explore the ideas of youth and the emotions that accompany that phase of life. The carefree lustful energy present in “Summertime in Paris” contrasts with the bombastic confidence exuded in “NOIZE.” On the track “Again,” Jaden’s alter ego SYRE appears.
Jaden and sibling Willow recently announced the Willow ERYS Tour to begin on November 12. The notice came via Instagram video in which Jaden asks Willow about her first memory, to which she replies, “the Sun.” When she returns the question, he replies, “the Moon” followed by tour dates, as “Like a Bird” from Willow’s recent album plays.
Recalling the stress of having famous parents as well as her early success with the song “Whip My Hair,” Willow says, “I was super young and I had a dream, but all I really wanted to do was sing, and I didn’t equate that with all the business and the stress that ended up coming with it.” Now she and her brother are ready to build their tour on the success of their albums, spreading the complex and compelling messages of their music.