A resurfaced interview clip of Jaden Smith from 2018 has gone viral online, showing the young star’s matter-of-fact statements about preferring political discussion to typical teenage partying. Now 24, Jaden is looking back with pride at his younger self’s mature mindset.
Jaden’s thoughtful approach to his platform is unsurprising given his non-traditional upbringing under famous parents Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Jada has characterized their parenting style as allowing Jaden and his sister Willow to express themselves however they want. This freedom clearly gave Jaden space to develop strong personal convictions at a young age.
Teen Fame Didn’t Deter Serious Pursuits
The clip comes from a Big Boy TV interview when Jaden was 19, already famous for his acting and music. In the segment, interviewer Nyla questions why Jaden isn’t out partying and hanging with friends.
“I’m very happy that I spent my childhood with more adults than I did with kids my own age,” Smith said in an interview with Big Boy TV
Will Smith & Jaden Smith
He further said :
“I was picking up more things from adults than I were [sic] from kids my own age, and I look, and I go around sometimes, and I hang out with other people that are my age, and they’re just: Selfie! Phone! Bro!”
“I’m not satisfied at just a party. I like to talk about politics, I like to talk about things that are going to change the world.”
The earnest statement struck many online as humorous given Jaden’s superstar upbringing. But now years removed, Jaden clearly still appreciates his teenage self’s social awareness and passion for creating change.
Jaden Smith is Embracing His Younger Self’s Mindset
After the interview snippet blew up across social media, Jaden took to Twitter to joke about his serious nature as a teen.
Further having a chat with the interviewer of Big Boy TV he said:
“I’m just like, dude, oh my God. Can we talk about the political and economic state of the world right now? Can we talk about what’s going on with the environment? Can we talk about other things?
“Don’t worry, I like to turn up. I like to flex. I like to play songs loud and jump in the crowd in Atlanta, but I’m always looking for that next thing. I’m not satisfied at just a party.”
“Him>>>,” Jaden wrote about his 19-year-old self, adding laughing emojis. When another user called the clip “iconic”, Jaden responded “Foreal!”
Speaking to People, Jaden further endorsed his mindset at the time.
“I’m super proud of that clip…I was like, ‘I’d rather talk about saving the world than what everyone is talking about’. I’m super down with that,” he stated.
While fame inevitably exposed him to Hollywood’s party scene, Jaden was clearly devoted to loftier ideals of social impact from a young age.
Now Finding His Voice Through Music
Over a decade into the public eye, Jaden is still focused on social change, especially racial justice and environmentalism. But his medium has evolved from acting to music.
After dropping out of high school in 2018, Jaden has shifted to releasing albums and singles across hip-hop and R&B genres in recent years.
While no longer a fresh-faced teen, the once-viral interview proves Jaden has retained the values that made him stand out even as a young star. Both then and now, Jaden seems driven by a desire for purpose over fame.
“I’m going to make a change in the world, for real,” a resolute 19-year-old Jaden said. No doubt 24-year-old Jaden hopes he’s living up to those ambitions.
Source: Youtube
