Jada Drops Wisdom, By Aaron Alford

Jada drops wisdom
By: Aaron Alford

Jada Pinkett Smith's heavy metal band Wicked Wisdom played in Houston and Austin this past Saturday and Sunday, but not before Pinkett Smith talked to The Batt about the band's beginnings and how they smash the stereotypes of female rockers.

BATT: How did Wicked Wisdom come about?

JPS: About three and a half years ago, I wanted to start a band. And who doesn't, right? I met Pocket, and we had the same musical vision, but we've had lots of change-ups over the years. We're the only two to have been here all along.

BATT: I'm sure it's hard enough to prove yourself as a woman in metal, but on top of that, a black female singer?

JPS: I love it. I like defying stereotypes, be it what people expect a wife or a mother to be, or a Hollywood celebrity or what a black woman is. I want to defy all stereotypes that define us. I love getting out there and showing the audience a different side of me and ultimately saying 'look, you can create your own reality;' because you can, and not a lot of people realize that.

BATT: I know they're two completely different animals, but which do you prefer: being onscreen or onstage?

JPS: OK, I have to be honest here. I love acting, don't get me wrong. I love it. But to have an instant exchange with the audience is so different. I get the opportunity to write my own story and present it to people. It's my freedom space; that's what I call it. That's why my stage name is Jada Koren; that's my middle name. I do that for everyone else, so it's easier for them to separate me from the other idea people have of me. I know that I embody someone else. So when I sign autographs 'Jada Koren,' kids are like, 'What is this?'

BATT: What singers did you mold yourself after?

JPS: Well, you have to understand that my generation was the MTV generation. It all started during those years. "Yo! MTV Raps" was only on once a week, so all I saw was metal. Quiet Riot, Poison, Guns 'N Roses and going to performing arts school exposed me to all that.

BATT: What does your hubby Will Smith think?

JPS: He loves it. He loves that I had the courage to take this route. He was at Ozzfest with us and was so inspired. He's now trying to work on this new musical concept for himself that has no boundaries, and that came from being out there with us and seeing the fans.

BATT: Any fears of hearing loss with all the recent studies of musicians going deaf from long periods of high volume?

JPS: Oh, yeah. I've taken a lot of abuse. I've lost quite a bit of hearing in my right ear. Between being in this band and being in the studio with Will and in the car; Will likes driving with his music so loud! But I was just saying to myself last night that I had my ear monitors up to eight all night. I cannot keep doing that. I'll have to talk to my doctor soon.

BATT: So at the end of your career, or 50 years from now, would you rather be known as Hollywood blockbuster actress Jada Pinkett Smith, or Jada Koren, the badass metal singer?

JPS: How about Jada Koren Pinkett Smith? I would hope that when I'm gone people would remember the totality. Society tries to put us into compartments, and what's important to remember is that you can create your own reality, because you really can.


For more info on Jada Koren Pinkett Smith, visit www.thejadapages.com