Are Black Superstars Raising “Super Kids” or “Nepo Stars?”

Blue Ivy, Jaden and Willow Smith, Olympia, and North West are super stars thanks to their parents.

Photo: Getty Images Michael Hickey / Contributor

Blue Ivy is spending her summer break on tour with her mother, Beyoncé, and Bronny James is one step closer to playing in the NBA with his father, LeBron James. With so many Black celebrities raising superstars, we think it’s time to show you other Black celebrity kids whose parents have allowed them to explore and showcase their talents.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Stefon Diggs and Cardi B Viral Boat Video Prompts Response from Patriots Coach

But some are questioning are these celebs really raising super kids or Nepo stars? Nepo star is a term we coined here, which is short for nepotism stars like nepotism baby or (“Nepo babies,” which is laid out in our story about Black Nepo babies making their mark in Hollywood). Look you decide, but we love them! And here they are….

Blue Ivy Performs

LONDON, ENGLAND – May 29: Blue Ivy Carter perform onstage during the Beyoncé “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 29, 2023 in London, England. Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur

We’ve seen snippets of the rising superstar— Blue Ivy. It started when she was a toddler doing the dance moves from the audience at award shows and at her mother’s concerts. Since then, Blue Ivy got the moves down, and Beyoncé is putting her front and center. Most recently, Blue danced alongside her mother on the Renaissance Tour and we have all loved it.

Blue Even Has Her Own Grammy

Photo: Getty Images Alberto E. Rodriguez / Stringer

At only nine years old, Blue Ivy became the second youngest Grammy winner in history in 2021. She won Best Music Video for “Brown Skin Girl.”

Blue Ivy’s Got Bars!

Blue doesn’t only get her musical talents from her mother. Jay-Z posted a video on YouTube called “Blue’s Freestyle” which features a five-year-old Blue rapping. Watch out world, maybe Blue will be a rapper instead of a singer!

Willow and Jaden Smith

Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have allowed their two youngest children, Jaden and Willow, to be in the spotlight since they were very young, appearing on talk shows, red carpets, and eventually starting their own entertainment careers. Watch these adorable smart children on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Willow and Jaden Smith, Actors

Photo: Getty Images Bryan Bedder / Staff

Jaden Smith first followed in his parent’s footsteps appearing in the show All of Us from 2003-2006 as Reggie. His next big role was as Christopher in The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). He came into his own as Dre in The Karate Kid (2010) and Marcus in The Get Down (2016-2017). Willow has dabbled in acting as Marley in I Am Legend (2007) and multiple music videos.

Willow Smith, The Rockstar

Willow Smith is a certified rock star just like her mother. In 2010 she released her viral debut single, “Whip My Hair.” Since then, she has released six albums. She most recently had a single called “Meet Me at Our Spot” that went viral on TikTok.

Jaden Smith, Making Music

Jaden Smith first emerged as an artist in 2010 when he rapped on Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never.” He has since released three albums and three mixtapes. He was nominated for a Grammy in 2022 for his work on Justin Bieber’s Justice album.

North West, a Rapper?

We have yet to get a lot of musical content from North West per her father, Kanye West. In 2020 North famously screamed into a mic and delivered the line “What are those? These are clothes.” Although we aren’t sure about her musical future, at least she got the chance to attempt to follow in her father’s footsteps. And we all loved when she said, “My name is Northy,’’ and looked in the crowd like “say somethng.”

North West, TikTok Star

North West shares a TikTok account with her mother, Kim Kardashian, where she has shown off her lip syncing skills, TikTok dance routines, and hair and skin care routines. But one of her coolest talents is drawing! North West is a phenomenal artist, sometimes showing off her portraits of celebrities. One of her most impressive drawings was of one of her favorite rappers, Ice Spice.

North West, Voice Actor

North West now has an IMDb page. Her voice will be featured alongside her mother’s in PAW PATROL: The Mighty Movie (2023). Kim K and Kanye are making sure they give North as many opportunities as possible, while still having the fun moments of childhood.

Olympia, Tennis Champ in the Making

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s daughter, Olympia, is well on her way to becoming a Grand Slam champion just like her mother. Serena has already put Olympia on the tennis court, teaching her all of the drills and moves that made her the greatest athlete of all time!

Olympia, a Mini Mogul

Photo: Getty Images LISA O’CONNOR / Contributor

Olympia became the youngest co-owner of a professional sports team in history in 2020. The five-year-old’s parents set her up with a stake in the National Women’s Soccer League, Angel City Football Club. In 2023, her parents added the L.A. Golf Club to the list. I know that’s right!

Charlie Axel Woods

Charlie Axel Woods, son of golf champ Tiger Woods, is his father’s mini-me. Now 14 years old, he’s getting coached by his father and has played with him for three years now at the PNC Championships. A hilarious thing about their relationship is that Charlie has picked up on all of his father’s mannerisms on the green. How cute! You must see the video.

Zaya Wade, A Supermodel in the Making

Photo: Getty Images Victor VIRGILE / Contributor

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union have been extremely vocal about their support for their daughter’s identity and dreams of becoming a model! Zaya Wade made her runway debut in March 2023 for the brand Miu Miu at Paris Fashion Week. She has also taken on editorial campaigns for Puma and Tiffany and Co.

Zuri James, the YouTuber

LeBron and Savannah James’ baby girl, Zuri, had her own YouTube series as a mini-host for “All Things Zuri.” On the channel, she bakes, gets her hair done, leads yoga, paints, gardens, and more! Although she has not had a new upload since 2020, it was neat to see her whole family give her the space to be creative.

Bronny James, Future NBA Star

Photo: Getty Images Icon Sportswire / Contributor

The James family is full of athletes. The eldest son, Bronny, announced this spring that he will be attending the University of Southern California to begin his college basketball career. LeBron hopes to one day play professional basketball with his son, and this announcement made that dream even more of a possibility.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

All the Ways MLK's Legacy Is Being Misused

All the Ways MLK’s Legacy Is Being Misused

Dr. King shouldered immense pressure for the sake of achieving positive change. However, today, his name is frequently and conveniently invoked to lend credibility to figures and movements that directly contradict the very principles he risked his life to uphold …
Photo: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, YouTube

A Peek Inside Mary J. Blige’s Beautiful Jersey Mansion That Nobody Wanted

The R&B legend’s $12.3 million New Jersey home got its “SOLD” sign after eight years on the market …
Iyanla Vanzant's Decision Not To Attend Her Daughter's Funeral

Iyanla Vanzant’s Decision Not To Attend Her Daughter’s Funeral

During “The Breakfast Club” interview, Iyanla Vanzant explains why setting boundaries during grief is an act of self-love …
Photo: Getty Images Bettmann / Contributor

Rev. William Barber: Why We Must Reclaim MLK’s Radical Vision

According to Rev. Dr. William Barber, to truly honor and reclaim Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, people must return to King’s original, radical blueprint: organizing multi-racial, local, and state-level movements to challenge systemic injustices …
Why Fewer Black Residents Are Taking the Lead in Minneapolis Protests

Why Fewer Black Residents Are Taking the Lead in Minneapolis Protests

Black people are present, but many have been vocal about choosing not to engage in the same ways they once did. Some have even pushed back against certain protest tactics. This shift has been interpreted by some as apathy or retreat. It is neither …
How A Black Woman Helped To Revolutionize Pilates In The United States

How A Black Woman Helped To Revolutionize Pilates In The United States

Did you know that modern-day Pilates was pioneered by a Black woman? Here’s everything you need to know about the iconic Kathy Stanford Grant …
Florida Venue Allegedly Keeps Bride's $7,600 Wedding Deposit After Her Fiancé Dies, You Won't Believe Their Response

Florida Venue Allegedly Keeps Bride’s $7,600 Wedding Deposit After Her Fiancé Dies, You Won’t Believe Their Response

After Tye Hinson’s wedding dreams came to a tragic end, the venue’s response to her refund request sparked a viral debate …
Georgia Man Goes on a Full-Blown Racist Tirade, Messes Around and Finds Out

Georgia Man Goes on a Full-Blown Racist Tirade, Messes Around and Finds Out

Robert Burke was seen in the video screaming the “N-word” at a security guard and claiming free speech …
Zoe Saldaña Breaks Her Silence on Becoming the Highest-Grossing Actress of All Time...and Here's How She Did It

Zoe Saldaña Breaks Her Silence on Becoming the Highest-Grossing Actress of All Time…and Here’s How She Did It

Zoe Saldaña is now the most successful actor of all time. And now she’s finally responding to her new milestone! …
The <i>Real</i> Reason Those Bruno Mars Tickets Are So Damn Expensive

The Real Reason Those Bruno Mars Tickets Are So Damn Expensive

Fans were left in shock after seeing the prices for Bruno Mars’ tour and were left wondering why concerts are so expensive now. Here’s why! …
Dr. King's Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on MLK Day

Dr. King’s Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on MLK Day

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, take a closer look at little known facts about the life and legacy of one of the most famous men in history …
Sade's Most Timeless Songs in Celebration of Her Birthday!

Sade’s Most Timeless Songs in Celebration of Her Birthday!

Sade’s music has maintained its potency decades after she burst onto the scene. This playlist delivers hits and sleepers that are definitely a vibe …
Olandria's Recent Red Carpet Slayings Prove She's Here to Stay!

Olandria’s Recent Red Carpet Slayings Prove She’s Here to Stay!

Olandria Carthen may have gained fame from ‘Love Island,’ but she’s clearly here to stay for a long time. Let’s talk about it! …
We Now Know the Shocking Truth of How Much Training ICE Agents Really Go Through

We Now Know the Shocking Truth of How Much Training ICE Agents Really Go Through

After an 120 percent ICE manpower increase, a new report revealed hundreds of agents were never properly trained …
Shannon Sharpe's New Look Has Black Women Feeling Some Type of Way

Shannon Sharpe’s New Look Has Black Women Feeling Some Type of Way

Shannon Sharpe has got the social media streets abuzz once again, but this time it’s for something positive. And boy, do women have some thoughts …
The Worst Examples of Black Women Celebs Being Publicly Mistreated

The Worst Examples of Black Women Celebs Being Publicly Mistreated

Black women have been unfairly talked about from everything from their hair to their financial status. Let’s take a look back at some of the worst moments! …
Why an Empathetic Black Reporter Sparked Backlash in Sports Media

Why an Empathetic Black Reporter Sparked Backlash in Sports Media

Recent interviews reveal double standard in how Black journalists are treated versus their white peers …
Wisconsin GOP Confuses 2 Black Democratic Candidates in Attack Ad -- and Catch Hell Over It

Wisconsin GOP Confuses 2 Black Democratic Candidates in Attack Ad — and Catch Hell Over It

Democrats– and social media users– are dragging Wisconsin Republicans after they confused the only two Black men running for governor …
Bernice King Calls On Black Church to Lead Ahead of MLK Day

Bernice King Calls On Black Church to Lead Ahead of MLK Day

EXCLUSIVE: Dr. Bernice King has never shied away from her father’s legacy. Now, decades after MLK’s death, she’s calling on the Black Church to pick up the slack …
Brian Austin Green Responds to Tichina Arnold Dating Reveal With a Heartbreaking Revelation

Brian Austin Green Responds to Tichina Arnold Dating Reveal With a Heartbreaking Revelation

Just two weeks after Tichina Arnold revealed she dated “Beverly Hills, 90210” star Brian Austin Green, the ’90’s heartthrob is now sharing his side of the story …