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
That’s So Raven Dad Pleads For Donations From Hospital Bed

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

Ryan Coogler and Other Black Celebs With Fly Cornrows

Ryan Coogler and Other Black Celebs With Fly Cornrows

Ryan Coogler’s braids at the Oscars are rightfully calling attention to other stars who’ve rocked similar styles over the years. Let’s take a look! …
Best 'Square Up' Challenge Videos on TikTok in 2026

Best ‘Square Up’ Challenge Videos on TikTok in 2026

From Black suburban kids making squares with their arms to white co-workers throwing elbows, TikTok’s #SquareUp challenge has the internet crying with laughter! …
Why Black Folks' Reactions to Teyana Taylor's Oscars Behavior Is Problematic

Why Black Folks’ Reactions to Teyana Taylor’s Oscars Behavior Is Problematic

Teyana Taylor’s behavior at the Oscars has prompted a lot of online discourse and criticism. But it may be unfairly targeted towards her. Let’s talk about why! …
Jasmine Crockett Speaks On Her Former Security Guard Killed by Dallas SWAT

Jasmine Crockett Speaks On Her Former Security Guard Killed by Dallas SWAT

Under the alias “Mike King,” one Black man landed a job working for Texas Rep. Crockett before being killed in a standoff with police …
The Chilling Rise of the 'Alpine Divorce,' Where Men Take Their Wives to Hike— Then Purposefully Abandon Them

The Chilling Rise of the ‘Alpine Divorce,’ Where Men Take Their Wives to Hike— Then Purposefully Abandon Them

Inside the dangerous relationship trend you’ve never heard of: Alpine divorces, where men purposefully ditch their partners on hikes to break up …
MacKenzie Scott Makes Major Donation to Small NC HBCU

MacKenzie Scott Makes Major Donation to Small NC HBCU

School Chancellor S. Keith Hargrove Sr. announced that MacKenzie Scott has donated $42 million to Elizabeth City State University …
Is Trump Mocking People With Disabilities His Lowest Blow?

Is Trump Mocking People With Disabilities His Lowest Blow?

Adding to Trump’s history of offending people with disabilities, the president took aim at Gov. Newsom, who has dyslexia …
Story Behind Michael B. Jordan's Viral In-N-Out Stop

Story Behind Michael B. Jordan’s Viral In-N-Out Stop

From the red carpet to red, white and yellow burger chain, Jordan’s humble stop celebrated celebrity accessibility and Hollywood tradition in all the right ways …
New Study Reveals RFK Jr's Health Policies Are a Danger for Black Americans

New Study Reveals RFK Jr’s Health Policies Are a Danger for Black Americans

An analysis from Protect Our Care and American Public Health Association found RFK Jr.’s “crusade against vaccines” especially harmful for Black Americans …
5 Black Women Dominating College Basketball’s NIL Earnings

5 Black Women Dominating College Basketball’s NIL Earnings

These Black women are putting up numbers on the court and off the court in the business world …
Woman From Coldplay CEO Scandal Reveals Shocking Fact to Oprah About Viral Moment

Woman From Coldplay CEO Scandal Reveals Shocking Fact to Oprah About Viral Moment

Kristin Cabot, the woman at the center of the infamous July 2025 CEO Scandal at a Coldplay concert, is opening up to Oprah and sharing new details! …
Black America is Trying to Decode Obama's Cryptic X Post About “Unfinished Business”

Black America is Trying to Decode Obama’s Cryptic X Post About “Unfinished Business”

After Obama posts cryptic message online, Black folks are divided on what this means for the future of the country …
Experts: Why Black America Needs to Embrace Bankruptcy To Protect and Grow Wealth

Experts: Why Black America Needs to Embrace Bankruptcy To Protect and Grow Wealth

Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole broke the internet— and bankruptcy stigma. Discover how Chapters 7, 11 and 13 can protect Black wealth without shame …
Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect Did This Wild Thing Just Months Before Committing Crime

Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect Did This Wild Thing Just Months Before Committing Crime

More information about the woman charged with shooting at Rihanna’s home have been released and it’s truly disturbing! …
Jack Harlow Said He Got 'Blacker' and the Internet Is Outraged

Jack Harlow Said He Got ‘Blacker’ and the Internet Is Outraged

Rapper Jack Harlow is causing a stir online with his latest admission, and some folks aren’t feeling what he’s sharing! Let’s get into it …
Zendaya Crashes A Las Vegas Wedding —and the Internet Can’t Stop Talking

Zendaya Crashes A Las Vegas Wedding —and the Internet Can’t Stop Talking

The Euphoria star shocked guests at a one-day Las Vegas pop-up chapel, unexpectedly crashing a couple’s wedding ceremony …
7 Estate Planning Steps to Take Now So Your Loved Ones Aren't Left Guessing

7 Estate Planning Steps to Take Now So Your Loved Ones Aren’t Left Guessing

Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy or elderly. We spoke with a professional to highlight practical steps anyone can take today to protect their legacy and loved ones …
Why Things Got Tense for Teyana Taylor On the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet

Why Things Got Tense for Teyana Taylor On the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet

Teyana Taylor losing Best Supporting Actress apparently wasn’t her only upset at the 2026 Oscars as seen in this testy, viral moment! …
6 Years After Breonna Taylor's Killing, Trump Admin Quietly Gets Rid of Law That Could Have Saved Her Life

6 Years After Breonna Taylor’s Killing, Trump Admin Quietly Gets Rid of Law That Could Have Saved Her Life

Days before the anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s death, the Trump administration quietly reversed legislation which might have saved her life …
Oscars 2026 Best and Worst Black Moments: Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan and More

Oscars 2026 Best and Worst Black Moments: Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan and More

While ‘Sinners’ didn’t exactly sweep the awards on Sunday, the film still walked away with some major wins at the 2026 Oscars. Let’s get into it! …