Confirmed to attend Rock in Rio 2024, the star began his artistic career as a rapper before the series ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and has not abandoned this side
The announcement that Will Smith will perform at Rock in Rio 2024 may have taken fans of the star, known for his acting in movies, by surprise. That’s because not everyone knows that, before becoming a well-known face on the big screen, Smith developed a music career — which he has not let go of even with the films and series he has worked on. Even at the present time: confirmed in Sunset Stage of the festival on September 19th, he recently signed a deal with the label Slangmarking his return to the recording market.
Shortly before signing the contract, Smith hinted at a return to music by performing the gospel classic “You Can Make It” at the 2024 BET Awards. The occasion also marked his return to a major event after his high-profile slap at comedian Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars ceremony.
But this history with music begins much earlier. It dates back to the 1980s — and has been quite long-lasting.
Will Smith as a musician
Will Smith began his artistic career as a rapper in 1985, as MC of the duo Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Princeformed with DJ and friend Jeffrey “DJ Jazzy Jeff” Townes. The following year, the partnership yielded their first album, Rock the Housewhere did the single come from? “Girls Ain’t Nothing But Trouble”. With the second album, He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper(1988), the public got to know “Parents Just Don’t Understand”a song that offered the duo a Grammy for Best Rap Performance.
The biggest hit was born in 1991: “Summertime”from the duo’s fourth album Homebase. In the wake of the success achieved with the series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996), the track earned them a new award Grammyfor Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, and fourth place on the US charts. The project had another album released, Code Red (1993), before going on hiatus due to the series — in which Jeffrey also participated.
Solo career
In 1997, Will returned to the music world as a solo artist. Although he signed solo, he continued to work with DJ Jazzy Jeff. The actor/singer was responsible for “Men in Black”the theme song of the film of the same name (in Brazil, Men in Black) starring himself.
In the same year, Smith released his first solo album, called Big Willie Style. In addition to “Men in Black”, the album featured two more singles: “Just Cruisin” and “Gettin’ Jiggy wit It” — which reached the top of the American charts.
Additionally, Will has contributed to film soundtracks. For example, he was featured on the song “Wild Wild West”from the movie Wild Wild West (1999), and “Light Em Up”in partnership with Sean Paul to Bad Boys: Last Blood (2024).
Contributed by: Augusto Ikeda.
Will Smith’s discography
DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
– Rock the House (1987)
– He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper (1988)
– And in This Corner… (1989)
– Homebase (1991)
– “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1992, single)
– Code Red (1993)
– “Lovely Daze” (1998, single on the Greatest Hits compilation)
Solo artist
– Big Willie Style (1997)
– Willennium (1999)
– Born to Reign (2002)
– Lost and Found (2005)
– “Get Lit” (2017, single)
Music for movie soundtracks
– “Wild Wild West” – Wild Wild West (1999)
– “Got to Be Real” – Shark Tale (2004)
– “Friend Like Me” and “Prince Ali” – Aladdin (2019)
– “Light Em Up” – Bad Boys: Last Blood (2024)
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
