Will Smith is an American actor, rapper, and film producer, renowned for his versatile career spanning music, television, and film. Born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he first gained fame as part of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff. The duo released five studio albums between 1985 and 1994, producing hits like “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and “Summertime”. Their work earned them the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989.
Transitioning to acting, Smith starred as a fictionalized version of himself in the NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” from 1990 to 1996. His performance earned him two Golden Globe nominations. He went on to become one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, leading successful films such as “Bad Boys” (1995), “Independence Day” (1996), and “Men in Black” (1997). His portrayal of Richard Williams in “King Richard” (2021) earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor.
After a 20-year hiatus, Smith announced his return to music with the upcoming album “Based on a True Story,” scheduled for release on March 28, 2025. The 14-track album features collaborations with artists like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, and Jac Ross. He described this project as his most personal and powerful music yet.
In a recent social media post, Smith shared:
Same kid from West Philly. I got a new album coming, pre-save here.
Additionally, Smith reunited with “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” co-star Tatyana Ali to recreate a viral dance scene from the show’s pilot episode, joined by rapper Doechii. They danced to Doechii’s song “Anxiety,” celebrating the enduring legacy of their iconic sitcom.
Smith’s multifaceted career continues to captivate audiences worldwide, blending his talents in music, television, and film.