Talented American actor and musician, Will Smith ignited the stage with a blend of flames and faith at the BET Awards on Sunday.
Returning to his musical roots, Smith premiered his new song, “You Can Make It.” Featuring Fridayy and the Sunday Service Choir, the gospel-infused track showcased Smith rapping about perseverance.
“The darker the hell you gotta endure / The brighter the heaven you get to enjoy / The harder the fall, the higher you soar,” he rapped amid pyrotechnics. “God opens a window when the devil closes the door / Believe me, they tried to bleed Will Smith / In the rearview, I see adversity was the gift / To lift me higher gifts requires faith.”
Will Smith, center, performs during the BET Awards on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
In April, Will Smith made a surprise appearance at the Coachella where he joined J Balvin for a dynamic rendition of his hit track “Men In Black” and this month it is at the BET Awards.
This new music marks Smith’s first solo release in over five years, setting the stage for his first major release since his 2005 album “Lost and Found”.
In recent years, Smith has collaborated with artists like Bad Bunny and Marc Anthony, released the EDM single “Get Lit” in 2017, and contributed “Light ‘Em Up” with Sean Paul to the soundtrack of his new film, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.”
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A four-time Grammy-winning artist, Smith first won in 1988 for “Parents Just Don’t Understand” with DJ Jazzy Jeff as the Fresh Prince.
Will Smith’s filmography is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal in American cinema. From his early days as a rapper and star of the beloved sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Smith seamlessly transitioned into a leading man in Hollywood.
His breakout film role came with the 1995 action-comedy “Bad Boys,” where he showcased his charismatic on-screen presence alongside Martin Lawrence.
Smith’s star power only grew with subsequent blockbuster hits such as “Independence Day” (1996) and “Men in Black” (1997), solidifying his status as a bankable action star.
His ability to blend humor, charm, and action made him a favorite among audiences, and he continued to dominate the box office with films like “Enemy of the State” (1998), “Ali” (2001), and “I, Robot” (2004).
Smith’s impact on American cinema extends beyond his box office success. He has consistently chosen roles that challenge societal norms and address significant cultural issues.
His portrayal of Chris Gardner in “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) highlighted themes of perseverance and the American Dream, earning him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.
In “Concussion” (2015), he took on the role of Dr. Bennet Omalu, bringing attention to the serious issue of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in football players.
Smith’s performances often transcend entertainment, sparking conversations about important social issues. His enduring influence and ability to adapt to different genres, from action and science fiction to drama and biographical films, have cemented his place as one of the most dynamic and influential actors in American cinema.
