Will Smith’s Epic Rap Comeback: The Fresh Prince Joins Joyner Lucas on the “Will” Remix and Beyond
The entertainment world is abuzz, and for good reason! After years of dominating the silver screen and solidifying his status as a global icon, Will Smith has made a triumphant return to his musical roots. The 51-year-old superstar recently dropped a highly anticipated verse on the remixed version of “Will” by acclaimed rapper Joyner Lucas, sending fans into a frenzy of excitement and nostalgia. This unexpected collaboration is more than just a musical moment; it’s a testament to Smith’s enduring talent and his profound impact on popular culture, reminding everyone why he remains one of the most beloved figures in entertainment.
The journey to this remarkable remix began earlier in March when Joyner Lucas released the original track, “Will.” This song wasn’t just another rap release; it was a heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor and musician, celebrating his incredible career, inspirational persona, and the positive messages he has consistently delivered throughout his public life. Lucas’s lyrics painted a vivid picture of admiration, detailing how Smith’s work and spirit have influenced generations. Upon its release, the Aladdin star himself shared the clip on Instagram, openly expressing how “humbled and honored” he felt by the profound recognition. The original “Will” clearly struck a deep chord with Smith, setting the stage for what would become an unforgettable collaboration.
Now, with the release of the remix, featuring Smith’s own voice, it feels as though we’ve been transported back in time, reliving the glory days of the Fresh Prince. It’s been more than 15 years since Smith released his last album, Lost and Found, which debuted in 2005. Yet, despite the long hiatus from the recording booth, it’s clear that Will has certainly not lost the exceptional talents that catapulted him to stardom. His performance on the remix serves as a powerful reminder of the lyrical prowess and captivating flow that helped him secure the very first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance way back in 1989 for “Parents Just Don’t Understand” with DJ Jazzy Jeff. This comeback isn’t just a nostalgic nod; it’s a bold reassertion of his place in the rap game, demonstrating that his skills are as sharp and relevant as ever.
The Significance of Will Smith’s Return to Rap
Will Smith’s musical career began in the mid-1980s as one half of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Their clean, narrative-driven style and humorous lyrics carved out a unique niche in the burgeoning rap scene, setting them apart from the more aggressive styles prevalent at the time. Tracks like “Summertime,” “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” and “Boom! Shake the Room” became instant classics, defining an era of accessible and family-friendly hip-hop. Smith’s charisma and storytelling ability quickly made him a household name, paving the way for his monumental transition into acting with “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” This television show not only solidified his status as a cultural icon but also showcased his range, humor, and dramatic capabilities, leading to an illustrious film career that has seen him star in blockbusters like “Men in Black,” “Independence Day,” “Bad Boys,” and critically acclaimed dramas such as “Ali” and “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
For many, Will Smith represents a bygone era of hip-hop where lyrical dexterity and positive messaging often took precedence. His return to the microphone is, therefore, more than just a celebrity cameo; it’s a bridge between generations of rap fans and a validation of his foundational contributions to the genre. It evokes a sense of nostalgia for those who grew up with his music and introduces his rap artistry to a new cohort of listeners who might only know him from his cinematic achievements. The seamless integration of his timeless flow with Joyner Lucas’s contemporary production creates a fresh yet familiar sound, proving that true talent transcends time and evolving musical landscapes.
Joyner Lucas’s Vision: The Original “Will”
Before the remix, Joyner Lucas’s original track “Will” stood as a powerful tribute. Released in March 2020, the song saw Lucas reflecting on the profound influence Will Smith had on his life and career. Over a dynamic beat, Joyner meticulously recounted various facets of Smith’s journey—from his beginnings as the Fresh Prince, to his groundbreaking acting roles, and his unwavering positivity. It was an homage steeped in respect, highlighting Smith as a role model who consistently pushed boundaries and inspired millions to pursue their dreams. The music video for “Will” further amplified this sentiment, featuring Lucas creatively recreating iconic scenes from Smith’s movies and TV shows, cementing the song’s status as a genuine and heartfelt fan letter.
The decision by Will Smith to not only acknowledge but actively participate in the remix speaks volumes about the impact of Lucas’s original composition. Smith’s public reaction – expressing how “humbled and honored” he felt – underscored the sincerity of Joyner’s tribute. It was clear that the song resonated deeply with Smith, not just as a piece of music, but as an affirmation of his life’s work. This mutual respect and admiration formed the perfect foundation for a collaboration that fans had only ever dreamed of, demonstrating the power of art to connect artists across different eras and styles.
The Remix: Will Smith’s Fiery Verse and Fan Frenzy
The moment Will Smith’s verse drops on the “Will” remix, it’s immediately clear that he hasn’t missed a beat. His performance is electrifying, showcasing the impeccable breath control, fluid cadence, and distinctive flow that defined his early rap career. He effortlessly navigates the beat, delivering lyrics that are both reflective and triumphant, touching upon his legacy, his growth, and his continued drive to inspire. It’s a masterclass in how a seasoned veteran can step back into the spotlight and prove that their lyrical prowess is undiminished.
The fan reaction was instantaneous and overwhelmingly positive, igniting social media platforms like Twitter. One fan perfectly captured the sentiment, taking to Twitter to gush over his performance on the remix: “Will Smith’s performance on this Joyner Lucas remix is 🔥🔥🔥. Breath control, cadence, flow are all A1,” the follower wrote, adding a series of fire emojis to emphasize their excitement. This sentiment was echoed by countless others, with many praising Smith’s ability to stay relevant and deliver a verse that felt both nostalgic and fresh. The collaboration not only provided a thrilling musical experience but also sparked conversations about Smith’s musical legacy and the potential for more rap projects in the future, reigniting hope among his long-time followers.
Will Smith’s performance on this Joyner Lucas remix is 🔥🔥🔥. Breath control, cadence, flow are all A1. pic.twitter.com/zDj0t3gQBE
— Jason, Jah, Leezy (@HipHopObama) May 15, 2020
Quarantine Chronicles: Will Smith’s Hilarious Family Life
Beyond his musical endeavors, Will Smith has remained a beacon of positivity and humor during challenging times, particularly while navigating the global quarantine. Just days before the remix’s release, he gave fans a delightful glimpse into his home life, engaging in playful banter with his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, 48, and their daughter, Willow Smith, 19. In a heartwarming and hilarious video, Smith filmed them baking a cake while wearing bright yellow facial cleansing masks. The video perfectly captured the relatable humor of family life during lockdown, showcasing the endearing dynamics within the Smith household.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star, known for his quick wit, couldn’t resist making a joke about their distinctive yellow masks. He cleverly drew a parallel to the face masks many people had to wear outdoors due to the coronavirus pandemic, adding a touch of contemporary humor to the domestic scene. Will, with his signature sneaky camera work, made sure to surprise them, capturing their candid reactions. “So Willow and Jada are baking a cake, they’re baking a bake, which is cool. The only thing I don’t understand is why they need their skin to be right while they’re baking the cake,” Will quietly says to the camera, feigning bewilderment as he approaches Jada, who is engrossed in mixing a bowl full of cake batter.
Jada, with a playful glare, responds, “Boy, see I’m trying to help you out, I’m trying to make you a cake,” before Will moves on to Willow, who is clearly not in the mood for her dad’s impromptu filming session. “Could you stop?” she says, waving her hand in playful exasperation, a moment that resonated with anyone who has tried to film a teenager. The video then skips to a later clip where Willow is filming the bowl her mom is mixing, while Will continues to discreetly film both of them from afar, their yellow face masks still prominently displayed. He chuckles softly as Jada gives him a warning look, bringing the hilarious family moment to a close. Will captioned the video with his characteristic humor, “I think they misunderstood the need for Face Masks.” It was a truly delightful and authentic peek into the life of one of Hollywood’s most beloved families, proving that even global superstars enjoy simple, humorous moments at home.
Conclusion: A Legend’s Enduring Appeal
Will Smith’s collaboration with Joyner Lucas on the “Will” remix is a powerful testament to his multifaceted talent and enduring appeal. It’s a reminder that whether he’s gracing the silver screen, delivering a captivating rap verse, or simply sharing a laugh with his family, Smith continues to captivate and inspire. His rap comeback isn’t just about music; it’s about the celebration of a living legend who consistently reinvents himself while staying true to the positive spirit that has defined his illustrious career. As fans eagerly await what he might do next, one thing is clear: Will Smith remains a force to be reckoned with, proving that true artistry knows no bounds and that the Fresh Prince still has plenty of fresh rhymes left to share.