A Look Into Will Smith’s Iconic Acting Career

Oscar and Grammy Award-winner Will Smith is one of the highest-paid actors of all time and deserving of it, too. Grossing more than $9.3 billion globally for his iconic roles in television and film, the decorated actor Is credited as a “bankable star.” This means Smith is guaranteed to bring box-office success by merely appearing in the film. Born in Philadelphia, Smith began his career as a rapper, creating music with his best friend, DJ Jazzy Jeff. After releasing multiple chart-toppers between 1984 to 1994, Smith ultimately ventured into his solo career. The duo didn’t split, as DJ Jazzy Jeff appeared in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The show featured Smith’s most iconic role as a fictional embodiment of himself.

Smith premiered his acting career in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1990 as a teenager adjusting to his extended family. He raked in $2.8 million within his first three years on the show but didn’t see much of it due to owing money in back taxes. Smith’s skills would eventually make him one of the wealthiest actors, with a reported net worth of $350 million. 

From Drama to Comedy and Action, Will Smith’s Many Acting Roles

LOS ANGELES – 1996 actor Will Smith poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images)

Staring in multiple films in the ‘90s, like Independence Day (1996), Enemy of the State (1998), and Wild Wild West (1999), Smith was able to use his experience acting to mold a multifaceted career. Smith has taken on comedy, action, drama, and just about every film genre. He has even voiced for multiple animated roles like Shark Tale (2004) and Spies in Disguise (2019). He’s also long exhibited his ability to transform into a relatable role model for anyone of any age. In 2019, he even landed a part as the Genie on Disney’s live version of Aladdin. Taking on multiple roles at a time in varying genres, Smith epitomizes the hustle of a true actor with a genuine devotion to their work.

His passion for action is evident, as many of his iconic roles fit within the genre. Starring as a detective in the Bad Boys franchise alongside Martin Lawrence, Smith shows fans his recognizable comedic banter. However, movies like I Am Legend portray him as a survivor with the power to do anything he sets his mind to.  Other notable performances by Smith are his roles in Ali, Hitch, Gemini Man, I, Robot, Concussion, and Seven Pounds. In the latter, his character seeks out people to share vital parts of himself, displaying Smith’s highly favored ability to evoke emotion in any given film. 

Men in Black (Trilogy)

Based on the Marvel comic book, this plot surrounds a conspiracy theory that an elite undercover group of men has had their identities wiped to investigate extraterrestrial life on Earth. Men in Black is also loaded with science fiction theories and people with powers unheard of. Smith’s character, Agent J Darrell Edwards III, investigates the criminal activity of extraterrestrials. The films’ plots center around the MIB (men in black) who uncover evil plans to take over the world. In Men in Black III, Agent J (Smith) seeks more information about his partner, Agent Kevin Brown, played by Tommy Lee Jones. Additionally, all three films have grossed over $1 billion at the box office, while Men in Black III earned $654.2 million. This makes Smith one of the only four actors in the world to earn $100 million from a role in a film. 

Emancipation (2022)

Whipped within an inch of his life, an enslaved man named Peter flees by foot from a Louisiana plantation. This thrilling drama is arguably one of Smith’s most moving roles yet. He ravishes his way through horrifying treachery to return home to his family. Based on the true story of “Whipped Peter,” Smith also had to take control of himself in this role to embody the history of the message. Justifying his part with complete dedication to the role, Smith gave all of himself in this Oscar-worthy performance. 

King Richard (2021)

Winning an Oscar for his standout performance as the father of tennis’ most elite, Serena and Venus Williams, Richard Williams motivated his two daughters toward their professional careers. This is also an extraordinarily inspirational role played by Smith. He depicts the father’s love and support with patience, power, and perfection. It was Richard’s idea to have his two daughters begin the sport, and Smith takes on the role of molding two champions impeccably with his experience of being a father himself. In real life, Smith also shows his kids Jaden, Willow, and Trey equal love, just as Richard did with Serena and Venus.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

This film was nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe. Smith transcended his role, giving an emotionally raw performance of Chris Gardner in this true story. Smith delivered the role with all he had, which also permeates on screen. Displaying depth and intensity, Smith’s character is a homeless single father who struggles to find work. He and his young son face the adverse streets of San Francisco with hunger and a yearning to survive. Jaden Smith also appears in this film as his father’s on-screen son.

Suicide Squad (2016)

Based on the popular DC comic, this superhero film is jam-packed with an epic cast. Smith’s character, Deadshot, is an expert marksman and assassin who hunts but vows never to kill a woman or child. Though his job is to kill off the evil prey of the world, he is just as focused on his relationship with his daughter. When he’s approached by Batman, he has to decide to either work or protect. Deadshot’s ability to maintain and balance his stern and affectionate demeanor under the control of the government as an obedient criminal makes for an entertaining film.

Collateral Beauty (2016)

In this moving drama, Smith embodies an NYC advertising executive, Howard Inlet, who tragically loses his daughter. He stops working and communicating with his friends but turns his pain into a plan to restore his life. To heal, he writes individual letters to Love, Time, and Death. Then, he starts to experience synchronicities that end up as lessons. He learns that what you go through affects everyone, so it’s best to have a grateful heart to receive life’s blessings despite an inevitable death.

Upcoming Work from Will Smith

What’s to come from Smith in the next couple of years should be highly anticipated. His ability to take on multiple roles simultaneously makes him more focused than ever. I Am Legend 2: Last Man on Earth will star Smith alongside Michael B. Jordan in its 2024 November premiere. At the same time, Bad Boys IIII is due to be released by 2025.

Coi Leray’s ‘Official Last Remix’ Of ‘Players’ Features Tokischa

Coi Leray presented SZA with the Woman Of The Year honor at Billboard‘s 2023 Women In Music event at the start of March. Leray is moving like she wants that Women Of The Year title for herself in 2024 — from her inclusion in Hulu’s RapCaviar Presents and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Nonsense” remix to continuing to refresh her November 2022 single “Players.”

“Players” already got a remix featuring Busta Rhymes, but Leray isn’t stopping there. When you keep hitting home runs, why stop swinging? She just dropped another “Players” remix featuring the rising Dominican star Tokischa.

“The official last remix,” Leray wrote on Instagram, complete with three fire emojis. “I NEED ALL MY LATINAS TO GO CRAZY THIS WEEKEND.”

“Diamond chain, that’s my bestie / Trust nobody, these b*tches is messy,” Tokischa raps in English, seamlessly transitioning from her Spanish bars. “Big ass smile, my mouth gotta bling / Thinkin’ ’bout money, not thinkin’ ’bout him / Soy la perra, you already know me / Wanna eat my ass en mi penthouse suite.”

“Players” became Leray’s first-ever Billboard Hot 100 top-10 hit, slotting in at No. 9 on the chart dated April 1. She celebrated the news with an Instagram reel set to Tee Grizzley’s “Winning” captioned, “Top 10 [five heart emojis, three party popper emojis] thank you again for all your support! each and every one of you [prayer hands emoji].”

Listen to the revamped version of “Players” above.

Chlöe Resists Exacting Revenge On Future In Her ‘Cheatback’ Video, Which Also Stars Joey Badass

Chlöe’s fans have been wishing she’d manipulate time to go faster since the January announcement of her debut solo album, In Pieces, which finally dropped today, March 31. Along with it came the video for “Cheatback” featuring Future, and in that video, Chlöe goes back in time to process her pain.

Directed by Audrey Ellis Fox, the nearly four-minute video begins with the reversal of Chlöe smashing out the windows of a car’s windshield — perhaps a subtle nod to Beyoncé’s Lemonade baseball bat? — and a stream of tears erasing from her cheek. She sings, “I’m not gonna cry anymore / I’m not gonna wait up at night / I’m not gonna answer your calls / Whenever you’re down / I’m not gonna bleach your clothes / I’m not gonna do you like that / What I really, really want / Is to cheat back.”

But Chlöe is not going to do that, even though she’s tempted by “another boo from the hood with some tats,” played by Joey Badass. She spends the rest of the video fighting against that impulse and instead spending a night out with her girls.

Future (and an exceptional floppy hat) understands, singing from the strip club as dollars cascade down on him: “The beauty of you, that’s what do it for me / No one above you, girl, you the best / Should’ve never let you down, feelin’ embarrassed.”

Even though In Pieces is here — and a subsequent tour is on the way in Aprilfans still aren’t satisfied and want “Told Ya” featuring Missy Elliott to get the video treatment ASAP.

For now, watch “Cheatback” above.

Missy Elliott is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

6ix9ine Speaks Out On Gym Beatdown: “I Can’t Say They Were Wrong”

The assault of 6ix9ine in a gym bathroom rocked the media and fans everywhere, and many have waited for the rapper to respond. Finally, a bit over a week after the incident, he posted lengthy messages to Instagram addressing the issue. While many saw this as retribution for his antics and for his taunting, it also opened up a much more important conversation on the dangers of retaliatory and provocative behavior as a whole. Sure, many expressed happiness, but that doesn’t get to the heart of the issue. With that in mind, the rainbow-haired MC first had some words of gratitude.

“HEY GUYS,” Daniel Hernandez wrote on Instagram. Moreover, he captioned a video of him in the hospital, around nature, and on set as a music video for his latest track “Bori” featuring Lenier. “IM BACK THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CALLED AND REACHED OUT. I LOVE YOU GUYS FOREAL. NEW MUSIC VIDEO LINK IN MY BIO. LIVING LEGEND/LEYENDA VIVA OUT NOW. GO SHARE AND COMMENT #LAFITNESS @lenieroficial.” However, that wasn’t the end of the 26-year-old’s acknowledgement of the violent situation, or of his own instigations.

6ix9ine Promotes New Song Amid Recovery

“First time addressing the situation,” he wrote in a separate post along with a video of the attack. “For 2 years I been walking around with no security. Not saying I promote that BUT now you see I really never hid from anything. If you ever crossed my path or ever came to my house (you girls know who you are) ya can tell the world ‘Danny drives his own cars and be solo.’ You know how many of you people seen me in real life by myself in gas stations, supermarkets, restaurants, etc.

“Anyway what happen here was nothing but cowardly,” he continued. “I’m not mad this happened. In the street there’s no rules so I cant say they were wrong. Obviously it wasn’t fair but again the streets has no rules. Just imagine having nothing to do to with a situation and feel obligated to make it your business. (Very weird) I’m happy to be here still. And I want to say I love my fans. Thank you. P.S : I never knew we respected jumping people. When did that ever become a W???” With all that in mind, come back to HNHH for the latest on 6ix9ine and check out his post below.

LA Fitness Beatdown Finally Addressed

Saweetie Claps Back At TikToker Who Doesn’t Like “Bo$$ Chick”

Fans have all but given up on Saweetie’s debut studio album, but the rapper has been hard at work. Saweetie has been promising Pretty B*tch Music for years, and with each teased release date comes a disappointment. Her debut’s delay has been explained away at each step, but that hasn’t stopped Saweetie from dropping singles. To placate her fans, the rapper delivered The Single Life, an EP she shared in November 2022. One of the project’s tracks, “Bo$$ Chick,” has received viral attention. This has caused some to hear the song for the first time; not everyone is a fan.

Hip Hop’s Icy Girl is used to facing off against critics. Artists regularly find their social media comments overtaken by naysayers, and Saweetie has dismissed the fuss. On TikTok, she uploaded a clip of herself lipsyncing a portion of “Bo$$ Chick” along with a dance, but a user wasn’t impressed. “I’m sorry I don’t like the song [crying loudly emojis].” Much of the time, artists ignore these remarks, but Saweetie had a minute to spare.

Saweetie Claps Back

The TikToker wasn’t the only one with criticism, but Saweetie only addressed her. “Wellllll I don’t expect everyone to have good taste [shrug emoji],” the “My Type” rapper replied. Soon, dozens of her fans jumped in to cosign. Meanwhile, in April 2021, Saweetie hinted that her Pretty B*tch Music album faced delays because she was working on her craft. She revealed she was enduring a boot camp of sorts to sharpen her skills.

“Well for me, I’m gonna focus on what I struggle with — I struggle with breathing control,” she told Apple Music. “I’m gonna work on my dance moves, my details, all that good stuff, my body, my stamina, everything.” Meanwhile, the rapper more recently revealed that her debut would “definitely” arrive before the end of the year. When asked who she hoped to collaborate with one day, she gave a common answer: Rihanna. If the pair ever did link up for a record, Saweetie hopes it would be a dance track that gets fans’ bodies moving. We’ll have to wait to see if that ever materializes, but in the meantime, check out her brief exchange with the TikToker above.

Kodak Black Artist Syko Bob Gets 5-Year Prison Sentence For Gun Possession

Authorities just sentenced Syko Bob, signed to Kodak Black’s Sniper Gang collective, to five years behind bars. Moreover, the Florida rapper (real name Cambrel Smart) pleaded guilty to a charge of gun possession back in December of 2022. While not many details surrounding this case came out, it followed a January 2022 traffic stop at around 3:00 a.m. During this pull-over for speeding on I-75 in Collier County, Florida, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper found a bag of marijuana and a loaded gun.

Furthermore, HipHopDX discovered jail record copies showing alleged charges of a DUI, carrying a concealed gun, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, and possession of a weapon or ammo by a convicted felon. As of writing this article, Kodak Black has yet to respond to these developments on social media. However, given their close collaboration, hopefully the label boss is supporting his artist in any way possible through this tough time. Unfortunately, it’s not the most dangerous headline Syko’s had to face.

Syko Bob, Kodak Black Signee, Sentenced To Five Years In Prison

To elaborate, Bob was one of a few targets of a drive-by shooting in April of 2021, which assumedly targeted them directly. According to reports from The Sun Sentinel, police claimed the 29-year-old and two other men drove around Lauderhill, Florida at the time of the attack. Then, a black BMW drove close by and shot at the group. Car crashes ensued as both vehicles tried to move quickly, with someone in Syko’s car allegedly shooting back. What’s more is that the vehicles disappeared by the time police responded, and so they went to see the three victims in the hospital, who were rushed there by bystanders.

According to Lt. Michael Santiago, Syko and his crew “refused to cooperate with the investigation and provided no details on the events.” The Sniper Gang MC took to Instagram Live to let fans know he survived unscathed. “Please stop talking about ‘get well’ when s**t ain’t wrong,” he expressed. “Don’t send me s**t about no ‘get well’ no more when s**t ain’t happen to me.” Regardless, log back into HNHH for the latest news and updates on Syko Bob and Kodak Black.

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Chlöe Gets Her “Cheatback” With Joey Bad$$ In Visual To Future-Assisted Single

We’re sure Chlöe is somewhere celebrating now that her debut solo album, In Pieces, has been released. The singer has emerged from her Chloe x Halle sister duo, proving to be a formidable contender in Pop circles. Her singles “How Does It Feel” with Chris Brown and “Have Mercy” have taken over playlists, and “Cheatback” featuring Future is a favorite among fans. To support her record, Chlöe shared the visual to “Cheatback” with a guest appearance by Joey Bada$$. While Future plays the part of the unfaithful boyfriend, Joey swoops in as the lover who may do her right.

In many ways, the visual contrasts the song’s essence. It’s often fiery and shows the singer partying the night away while Future makes it rain in a strip club. The stripped-down track is carried by an acoustic guitar, eliciting feelings of vulnerability that complement Chlöe’s lyrics. The singer is known for her sexy songs and moves to match, and it’s been a love-hate relationship with fans. Some believe Chlöe is overdoing it with her sex appeal, while others are happy to see her coming into her own.

Chlöe Finds Her Footing Away From Her Sister

In an interview with PEOPLE, Chlöe detailed how she came up with the title In Pieces for her album. It stemmed from the career separation from her sister, Halle Bailey. “We both didn’t really know who we were individually without the other,” she said. “And that’s what was really scary for me. It was a moment of self-doubt where I was like, ‘Can I do this without my sister?’” When she began showing a sexier side to the public, she was hit with backlash. Chlöe didn’t understand why her peers could get away with it, but she was held to a different standard.

“As much as I would see it and try to act like it didn’t affect or bother me, it would,” she stated. “I was starting to believe the lies that the trolls were saying online, and I started to look down on myself even more than what I already was doing with my own insecurities. Once I ignored it, I’ve been good.” We expect much more visually from In Pieces, so we’ll keep you updated. Meanwhile, check out the music video to “Cheatback” above.