Now, this is a story all about how, Will Smith is extending his return to music. Last month, the Bad Boys: Ride Or Die star made his shocking return on stage at the BET Awards with the track “You Can Make It,” which featured Kirk Franklin.
Today (July 13), Smith keep things old-school during his set at La Velada del Año IV inside of Spain’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Instead of performing his latest track, Smith treated the boxing fans to a mashup of The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air theme song and his 2005’s single “Switch.”
Although most new fans are more familiar with the series’ reboot, Bel Air, between 1990 and 1996, The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air dominated TV.
“Blessed are the ears of those who can hear Will Smith sing the intro to ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ live,” wrote one user (roughly translated to English).
Dichosos los oídos de aquellos que pueden escuchar a Will Smith cantar la intro del principe de bel air en vivo pic.twitter.com/qvbo2a2Cvv
Ironically, despite the record’s popularity, it wasn’t actually supposed to be released. In June 2022, during an interview WTOP, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Smith’s longtime friend, collaborator, and the song’s writer, made the confession.
“I thought we were making a filler,” he said. “I thought this would be a thing they would use until they figured out what the real theme song was. We did it, I mixed it, and that’s the same thing that plays on television today. That still trips me out. It never changed.”
Well, clearly, producers saw the same special quality listeners have clung onto for so man y decades to follow.
Quincy Jones saw something in Will Smith. The legendary producer knew talent when he saw it, and he knew Smith had what it took to be a crossover sensation. He was right. He cast Smith as the star of the classic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and the rest is history. The show ran for six seasons, and the actor went on to become one of the biggest stars in the world. Smith has always spoke highly of Quincy Jones and the influence he had, but he recently admitted that he disagreed with the producer on one major detail. Smith hated the original theme song to his own show.
The revelation came about during Smith’s appearance on Hot 97. The actor was promoting his new film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and he reflected on his star-making TV role. He claimed he was in awe of Quincy Jones, especially given his pedigree. “He was mentoring me,” Smith stated. “Quincy had done a theme song for Fresh Prince. And you know, Quincy did Sanford and Son; Quincy did a 1,000 things that you don’t even know.” Everything was great, until Smith listened to the theme song Jones had in mind. “So Quincy plays a theme song for The Fresh Prince,” he noted. “It was that old school… So I listened and I was like, ‘Ohhh… wow…. yeah.’” The future superstar was worried.
Will Smith Made An Alternate Theme That Quincy Loved
Smith’s solution was to turn to his musical partner, DJ Jazzy Jeff. “Jeff was at the hotel and I was like, ‘Jeff, Quincy played a theme song. Dude, it’s no good at all,’” he told Hot 97. “Jeff was like, ‘Just tell him, man, he’ll understand.’ I was like, ‘There ain’t no way I’m telling Quincy Jones […] I can’t do it, man. Quincy knows better than I know.’” Smith’s fear was understandable, given that Jones was helping him get his foot in the door. DJ Jazzy Jeff then solved the problem by making a new beat for Smith to rap over. The duo made the song in one evening, and decided to show it to Jones as an alternative.
It was a stressful first listen. “So I played it for Quincy and he sat there and listened and I’m shaking and sweating,” Smith explained. “And he said, ‘Well, that’s better than that bullshit I did.’ … We did a whole record [with] a second verse, so Quincy made the edit and that became the theme song.” Smith’s gut proved correct, as The Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme song went on to become one of the most iconic themes of all time. It was even included on the DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince greatest hits album.
Alfonso Ribeiro is best known as Carlton Banks on the iconic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He has built a substantial net worth of $4 million as of 2024, as reported by CelebrityNetWorth. His enduring presence in the entertainment industry, marked by his television roles, his dance skills, and his hosting abilities, have all contributed to his financial success and celebrity status.
From Child Star To Beloved TV Icon
Actors Alfonso Ribeiro and Ricky Schroder attend the 1984 Young Artists Awards on December 2, 1984 at Sheraton Premiere Hotel in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Born on September 21, 1971, in New York City, Alfonso Ribeiro began his career in entertainment as a child actor. He first gained attention on the PBS series Oye Willie at eight. This early start laid the foundation for his breakthrough role as Carlton Banks, where his comedic talent and the famous “Carlton Dance” would become cultural touchstones. His portrayal of the lovably square cousin to Will Smith’s cool and streetwise character earned Ribeiro widespread acclaim, endearing him to a generation of viewers and significantly boosting his career trajectory.
Success As A Host & Reality TV Star
LONG BEACH, CA – APRIL 07: Alfonso Ribeiro gives a thumbs up to photographers during the. 38th Annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race Press Day at the Toyota Grand Prix of. Long Beach on April 7, 2015, also in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Following his stint on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Ribeiro successfully transitioned to hosting. This demonstrated his versatility and charm on shows like Catch 21 and America’s Funniest Home Videos. His role as host of AFV beginning in 2015 brought him a new level of recognition and proved his staying power in the industry. Additionally, his victory on Dancing with the Stars in 2014 showcased his dance skills and rekindled public affection for him, further enhancing his profile and contributing to his financial well-being.
Current Endeavors & Continued Influence
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 30: Actor Alfonso Ribeiro (L) and his Wife Angela Unkrich (R) attend. Hallmark’s “Put In Into Words” campaign launch party at Lombardi House on July 30, 2018, also in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)
More recently, Ribeiro has continued engaging with new and nostalgic audiences through various media appearances, including game shows and reality TV. His participation in reunion specials and continued endorsements also reflect his ability to remain relevant in the evolving entertainment landscape. His impact on pop culture, particularly through his iconic dance moves and charismatic hosting, underscores his continued appeal and helps maintain his financial success.
Karyn Parsons is widely recognized for her role as Hilary Banks on the beloved sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. She has accumulated a net worth of $1.5 million by 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Parsons’ journey through acting, writing, and filmmaking demonstrates her versatility and commitment to the arts. These attributes have endeared her to a broad audience and built her financial portfolio.
Rise To Fame On Television
Will Smith, Karyn Parsons and Alfonso Ribeiro in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Barry King/WireImage)
Born on October 8, 1966, in Los Angeles, California, Karyn Parsons’ breakout role as the spoiled but charming Hilary Banks brought her widespread recognition and became a defining part of her career. Her comedic timing and memorable fashion sense characterized the character’s iconic status. This resonated with viewers and secured Parsons’ place in television history. This role made her a household name during the sitcom’s run from 1990 to 1996 and set the stage for her subsequent endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Transition To Writing & Filmmaking
COMPTON, CA – MARCH 02: Actors James Avery, Tatyana Ali and Karyn Parsons attend the. 11th annual Read Across America program at the Compton Unified School District Education Service. Center on March 2, 2009, also in Compton, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
After her success on television, Parsons expanded her career to include writing and filmmaking, focusing particularly on projects that highlight significant but often overlooked figures in African American history. In 2005, she founded Sweet Blackberry, an organization that brought these stories to children through animated films. Her work as a producer and writer for Sweet Blackberry has been critically acclaimed, earning nominations for several awards and enriching her career portfolio. These projects reflect her deep commitment to education and storytelling, showcasing her talents beyond acting.
Current Projects & Legacy
ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Director Alexandre Rockwell, his wife Karyn Parsons and their children. Lana and Nico Rockwell attend ‘Las Brujas De Zugarramurdi’ Premiere And ‘Lue’ Premiere And. ‘Little Feet’ Premiere during The 8th Rome Film Festival at Auditorium Parco Della Musica on November 9, 2013, also in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)
More recently, Parsons has continued to make her mark with the publication of her debut novel. It is a piece that further explores her interest in historical narratives and children’s literature. Her ability to juggle acting, writing, and philanthropic efforts illustrates her multifaceted career and dedication to impacting the cultural landscape. Her ongoing work ensures that her influence extends beyond her early television fame, contributing to her enduring legacy and financial stability.
Candace Owens tried to “prove her Blackness” by consenting to take a “Black Quiz” while appearing on The Breakfast Club this week. After being asked some softball middle-school civics questions, Owens was asked to rap the theme song to The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Owens happily does so, providing the most cringe-worthy right-wing rap performance since Ben Shapiro. Owens, with her clipped New England pronunciation, sounds a lot like Parks & Rec protagonist Leslie Knope attempting to rap. If there are any positives to take out of this, it’s more ammo to make fun of Owens with. While the full clip has been included below, please be warned that it will ruin your morning.
Of course, Owens is exactly a fan of modern rap music. “I just don’t need to hear about Ice Spice’s farts, I just don’t. I don’t want to hear about it. We used to produce really good music and it’s gone down the drain. I think even that is international. I think it’s because it’s a part of the, ‘Let’s slowly make it modify the education systems so that Black people can’t read and, at the same time, feed them with a pipeline of garbage,’ and you will wake up one day, and what surrounds you will be garbage,” Owens ranted last week while speaking with Joe Budden.
Candace Owens Calls Lizzo “Problematic” And Accuses Her Of Gaslighting
Elsewhere, as part of her interview with Budden, Candace Owens called out Lizzo for gaslighting people. Owens’ issues with Lizzo stem from the response to Lizzo twerking her bare backside at an NBA game. Owens said she had the right to call out Lizzo’s behavior as “problematic”. However, she felt “gaslit” when Lizzo defended herself by saying that it was a “you problem” if you took issue with her behavior.
Of course, Lizzo twerking at an NBA game is the least of her “problematic” behaviors. After all, the singer is currently fighting a fairly nasty sexual harassment lawsuit. Furthermore, Owens is sort of the queen of telling people that their opposing viewpoints are “their problem”.
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air was not only one of the defining TV shows of the ’90s, but it was the springboard Will Smith used to go from rapper to acting superstar. However, it looks like Smith actually wasn’t the only hip-hop figure considered for the role, as De La Soul was apparently in the mix, too.
On their new Apple Music show Art Official Intelligence Radio With De La Soul (as HipHopDX notes), Posdnuos and Maseo spoke with guest Queen Latifah about the show. Posdnuos noted, “A lot of people don’t know, yo: the Fresh Prince thing was offered to us.”
He continued, “They want us to do this? Russell [Simmons] was like, ‘Yo, y’all need to try out. Go out there.’ We was like, ‘Nah. We do rap and stuff.’ Honestly, we were scared. Seriously, we were scared.” He also joked, “And sh*t, I could have been Will Smith. I could have got married to Jada. Damn.”
Based on Posdnuos’ recounting of events, it’s not clear if just one of the group’s members would have been chosen for the Smith role, with the other two possibly getting other roles, or if the show would have had a different structure entirely with all three starring. Whatever the case, it’s a fun alternate reality to think about.
In several ways, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is an iconic show. The TV sitcom aired for six seasons between 1990 and 1996, and has had a significant and lasting impact on both television and pop culture. The show featured a predominantly Black cast and addressed issues of race, class, and culture. Evidently, it was one of the first sitcoms to do so with humor and authenticity. Additionally, the positive portrayal of a loving, wealthy Black American family in the affluent Bel-Air neighborhood countered negative stereotypes often seen in the media.
Consequently, the show was a huge commercial success. Furthermore, it launched the acting career of Will Smith, its leading man. It also left a positively indelible mark on the portfolios of its supporting cast. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air wrapped up 27 years ago, so of course, the cast members have since moved on from it. However, the show remains a significant part of pop culture, and its characters are still very much loved. The cast reunited in 2021 for an immersive, bittersweet reunion special, which aired on HBO Max.
Will Smith (William “Will” Smith)
Will Smith’s role as the titular character in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was a defining moment in his career. Evidently, it also had a significant impact on television and popular culture. In the show, he played the central character, a fictionalized version of himself. The success of Fresh Prince played a pivotal role in Will Smith’s transition from a rapper to a Hollywood superstar. This eventually led to a string of successful films in the ‘90s and after.
He has since built an extensive filmography and is now one of the most bankable figures in Hollywood. He has starred in many blockbuster movies, including the Men in Black franchise (1997 – 2012), Aladdin (2019), and King Richard (2021). For his performance in the latter biopic, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He has been married to actress and host Jada Pinkett Smith since late 1997.
James Avery (Philip Banks)
Uncle Phil was a standout and beloved character in the popular sitcom. The character was brilliantly played to perfection by the late-great James Avery. Avery brought a wealth of acting experience and talent to the role. Additionally, he had excellent on-screen chemistry with the rest of the cast. The veteran actor unfortunately passed away in December 2013 due to complications from open heart surgery. Before his death, Avery made multiple appearances in films and TV shows after finishing with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. These include The Closer (2005-2007), Steppin: The Movie (2009), and Let the Game Begin (2010), among many others.
Janet Hubert (Vivian Banks)
Janet Hubert originated the role of Vivian Banks in The Fresh Prince. She was a prominent member of the main cast, but she only stayed on for the first three seasons. Hubert has appeared in many shows and movies since, including One Life to Live (2005-2010), General Hospital (2018-2020), and The Perfect Find (2023). She is a mother of one and has been married to Larry Kraft for 18 years. Hubert suffers from a skeletal disorder called osteoporosis and serves as the ambassador of the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Daphne Maxwell Reid (Vivian Banks)
Daphne Maxwell Reid took over from Hubert and played Aunt Viv from season four until the end. Prior to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Daphne Maxwell Reid had an established acting career in both television and film. At the show’s conclusion, her career continued to take off, and she kept bagging roles. Now 75 years old, she’s taking on fewer roles these days but still very active. Her last two film roles were in Harriet (2019) and A Jazzman’s Blues (2022). Reid has also played the role of Janice in Bel-Air, a drama reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, since 2022.
Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton Banks)
Carlton Banks was known for his preppy and conservative personality, contrasting sharply with his cousin Will’s laidback and street-smart demeanor. Alfonso Ribeiro’s portrayal of Carlton remains one of the show’s most iconic and enduring characters. Ribeiro is celebrated not only for his comedic talent, but also for the depth he brought to the character.
Since his role as Carlton and the iconic “The Carlton” dance, which he was known for, Ribeiro has gone on to become a prominent actor, director, and entertainment star. He has also directed several episodes of shows, including In the House (1997-1998), All of Us (2006-2007), and Shake It Up (2012-2013). Furthermore, Ribeiro was the champion of the 19th season of Dancing with the Stars. He is also set to appear as the main host of the 32nd season of the dance competition television series.
Karyn Parsons (Hilary Violet Banks)
Karyn Parsons’ portrayal of Hilary Banks in The Fresh Prince contributed significantly to the show’s humor and dynamic. Parsons’ impeccable comedic timing and her ability to deliver sharp one-liners were quintessential to the show’s spirit. She has kept a relatively low profile since finishing with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and has only appeared in a handful of movies and shows. She has been married to director Alexandre Rockwell since 2003, and they have two children together.
Tatyana M. Ali (Ashley Banks)
Tatyana M. Ali was only 11 years old when she appeared in the first season of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Her role as Ashley Banks allowed her to grow as an actress alongside her character, from a young girl to a young woman. Her character’s relatability and charm also contributed to the show’s appeal and legacy. Ali is now in her 40s, and has built up an impressive filmography since completing the show’s end. She has starred in several films and shows, including Glory Road (2006), Half and Half (2003), and Fancy Nancy (2018-2022). She is married to Dr. Vaughn Rasberry, and they have two sons together.
DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jazz)
DJ Jazzy Jeff is the second half of the iconic rap duo, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. He played the character Jazz, Will’s best friend in the show. Jazzy Jeff was a recurring member of the cast, but he also appeared on all six seasons of the show. DJ Jazzy Jeff became a prominent record producer in the music industry. He has since worked with many prominent artists and released multiple solo works over the last two decades.
Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey Butler)
Joseph Marcell portrays Geoffrey Butler, the Banks family’s loyal butler, in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His snooty, sarcastic wit provided much of the show’s hilarious moments. Following his role on the show, Marcell continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing in film and television. Some of the shows and movies he has starred in are The Bold and Beautiful (2003-2004), The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019), and Ratched (2020) among others.
Peacock’s Bel-Air just launched its second season, continuing its reimagining of the classic ‘90s sitcom that took the fish-out-of-water storyline to an epic level, infusing the show with comedy, music and social awareness rarely seen on other sitcoms.
How ‘Bel-Air’Came To Be
Series creator Morgan Cooper went a roundabout route in pitching the show. Instead of scheduling the typical meetings and introductions with studio heads, Cooper created a YouTube trailer that went viral. It eventually captured the eye of the eponymous OG Fresh Prince, Will Smith.
Fast forward a few months and a few meetings later, and ‘the show Bel-Air is being carefully crafted around the original themes and narratives, while also being dedicated to its own time period and the issues that exist. Cassandra Freeman, who plays Aunt Viv, explains the show’s magic, stating that:
“We’re trying to show the world that it’s expansive to be black. Black is not just Crenshaw [Boulevard]. Black’s not just from Baltimore. Black is an expansive experience.”
With such a purpose and dedication, is it any wonder that stars from the original show are eager to grace the small screen again, revitalizing their original roles?
Aunt Viv and Aunt Vy Make a Nostalgic Return
Daphne Maxwell Reid, who played the second Aunt Viv, starred alongside her sister – Viola Smith, but lovingly known as Aunt Vy – played by Vernee Watson-Johnson. They starred in episode 9, “Can’t Knock the Hustle” from season 1 of ‘Bel-Air’ as members of the Art Council Board of Trustees.
As for the rest of the original crew, rumor has it that Will Smith will be making an appearance sometime in the second season, and fingers are crossed for additional cameos.
Ashley Banks Is Back As A New Character
Perhaps one of the most anticipated cameos belongs to Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks. Ashley was the youngest of Phil and Vivian’s brood. Tatyana literally grew up before the eyes of American while on the show. She started as an adorable (albeit naive) girl, to a sophisticated young woman by the show’s end. On Bel-Air, she plays Mrs. Hughes, a teacher and mentor to Ashely Banks. Tatyana calls Ashley a role that Ali calls ‘meta’ in its retrospective significance.
‘Bel-Air’ Season 2 is available on Peacock, with new episodes premiering every Thursday.
DJ Jazzy Jeff went back and forth with the Twitter page for The Source, Sunday, after the outlet joked about not knowing he is a real DJ. The Source says that the page was hacked, citing the fact that they’ve covered Jazzy Jeff’s work as a DJ before.
“Wait DJ Jazzy Jeff is a real DJ? Lol thought [that] was just his title on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” a since-deleted tweet from The Source read.
OXON HILL, MD – JUNE 11: DJ Jazzy Jeff spins onstage during Célébrez En Rosé – Washington, D.C. at The Plateau at National Harbor on June 11, 2022, in Oxon Hill, Maryland. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images)
Jazzy Jeff responded to the tweet: “Yup. I saw that. WORD.”
The Source later explained: “NAH: YOU KNOW BETTER !!! THAT WAS SOME HACK SHIT. YOU BEEN IN THE SOURCE MANY TIMES AS A DJ !!! YOU KNOW BETTER KING — THIS IS NOT HOW WE TALK AT @THESOURCE – NAH !!!”
“Apologies again,” they further wrote. “We are trying to get to the bottom of how that crazy post hit our page. We at @TheSource of course have history and know @djjazzyjeff215 well, send him DJ rmessages and just wrote a Happy Bday article and posted it. This was weird. Peace & Love!”
Eventually, the two sides made amends, with Jazzy Jeff writing, “All good. No love loss. Let’s keep it moving.”
As a DJ, Jazzy Jeff worked as a member of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince with Will Smith. They earned a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989 for “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” They won their second Grammy with the success of “Summertime” in 1992. He has also released tons of solo work over the years.
Check out DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Source’s tweets below.
NAH: YOU KNOW BETTER !!! THAT WAS SOME HACK SHIT. YOU BEEN IN THE SOURCE MANY TIMES AS A DJ !!!
