Will Smith

Will Smith Is Co-Producing A Queen Latifah Biopic, Which She Is Also Producing

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queen latifah
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Has anyone else noticed that there seems to be an increase in the sheer volume of musical biography films lately? Just in the past year, we’ve had Bob Marley: One Love, Back To Black, and Maestro, and looking forward, there are films in development about The Beatles, Pharrell, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, and Linda Ronstadt.

But hopefully, you’re not all biopicked out, because another name has been added to that list, and it’s one to actually get excited about: Queen Latifah. According to Deadline, an upcoming biopic about the Kennedy Center honoree co-produced by Will Smith will be the first of a slew of hip-hop-focused bio films from Flavor Unit Entertainment (Latifah’s production company), Westbrook Studios (Smith’s), and Jesse Collins Entertainment (which produced The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story).

Latifah and Smith have a long history together, as noted by both in their press release about the project, including the 1989 Grammys boycott that forced the Recording Academy to truly acknowledge hip-hop in its annual award show. “We all came into this industry together and Hip-Hop has shaped each and every one of us,” said Latifah. “Hip-Hop’s impact has expanded beyond just music and has created a lasting impression on culture and society overall. It is a dream to be able to collaborate with friends and colleagues that have not only a shared understanding, but are able to tell these stories that were the backdrop of our lives.”

Smith echoed. “When you bring talented people and teams together, you can create something truly special. I’m thrilled to work alongside Flavor Unit, Jesse Collins Entertainment and HarbourView, to highlight the incredible stories of some of our favorite artists and icons. There’s no better story to start with than the one of Queen Latifah, an undisputed legend who has both entertained and inspired us for so many years.”

Latifah’s previous production credits include films about Salt-N-Pepa and The Clark Sisters.

Will Smith and Paramount Pictures Sued for Copyright Infringement Over ‘Gemini Man’

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Independence Day Director Says Will Smith Was Nearly Rejected For Role Because Hes Black

Will Smith and Paramount Pictures find themselves at the center of a seven-figure lawsuit, as science fiction author Kissinger Sibanda accuses them of copyright infringement. The lawsuit claims that the 2019 film Gemini Man plagiarized Sibanda’s 2011 novel The Return to Gibraltar.

According to court documents obtained by In Touch, Sibanda, an American/South African national who is also an attorney, alleges that the concept of Gemini Man—which follows a former hitman targeted by a younger clone of himself—bears significant similarities to his book. Sibanda’s novel centers around an African American character who is cloned and unwillingly involved in a time-traveling program, a narrative he believed would be a perfect fit for Will Smith as the lead.

The lawsuit claims that the defendants, which include Will Smith, Skydance Productions, Gemini Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and several others, copied themes, plots, characterizations, and cultural subtexts from The Return to Gibraltar to create Gemini Man. Sibanda also alleges that after releasing his book in 2011, the defendants altered their marketing strategy for the film, reflecting the ideas from his novel.

Gemini Man, directed by Ang Lee and starring Will Smith, had been in development since 1997, with various A-list actors attached over the years. The screenplay was credited to Darren Lemke, David Benioff, and Billy Ray, with no mention of Sibanda’s work.

Sibanda’s lawsuit states that he shared his book idea with Will Smith’s stunt double in 2012, although he admits he cannot recall the stunt double’s name. He believes limited discovery could reveal the individual, as the defendants likely have records of Smith’s stunt doubles. Sibanda also claims to have sent a copy of his book to William Morris Endeavor, a top Hollywood talent agency, further bolstering his argument that his work was appropriated.

In 2020, Sibanda sent a legal letter to the defendants seeking resolution, but he alleges he never received a response. Instead, he claims the defendants offered a “zero-dollar walk away,” prompting him to file the lawsuit demanding $1.7 million in damages.

Gemini Man, despite its high-profile cast and a reported budget of $138 million, was not a commercial success, grossing only $173 million worldwide. As of now, Will Smith and the other defendants have yet to respond to the lawsuit.

The post Will Smith and Paramount Pictures Sued for Copyright Infringement Over ‘Gemini Man’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Will Smith and Paramount Pictures Sued for Copyright Infringement Over ‘Gemini Man’ appeared first on The Source.

Big Sean Receives Heartfelt Life Advice From Will Smith Ahead Of New Album

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Big Sean is entering a new era. The man who made “A$$” has become a family man. He’s not trying to hide it, either. The music video for his new single, “On Up,” is dedicated to his son, and sees the Detroit legend wax poetic on getting older. He’s wholesome now, so it shouldn’t really be a surprise that he linked up with the most wholesome artist in hip-hop history: Will Smith. Big Sean chopped it up with Smith on TikTok, with the latter providing some useful tips on how to navigate the music industry.

Big Sean posted the conversation on August 5. “@WillSmith dropping [gem emoji]’s,” he wrote in the caption. Sure enough, the former Fresh Prince made some good points. He urged the Detroit rapper to be mindful of change, and be willing to embrace it. If a person does’t embrace change, it’s going to be a difficult transition. “When you hit the edge of the material world and… you know, I call it cliff top,” Smith explained. “Cliff top is the opposing aspect of rock bottom. When somebody hits rock bottom and can go no lower, you need to get your sh*t together or you die.”

Read More: Big Sean Reveals Why He & Jhene Aiko Aren’t Ready For Marriage Just Yet

Will Smith Urged Big Sean To Embrace Change

@bigsean

@Will Smith droppin 💎’s #fypage

♬ original sound – Big Sean

While the notion of falling off a cliff sounds frightening, Will Smith noted that it was also freeing. “Cliff top is either you find God,” the artist explained. “Or you die ’cause there’s nothing else here for you.” Smith’s words have additional resonance, given the setbacks his career was dealt after his infamous Oscars slap. He has fallen off the cliff he’s describing and managed to bounce back, to borrow a Big Sean phrase. It’s all seemingly in line with the path that Sean has been on as of late. The rapper has not only changed his approach to recording, but to art in general. His first book, Go Higher, is scheduled for release later in the year. It will focus on personal well being, according to the rapper’s press release.

Big Sean has also displayed a mature approach to rap beef. He assured fans he was cool with Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West, despite their past disagreements. He also told Charlamagne tha God that he’s more interested in raising a family than he is topping the charts. More recently, Big Sean tweeted out plans to promote a more family-friendly vibe at his concerts. “‘On Up’ gimme that cook out feel,” he wrote. “Local food vendors, merch, performance that the whole family can come to.”

Read More: Big Sean Delays Release Of Upcoming Album After Leak Controversies

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Will Smith and Russ Unveil New Single “Work of Art” with Captivating Madrid Music Video

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Will Smith and Russ Unveil New Single "Work of Art" with Captivating Madrid Music Video

Will Smith, a four-time GRAMMY® winner, has released his second single, “Work of Art,” featuring acclaimed artist Russ. Following his standout performance at the 2024 BET Awards, Smith drops this track alongside a visually stunning music video.

“Work of Art” explores the complexities of duality, embracing both the good and bad while promoting self-love and acceptance. The music video, filmed at Madrid’s Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, marks the first face-to-face encounter between Smith and Russ. It showcases various individuals sharing their personal interpretations of the phrase “work of art,” aligning with the song’s universal message. The video’s authentic and diverse portrayals enhance the song’s depth, making it a meaningful addition to both artists’ repertoires.

The post Will Smith and Russ Unveil New Single “Work of Art” with Captivating Madrid Music Video first appeared on The Source.

The post Will Smith and Russ Unveil New Single “Work of Art” with Captivating Madrid Music Video appeared first on The Source.

Will Smith, Russ And Jaden Promote Self Belief On “Work Of Art” Single

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Will Smith warned us. During a recent interview, the rapper stated that his upcoming album will be his most serious and personal to date. “Work of Art,” the anticipated single featuring Russ and Jaden, fits that bill. It sees all three artists reflect on personal demons and setbacks. Crucially, though, it arrives at the conclusion that every person is, as the title suggest, an imperfect “work of art.” Cheesy? Of course. But what else were we really expecting from Will Smith? Sonically, “Work of Art” is much bolder than its subject matter.

The production is moody and contemplative. The backing vocals do a lot to add to the dramatic tension of the song. Smith kicks the song off with a rhyme scheme that emphasizes the contradictory aspects of his personality. “I am a Libra but, I identify as a cancer I am the tongue, truth and the lie, both in tandem,” he raps. “I am the Sun, and I’m the rain, and I’m the wind.” Maintaining this scheme would have made the song a slog, but thankfully things change up on the back end. Russ provides an impassioned verse, while Jaden provides his woozy faux-profundity to the chorus. It all comes together in a surprisingly effective way. Especially when the beat switches up, and Will Smith is rapping over a very 2024 sounding drum pattern. He pulls it off, giving us hope for what the upcoming album will sound like.

Let us know what you think of this brand-new track, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Read More: Rakim Wants To Make A Sequel To One Of Will Smith’s Classic Singles

Will Smith Sounds Good Over Modern Production

Quotable Lyrics:

My soul feels trapped, like I’m ridin’ the Bryson Tiller beats
On the road to inner peace
Takin’ unfamiliar streets (Yeah)
Trying to kill the beast
Just made it grow more

Read More: Will Smith And Martin Lawrence Reveal Their G.O.A.T. Rappers

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Will Smith Calls Himself A ‘Work Of Art’ With Russ And Jaden On His Latest Return To Rap

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Will Smith’s last album, Lost And Found, was released nearly 20 years ago. Since then, the former Fresh Prince has seen his fortunes both rise and fall thanks to a filmography that includes its fair share of duds among the hits, and one recent “hit” in particular that turned a sizable portion of the population against him.

However, it seems that all this has given him the urge to return to what made him a star in the first place: Rap. Last month, he performed a new song at the BET Awards, and today, he returns again with “Work Of Art.”

Featuring Uproxx cover star Russ and Will’s son Jaden, the new song hits the same vein as his BET Awards song “Bulletproof,” in that it has an uplifting message, with Smith comparing his struggles to those of historical figures like Jesus and manifesting ultimate victory in the face of his adversities as Jaden offers a nice father-son moment, singing the chorus.

Russ offers his own take on the positive programming — this stuff is right up his alley — admonishing listeners, “Just know that you’re looking right into a mirror when you judge me.” With Will’s fifth album peeking over the horizon, it’ll be interesting to see if this sort of material endears him to fans who remember him from his Big Willie days — or those who don’t remember him as a musician at all.

You can listen to “Work Of Art” by Will Smith featuring Russ and Jaden above.

Rakim Wants To Make A Sequel To One Of Will Smith’s Classic Singles

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Rakim and Will Smith are peers. In genre, if not in style. Rakim is considered to be one of the most elite lyricists of all time. Will Smith, on the other hand, was the family-friendly pop star. Both men achieved massive success in the 1980s and 90s, but never really crossed paths. That is, until a recent interaction on Instagram. Rakim stumbled upon a video of him and Will Smith interacting during a Grammy special, and was so pleased with what he heard that he suggested they collab on a new song.

The interaction came about during A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop in 2023. Will Smith saw Rakim backstage, and revealed that he was trying to copy the rapper on his 1990 single “Summertime.” “I was absolutely trying to sound like you on ‘Summertime,’” he gushed to the God emcee. “‘Cause I had been screaming all night, and I couldn’t get my ‘happy-go-lucky’ high voice.” He then recalled that his producer, DJ Jazzy Jeff, suggested he do a Rakim impression. “[The producer] just said, ‘Yo, just gimme that Rakim sh*t.’”

Read More: Jada Pinkett Smith Pays Tribute To Will Smith For Being A “Devoted” Dad On Father’s Day

Rakim Was Flattered That Will Smith Emulated His Style

The suggestion worked. “Summertime” won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Will Smith reposted the heartwarming exchange to IG on July 23, and Rakim decided to capitalize on the moment. He took to the comment section and suggested him and Smith join forces on a sequel song. “Peace Will! Keep rockin bro, it’s time for SUMMERTIME PT 2 wit me on it,” he wrote. Rakim’s timing could not be better. Will Smith recently confirmed that he’s in the studio, and working on his first new album since 2005.

Smith told Black Film Allies that he’s spent the last year and a half experimenting with new sounds. He also told the channel that his album will be the most personal body of work he’s released to date. Given what the actor has been through since the infamous Oscars slap, it makes sense. We don’t see why the actor couldn’t slip in a Rakim feature in the tracklist. “Summertime, Pt. 2” would be an extremely ironic collab, since fans have spent years theorizing that Rakim ghostwrote the song for Smith.

Read More: Will Smith And Martin Lawrence Reveal Their G.O.A.T. Rappers

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Will Smith Is Officially Working On His First New Album In Two Decades

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Will Smith is in comeback mode. The Oscars slap but a severe dent in his legacy, and he’s worked hard as hell to recover. Bad Boys: Ride or Die proved that he still had the goods as a movie star. Now, it seems, Smith is dead set on reviving his music career. The Grammy-winning artist has been popping up on other people’s albums, but he finally confirmed what the hip-hop world has been suspecting. Will Smith has plans to drop a new album of his own. It will be his first since 2005’s Lost and Found.

The bombshell news was announced during Will Smith’s appearance on Black Film Allies. Despite the cinematic focus of the channel, the actor decided to shed some light on his recent reentry into music. “Over the past year and a half, I’ve been in the studio,” he admitted. It was the rest of the statement, though, that sent expectations sky high. Smith claimed that the upcoming album will be one of his best ever. “I have a project that is the most personal and powerful music project I’ve ever done,” he opined. “The idea of the music is, ‘Dance in your darkest moments.’”

Read More: Will Smith And Martin Lawrence Reveal Their G.O.A.T. Rappers

Will Smith Claims The Album Is His “Most Personal” Yet

The idea makes sense, given the public backlash Will Smith received after the Oscars slap. The actor spoke with Daily Show host Trevor Noah about the soul searching he did in light of the incident. “All of that bubbled up in that moment,” he recalled. “You know, just, that’s not who I want to be … I was gone. That was a rage that had been bottled for a really long time.” Smith’s return to music has seemingly been well-received. He performed alongside J Balvin at Coachella, and debuted a song called “We Can Make It” at the recent BET Awards.

More recently, he teamed up with Russ and his son Jaden for the song “Work of Art.” Russ gushed about the collab on Instagram, citing Will Smith’s indelible impact on the genre. The trio have performed “Work of Art” live, but a proper release date has not yet been announced. Smith’s comment about dancing “in your darkest moments” has sparked an online theory that the expression will serve as the title of the upcoming album. The actor has repeatedly used the expression on social media, and the phrase even has its own website. Few people are more conscious of branding, after all. Hopefully Smith provides us with an update soon.

Read More: Will Smith Was Loving Childish Gambino’s Joke About Him & Sam Smith

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Russ Hypes Up Collab Single With Will Smith Ahead Of Its Release

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Russ is a polarizing artist. He talks tough, and makes lots of controversial statements. He also, however, backs up his claims with hard work. Russ went out and carved his own path as an independent artist, and he’s managed to build up a devoted fanbase over the last decade. He’s also gotten a chance to link up with huge names like Big Sean and Ty Dolla Sign. That being said, the collab that Russ announced on July 17 is his most impressive yet. The rapper will be releasing a joint single with none other than Will Smith.

Russ dropped the bombshell on Instagram. He posted a series of photos of him and Will Smith together, along with a detailed caption. The caption, in typical Russ fashion, detailed the significance of getting a chance to work with the Fresh Prince himself. “I did a school project on Big Willie Style when I was in 4th grade. So this is all a trip,” he wrote. “Will is a genius and gettin to talk with him about life and creativity was eye opening.” The rapper also made parallels between the struggles that both him and Smith have had to contend with. “[We] realized how similar our struggles are,” he said. “Which is why the song he sent to me to get on just aligned perfectly with where I’m at.”

Read More: Russ Praises Tommy Richman For Capitalizing On His Success

Russ may be prone to hyperbole, but he also admitted to being starstruck by the encounter. He told his followers that he didn’t believe Will Smith actually contacted him at first. “Couple months ago we got an email from Will Smith’s team,” he recalled. “[He was] reaching out about wanting to connect and work on music. 100% thought it was fake.” It wasn’t until Russ hopped on a FaceTime call with Smith that he was convinced. The collab is still untitled, but Russ, Smith, and Smith’s son, Jaden, have already performed the song live.

The ability to rock onstage with one’s idol was something Russ made sure to appreciate. “A song got made and then boom I’m in Madrid performing it with him,” the rapper explained. “In front of 80,000 people at Santiago stadium. Insane.” None of the artists involved with the song have given a proper release date or title. It’s also unclear whether the collab will end up on a Russ album or a prospective Smith release. Either way, fan interest is piqued.

Read More: Russ Admits He’s Too Old To Care About J. Cole & Kendrick Lamar’s Beef

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Will Smith Stepped Back Into ‘The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air’ Days As He Performed Its Theme Song At La Velada del Año IV

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Will Smith Gemini Man Premiere 2019
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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).

“I love that he’s on stage again and just having fun. This is what legends deserve,” penned another.

Another pointed about how great of a selection Will Smith was, given the night was all about influencers hitting the ring.

“The ultimate influencer Will Smith was a good fit,” wrote one user.

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.