Will Smith

Will Smith Goes Full Kanye In His 2024 BET Awards Performance With A Brand-New, Inspirational Song

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Will Smith took a page from the book of Kanye West — fortunately, not the one about Jewish people — for his 2024 BET Awards performance, employing a full Sunday Service-esque choir (led by Kirk Franklin, naturally) to accompany him as he debuted an inspirational new song, “Bulletproof.” The stage was set up like something West would have deployed during his Donda era, replete with dancing flames and extremely Yeezy wardrobe to boot — pun intended. If Will Smith wants to move into the space recently vacated by the disgraced Kanye, though, we could do worse.

Smith certainly has had his share of self-inflicted tribulations over the last couple of years. Those stem, of course, from the 2022 Academy
Awards, when Smith walked onstage to slap the host, comedian Chris Rock, after Rock made some disparaging remarks about Smith’s wife(?), Jada Pinkett Smith. Since then, due to Will and Jada’s promotional tours for their respective memoirs, the rapper/actor fell out of public favor for some time due to their persistent oversharing.

However, you’re only ever one hit away from a comeback, and in Will’s case, that hit is Bad Boys: Ride Or Die, which is not only dominating the box office, but also reminding people why they loved the Philly native as an actor in the first place. With his new song, he’s really returning to his Fresh Prince roots, and perhaps on the cusp of a musical comeback, as well.

You can watch Will Smith’s 2024 BET Awards performance above and find the full list of 2024 BET Awards nominees and winners here.

Who Is Performing At The 2024 BET Awards?

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This Sunday (June 30) at 8 p.m., all eyes will be on BET as the 2024 BET Awards take place. We know who’s nominated: That was announced in May, and leading the pack are Drake, Nicki Minaj, J. Cole, Sexyy Red, SZA, Victoria Monét, 21 Savage, Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla, and Usher.

The other big piece of the puzzle is who is set to perform during the broadcast. Well, now we know.

Who’s Performing At The 2024 BET Awards?

It was announced today (June 26) that Megan Thee Stallion has joined the lineup, as she’ll perform to open the show.

Meanwhile, added to the lineup two days ago was Will Smith, who is set to perform a new original song.

Also performing during the broadcast will be GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Lauryn Hill and YG Marley, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Tyla, and Victoria Monét. Tanner Adell will also perform, on the BET Amplified stage.

Usher, meanwhile, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement BET Award. Taraji P. Henson is returning to host the show.

Aside from getting ready for the BET Awards, Megan also just had a fresh Amazon Prime Day ad campaign drop, which included a brand-new song made specifically for the commercial.

Will Smith To Perform First New Song In Seven Years At BET Awards

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Will Smith is having a moment. The entertainer just scored a massive box office hit with Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The press tour for the action sequel has gone a long way in restoring Smith’s goodwill with the public. He knows it too, because he isn’t taking any plays off. In fact, Smith is doubling down and has decided to return to his hip-hop roots. On June 24, the Oscar winner announced that he will perform at the upcoming BET Awards. To make things even more interesting, he will be playing a brand new song.

Smith has flirted with hip-hop a few times in the 2020s. He collaborated with artists like Logic and Joyner Lucas, and he even performed “Men In Black” at Coachella this year. The difference with the BET Awards is that Big Willie Style will be giving fans original material. He hasn’t released a new solo song since 2017, and “Get Lit” didn’t exactly light the world up. Will Smith hasn’t had a top 10 single since “Switch,” which came out in 2005. Now’s the time to attempt a comeback, though, and BET confirmed the performance with a Variety press release.

Read More: Rob Schneider Goes Off On Will Smith In Explicit Rant

Will Smith Is Allegedly Working On A New Album

The release was penned by Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy at BET. “From his start as a rapper to The Fresh Prince,” she stated. “To being a box office king as one of the Bad Boys, Will Smith is truly a global icon. And we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage. We look forward to Will adding to yet another defining night for the culture that is not to be missed.” Smith hasn’t divulged any details about the song or the album that it will reportedly serve as a single for. He did, however, discuss why he felt compelled to pick up the microphone during a 2015 Guardian interview.

Will Smith credited his son, Jaden, and Kanye West, for prompting his musical rebirth. “My son tells me I have to write out the things I don’t like,” he told to the outlet. “I can’t write and stop, I have to keep going and going and write them out. I’ve never worked like that before but I think I might give that a shot… I’m exploring.” It’s taken nearly a decade for this exploring to come to fruition, but it sounds like Smith may have finally found what he was looking for. We’ll know for sure on June 30 when the BET Awards air.

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

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Will Smith to Debut New Song Live at BET Awards 2024

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BET has announced a star-studded lineup and exciting additions for the upcoming “BET Awards” 2024, scheduled to air live on Sunday, June 30 at 8 pm ET/PT. Academy Award-winning actor and multiplatinum recording artist Will Smith will debut an original song during the event, joining an impressive roster of performers.

“From his start as a rapper to The Fresh Prince to being a box office king as one of the Bad Boys,  Will Smith is truly a global icon, and we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET  Awards stage,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. We look forward to Will adding to yet another defining night for the culture that is not to  be missed.” 

Hosted by Golden Globe-winning actress Taraji P. Henson, the awards ceremony will honor GRAMMY-winning icon Usher with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award. The lineup of performers includes GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Ms. Lauryn Hill & YG Marley, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Tyla, and Victoria Monét, with Tanner Adell set to perform on the BET Amplified stage.

For three consecutive years, the “BET Awards” has been the #1 cable award show among all adults 18-49 and continues to lead as the top cable award show among Black adults 18-49 for the 22nd year. The event serves as a platform to celebrate Black music, creativity, and sportsmanship, highlighting the culture and driving social change.

Drake leads the nominations with seven nods, reflecting the influence and impact of his work. Nominees were selected by a voting academy comprising respected figures from the music industry.

Fans can participate by voting for the “BET Awards” 2024 Viewer’s Choice Award until June 30, 2024, at 6:30 PM PT/9:30 PM ET. For more information and the complete list of nominees, visit the official BET website.

The post Will Smith to Debut New Song Live at BET Awards 2024 first appeared on The Source.

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WATCH: Martin Lawrence and Will Smith Give Their Picks for Greatest Rappers of All-Time

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Martin Lawrence and Will Smith Give Their Picks for Greatest Rappers of All-Time

The greatest rapper of all time is always a hot topic in Hip-Hop. Continuing their media run for Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Martin Lawrence and Will Smith pulled up on GOAT Talk and revealed who gets their vote.

“I would have to say Snoop Dogg for me,” Martin said. “Because Snoop’s always come through for me. He’s done my show and has always been excellent. And he’s a good friend of mine.”

Smith added, “I think that in terms of changing the game, Rakim. The combination of Melle Mel and Grandmaster Caz in terms of me developing my love for hip-hop.”

You can hear it below.

The post WATCH: Martin Lawrence and Will Smith Give Their Picks for Greatest Rappers of All-Time first appeared on The Source.

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

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Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are having a moment. Three decades after they were two of the biggest stars on television, they’re proving themselves to be even bigger draws as movie stars. Bad Boys: Ride or Die has killed at the box office, and part of the reason why is the promo tour Smith and Lawrence are on. They’re everywhere, sharing anecdotes about their friendship and their seemingly bulletproof franchise. The Smith and Lawrence convo we didn’t expect, however, was who the greatest rapper of all time is.

Smith and Lawrence recently went on the YouTube series GOAT Talk to discuss, well GOAT topics. Given the impact that both of them have had on hip-hop culture, it was only a matter of time before they were hit with the “GOAT rapper” question. Their answers did not disappoint. Martin Lawrence decided to go with a generational peer and a close personal friend. “I would have to say Snoop Dogg for me,” he noted. “Because Snoop’s always come through for me. He’s done my show and has always been excellent. And he’s a good friend of mine.” Both Lawrence and Snoop Dogg appeared in the 2019 film The Beach Bum. The latter also made a cameo on a 1994 episode of Martin.

Read More: Will Smith Admits He Hated Quincy Jones’ Original “Fresh Prince” Theme

Will Smith Struggled To Pick Between Three Rappers

Will Smith’s answer was more intriguing. He rose to fame as a rapper. He was the first rapper to win a Grammy, in fact, so he’s technically a GOAT candidate himself. Rest assured, however, the actor didn’t pick himself. He decided to go old school with his picks. “I think that in terms of changing the game,” he posited. “Rakim.” Will Smith was unable to limit his answer to one, though. He mentioned two other men who shaped his love for the genre. “The combination of Melle Mel and Grandmaster Caz,” he explained. “In terms of me developing my love for hip-hop.” The Caz shout out is timely, given that Smith recently encountered the rapper during a radio interview.

Smith gushed about Grandmaster Caz during his appearance on Sway In the Morning. He told the host that he modeled his rhyming style after the Cold Crush legend. In the middle of his interview, Caz walks in the room and leaves the Oscar winner starstruck. Smith let out a yell of surprise before hyping up the rapper to the rest of the room. “Ladies and gentleman,” he said. “The full, complete and total inspiration for the Fresh Prince: Grandmaster Caz.” Smith might’ve said Rakim first, but this encounter tips the scale in Caz’s favor.

Read More: Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith’s Friends Doubt Sincerity Of Reconciliation: Report

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Stephen A. Smith Walks Back Will Smith Criticism Amid Massive Backlash

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People who didn’t agree with Stephen A. Smith’s perspective bombarded him with calls and emails, and he declined to cancel Will Smith. Now, Stephen A. Smith’s opinion has changed. Furthermore, after asserting that Will Smith owed the Black community an explanation for slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, the seasoned sportscaster encountered criticism. He said that the occurrence was “devastating” for both Rock and “the Black community” on his own show. Additionally, Smith thinks that Will Smith and Antoine Fuqua’s prospects of winning an Oscar for Emancipation the following year were impacted by the slap.

Smith claimed that he made his comments with Black folks hoping to be in Hollywood in mind. He said that because of Will Smith’s behavior, he was afraid that white people would stereotype Black actors. “It was a blemish on all of us,” he said. “Because I know how much white America reveres Will Smith and the thinking along the lines in my mind was, hell if he did that, what would the rest of us do. There are certain things that happen in the lives of an individual where those incidences are used as a license to castigate the rest of us.” All in all, Smith has walked back his statement.

Read More: Shannon Sharpe Announces Massive Multi-Year ESPN Deal On “First Take”

Stephen A. Smith Walks Back Will Smith Criticism Amid Massive Backlash

Stephen A. Smith said, nevertheless, that he had a change of heart after speaking with a mutual acquaintance. Charlie Mack, a longtime friend and former security guard of Will Smith, called Stephen A. He begged him to show the actor “grace.” Additionally, Mack questioned why someone with Will Smith’s spotless background shouldn’t be allowed to make mistakes. He pointed out that this is how he makes a career and provides for his family. Smith claimed that Mack urged him to think about the impact on Martin Lawrence and the crews that produce Will Smith’s films. “Throughout Will Smith’s life, not just his career, there has been exponentially far more good than bad, and I certainly did not mean to gloss over that,” he said.  

Stephen A. received a barrage of calls and messages from people who didn’t agree with him. They would not back down from not canceling Will Smith. Stephen A. Smith was convinced that Will Smith remained a beloved figure after seeing a video of Black admirers crowding the 55-year-old during a screening of Bad Boys: Ride or Die. “So I got to stand down,” Stephen A. Smith conceded. Overall, Stephen A. was pressed by a lot of people because of his out-of-touch comments about Will Smith.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Says Fans Aren’t Ready To Support Will Smith After Chris Rock Slap Despite “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die” Making $100 Million

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Stephen A. Smith Thinks Will Smith Owes Black People a Conversation Over the Oscars Slap

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Stephen A. Smith Thinks Will Smith Owes Black People a Conversation Over the Oscars Slap

Stephen A. Smith is still hanging on to the Oscars slap. Appearing on his podcast ahead of the launch of Bad Boys: Ride or Die, he asked, “Are we embracing Will Smith again?”

Stephen A. wants Will to have a discussion with the Black community about his decision to slap Chris Rock.

“You got to have a conversation as to why you did that,” Stephen A. Smith said. “It’s primarily us as Black people who have loved and supported you and watched you go on an international stage and slap one of us in the face.”

Do you agree with Stephen A.’s sentiment? You can hear it from him below.

Despite Stephen A.’s opinion, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have once again captivated audiences with their latest film, Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die.

The newest installment of the beloved franchise achieved a domestic box office haul of $56 million over the weekend. The film’s success extended beyond the US, bringing in nearly $50 million globally, making it the first blockbuster hit of the summer season with a total opening weekend revenue of $104.6 million.

The dynamic duo’s on-screen chemistry and action-packed performances have resonated with fans, drawing large crowds to theaters. “Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die” continues the thrilling saga of Miami detectives Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence), delivering the high-octane action and humor that audiences have come to expect from the series.

The film’s impressive box office performance solidifies its status as a major summer blockbuster, setting a high bar for upcoming releases. As the first big hit of the season, “Bad Boys 4” has generated significant buzz and excitement among moviegoers, promising a strong continued showing in theaters worldwide.

With its successful opening weekend, “Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die” reaffirms the franchise’s enduring appeal and the star power of Smith and Lawrence, marking the iconic duo’s triumphant return to the big screen.

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Will Smith & Martin Lawrence Dominate The Box Office With “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” Earning Over $100 million

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The much-anticipated sequel to 2020’s Bad Boy 4 Life, Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die, has taken the box office by storm. Opening on Friday, June 7, the movie, featuring the dynamic duo of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, has exceeded all expectations. The fourth installment in the trilogy, which kicked off with the 1995 release of Bad Boys, raked in a staggering $56 million domestically in its first weekend, a figure that was nearly twice Sony’s internal projection of $30 million and significantly higher than industry forecasts of $45 million to $50 million, as reported by Deadline.

Fans are enjoying this one. They showed up in legions to see the new flick, and if that’s not evidence enough that no one cares about the Chris Rock Oscars slap, then we don’t know what to tell you. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have been on a promotional tear the past few weeks, and it’s paid off. The overall box office has been down this summer, with industry insiders concerned that big movies like Furiosa and The Fall Guy are not performing to expectations. In comes Bad Boys: Ride Or Die, which shows the industry that star power is star power, and Will Smith still has it. 

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Says Fans Aren’t Ready To Support Will Smith After Chris Rock Slap Despite “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die” Making $100 Million

Will Smith & Martin Lawrence Have An Incredible Opening Weekend for “Bad Boys 4”

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s buddy police comedy series has made $104.6 million in total revenue, including $48.6 million from overseas box office receipts. Although it helped that Smith returned to theaters with a franchise that has lasted for more than 30 years, audiences have welcomed his first major motion picture since he attacked Chris Rock on stage at the 2022 Oscars. Sony invested $100 million in Bad Boys 4 production and more in marketing the movie to a worldwide audience. The film has already made its budget back and will likely approach the $200 Million the third film in the franchise achieved in 2020. 

Fans showed up to see the movie. Will Smith and Martin Lawernce have promoted the movie all over the country, receiving massive amounts of love wherever they went. Overall, Bad Boys: Ride Or Die is a massive success, and it has surprised industry insiders but not fans. People will show up when you have a star like Will Smith and a franchise that people love, like Bad Boys. 

Read More: Will Smith Admits “Martin” Was Funnier Than “Fresh Prince”

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Stephen A. Smith Says Fans Aren’t Ready To Support Will Smith After Chris Rock Slap Despite “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die” Making $100 Million

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Bad Boys: Ride Or Die has brought the box office back to life, raking in over $100 million dollars this weekend. Stars Will Smith and Martin Lawerence returned to their iconic roles for the fourth time, and fans showed up in support, making it one of the most successful movies of the summer so far. If there is any proof that everyone is over Will Smith’s Oscar slap on Chris Rock, it will be the box office return for Will’s new movie. Stephen A. Smith, who clearly did not see how much money Bad Boys 4 made, thinks people are not ready to watch Will Smith at the movies because he needs to apologize to the black community. 

Stephen A. initially said to the audience that he “will never stop being a Will Smith fan” and that he “in all likelihood” will be attending the premiere of the upcoming Bad Boys movie. However, Smith takes a more critical stance for most of his rant, which starts with the host highlighting a picture he and Will took together back when the actor was promoting his Concussion film. In short, Stephen A. Smith says he wants to see “an actual sit-down interview” focused on the Oscar-winning actor’s Chris Rock slap. According to Smith, Rock “will never get over that, ever” and is “damaged,” because of the incident. He added that the actor’s decision to slap the comedian “tarnished” the evening in question in 2022.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Gives Awful Announcing A Piece Of His Mind After Being Called Out For Embarrassing Knicks Mistake

Stephen A. Smith Goes On Rant About Will Smith And Chris Rock

“We know you wouldn’t have smacked Ricky Gervais, Bill Maher, Bill Burr or a host of others,” Stephen A. Smith said. The ESPN personality argued that the Fresh Prince alum should “sit down and talk to the Black community.” He continued, “We know you wouldn’t have done that. No apology is necessary. I’m just saying a lot of folks ain’t get over that. A lot of folks find it hard to just go to the movies to watch you. I’m one of those people.” He clearly did not see how happy fans were to see the new Bad Boys movie.

As many fans on social media have pointed out, Stephen A. Smith is often disconnected from the culture in which he believes he is an authority. His rant is detached from reality because Will Smith’s movie is one of the highest-grossing of the summer. People of all races, but especially black people, arrived in droves to see the new Bad Boys. Not to mention, Will Smith has been getting love everywhere he goes during his promotional tour with Martin Lawrence. Overall, Stephen A. Smith has missed the mark again with his attempt at cultural criticism.

Read More: Stephen A Smith Welcomes Monica McNutt Back On “First Take,” Clarifies Angel Reese & Caitlin Clark Comments

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