Will Smith’s return to music – the essence

Will Smith’s return to music marks a deeply personal and transformative journey, opening a brand new chapter in his profession. At the Grammy Museum this month, the 4-time Grammy winner talked about how turning personal pain into music has influenced his latest artistic evolution. In a moderated conversation with Grammy winner Lecrae Smith, he reflected on life’s challenges. He revealed that these struggles shaped his recent musical direction, which now features a shift towards gospel music.

Smith treated the audience to nostalgic renditions of hits similar to “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” and “Miami,” and debuted recent gospel songs including “You Can Make It” and “Work Art.” ” These songs illustrate his seek for faith, hope and perseverance. Smith said working along with his family on recent projects has been a big a part of his return to music, and this was his first record since 2017’s Get Lit.

The Philadelphia native’s return to the stage wasn’t limited to the Grammy Museum. Earlier this summer, he made a surprise appearance at the summer BBQ party, performing his classic hit “Summertime” alongside Coco Jones. His presence brought a celebratory energy to the event, reinforcing his role as executive producer of the series.

In one other highlight, Smith took the stage at the 2024 BET Awards to perform “You Can Make It,” delivering an emotionally charged performance with the Sunday Service Choir and Kirk Franklin. Smith’s heartfelt message on stage encouraged viewers to persevere through life’s difficulties. The performance, his first appearance at the awards show since the 2022 Oscars, underlined his determination to share a message of hope and renewal with fans.

Through recent music and live performances, Will Smith continues to expand his legacy, combining his iconic past with a robust recent message of resilience.