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Will Smith, the multi-talented entertainer known for his acting and rapping prowess, made a stunning comeback to the music scene at the 2024 BET Awards. The 55-year-old star unveiled his new song "You Can Make It" in a powerful performance that left the audience in awe.
Smith's last musical release was nearly five years ago, making this return particularly significant. BET had teased the performance as "yet another defining night for the culture that is not to be missed," and it certainly lived up to the hype.
The staging was nothing short of dramatic. Smith performed within a ring of fire and debris, symbolizing the challenges he's faced. Surrounded by the Sunday Service Choir, along with artists Chandler Moor and Kirk Franklin, Smith delivered a message of resilience and hope.
"The darker the hell you gotta endure..... The brighter the heaven you get to enjoy," Smith rapped, his lyrics resonating with many who have faced adversity. The performance touched on personal struggles, with Smith candidly addressing his own experiences: "Believe me, they tried to bleed Will Smith... In the rearview, I see adversity was the gift."
The song's theme of overcoming hardship struck a chord with the audience, earning Smith a standing ovation. As rain extinguished the ring of fire, Smith concluded with a powerful message: "We are not being punished, we are being forged, dance in your darkest moments."
Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, praised Smith's legacy and impact: "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."
This performance follows Smith's surprise appearance at Coachella in April, where he joined J Balvin on stage. It also comes on the heels of his collaboration with Sean Paul on "Light 'Em Up" for the "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" soundtrack.
Smith's return to music seems to be part of a larger comeback strategy following controversies in recent years. His BET performance suggests a renewed focus on his musical roots and a desire to connect with audiences through uplifting messages.
As Smith shared on social media post-performance, "I have returned Home! The comeback is always bigger than the setback." This sentiment encapsulates not just his new song, but perhaps his approach to his career and public image moving forward.
With this emotionally charged performance, Will Smith has reminded the world of his musical talents and his ability to inspire through art. As he continues to navigate his multifaceted career, fans and critics alike will be watching to see what this renaissance man does next.
