Will Smith surprised fans with the release of his new song “You Can Make It” on Friday, but it turns out the track has been a long time coming.
Fridayy, who is featured on the song alongside the Sunday Service choir, revealed at the 2024 BET Awards that he recorded the song’s catchy hook four years ago in his mom’s house in 2020.
Producer Ayo N Keyz then brought the hook to Smith earlier this year, who added his own verses to create the final song.
This isn’t the first time Smith has dabbled in music. The 55-year-old Philadelphia native rose to fame in the late 80s as part of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, winning four Grammy Awards. His charisma and rapping skills eventually transitioned into a hugely successful acting career, solidifying his status as a Hollywood A-lister. Smith is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, with films like “Bad Boys,” “Independence Day,” and “Men in Black” raking in over $9.3 billion globally. He even recently took home an Academy Award for his portrayal of Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, in the 2021 film “King Richard.”
Fridayy also spoke about the timeless nature of his music, including “You Can Make It.” “The type of music I make is hopeful, motivational and timeless,” he said. “I can make a hook five years ago, and it means something to people today.” It seems this sentiment perfectly aligns with Smith’s career trajectory, constantly evolving while never losing sight of his core values.