Since the new Bad Boys is breaking box office records, proving not only that it is one of the most beloved contemporary franchises but also that people might need some good, mindless action blockbuster after the reign of superhero movies, let's take a calm look at the Will Smith phenomenon.
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Despite gifting us possibly the most awkward moment in Oscar history, Will Smith is undoubtedly one of the most talented examples of modern Hollywood. From his first single as Fresh Prince to today, his career in the arts is a genuine expression of positivity and eternal youthfulness, which, whether it’s a communication strategy or not, is certainly something the industry lacks.
Will Smith, a native of Philadelphia, together with his childhood friend - one of the greatest DJs known both to Philly's local community and to hip-hop overall - was one of the hundreds of kids with a deep love for rap, living it from its early baby steps. Realizing that he had talent on the mic, while Jazz excelled at the turntables, they teamed up as DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, creating one of the most distinctive acts of the late 80s-early 90s.
The rise of gangsta rap, following the overwhelming success of NWA in California, was not only a fact but, in a period when rap was claiming its place as the pure voice of the streets, this approach dominated with ease. In such an environment, Will Smith tried to succeed not by adopting a "tough" persona but by being himself. And, to some extent, he succeeded.
The duo of Smith and Jazz is an early example of the style that De La Soul later built. Not about crime, not about drugs, but good vibes and a pop lyrical aesthetic that doesn't intend to alienate the popular base of rap but to offer a different, positive alternative. Though he was ridiculed in his time as a rapper by the toxic masculinity prevalent in rap, time has vindicated him, as his singles have endured and still stand among the top examples of alternative 80s rap.
He then managed to capitalize on this success in acting, proving once again how deeply intertwined rap culture is with cinema, gifting us the Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, which, apart from its effortless humor and perhaps the greatest father figure on the small screen (R.I.P. Uncle Phil), was also a very insightful mapping of the 90s through the eyes of the black experience.
After his transition to the big screen, the story is well-known. Success after success, whether in individual films or franchises. However, I strongly believe his peak moment is in The Pursuit of Happyness from 2006. It’s the movie that proves to even the most skeptical the immense acting talent of Smith, delivering a heart-wrenching performance in an equally heart-wrenching slice-of-life narrative of working-class reality.
So, in anticipation of watching the new Bad Boys, hoping it will be better than the somewhat off Bad Boys for Life.
P.S. For those who haven't done it yet, treat yourself and listen to these three albums from his discography.
As DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince: 1988 - He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper 1991 - Homebase
As Will Smith: 1997 - Big Willie Style
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