Will Smith sings his new inspirational song “You Can Make It” at the BET Awards

Rapper and actor Will Smith recently performed with a choir at the BET Awards. The 53-year-old presented his new single “You Can Make It,” which featured Haitian-American singer Fridayy and the Sunday Service Choir. The single was released in late June. Smith rapped: “The darker the hell you have to endure/The brighter the heaven you can enjoy/The harder the fall, the higher you soar/God opens a window when the devil closes the door.”

He continued, “Believe me, they tried to bleed Will Smith dry/In the rearview mirror, I see adversity was the gift/To raise me higher, gifts require faith/So dry your eyes, and then you’ll find the way.” According to the New York Post, this was Smith’s first appearance at an awards show since he slapped comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith also starred alongside Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the fourth installment in the Bad Boys film franchise. A few days before the BET Awards, Smith announced he would sing the single at the show, explaining how the music helped him through some of his darkest moments.

He wrote: “In some of my darkest moments, music has always been there for me – to lift me up and help me grow. It is my humble wish that it can do the same for you and bring you all the joy and light you deserve.” The Sunday Service Choir posted similar comments on social media. “Who hasn’t been in a dark place? Who hasn’t walked through fire? What connects us is knowing you are not alone! @willsmith reminds us of that shared connection! That there are life lessons in dark places if you will!” the group wrote.

“The journey brings not only healing but also growth and wisdom. It was a pleasure to collaborate with @willsmith and @fridayy on this song as we continue to inspire the world with four simple words that will change your life. YOU CAN DO IT‼️”