Will Smith surprises with new song – decision for the BET Awards 2024

Will Smith, known for his roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and blockbuster films, will perform a new original song at the upcoming 2024 BET Awards, reports Today. This announcement marks a significant return to his musical roots, BET confirmed in a press release on June 24.

Smith, a four-time Grammy winner, first rose to fame as a rapper alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff before transitioning into acting with his iconic role in the ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His ability to seamlessly blend acting and music has been a hallmark of his career, and Smith even rapped the show’s unforgettable theme song.

Recently, Smith reinvigorated his musical endeavors with the release of “Light Em Up,” a collaboration with Sean Paul that appears on the soundtrack of his latest film, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” This track marked his first solo release in nearly five years, following a guest appearance on Joyner Lucas’ “Will (Remix)” in 2020.

Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, hailed Will Smith as a “global icon” and expressed excitement about his upcoming performance at the BET Awards, highlighting Smith’s multifaceted career from his early days as a rapper to becoming a Hollywood major.

A night of celebrations and performances

The BET Awards, which will take place on June 30, will feature a diverse lineup including GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Ms. Lauryn Hill, YG Marley, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Tyla and Victoria Monét. The event will also honor Usher with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award.

Smith’s return to the music scene was marked by notable performances, including a surprise appearance at Coachella, where he joined J. Balvin to perform his 1997 hit “Men In Black,” a song synonymous with the film series in which Smith starred.

In December, Smith attended “A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop,” celebrating the genre alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff and other music legends. Looking back on the experience, Will Smith shared his excitement about reviving their legendary hip-hop era, describing it as a memorable and surreal moment.

While Smith has focused primarily on acting in recent years, most notably as the Genie in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Aladdin, his upcoming appearance at the BET Awards underscores his ongoing influence in music and entertainment. With four Grammy wins to his credit, Smith continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic talent across a variety of artistic platforms.

Fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting Smith’s new musical offering at the BET Awards, anticipating another milestone in his illustrious career.