Fridayy reveals he recorded the hook for Will Smith’s new song 4 years ago (exclusive)

Will Smith’s brand new song “You Can Make It” may have come as a surprise to fans when it was released on Friday, but the single was apparently years in the making.

On Sunday, June 30, Fridayy — who appears on the Oscar-winning actor’s song alongside the Sunday Service Choir — spoke to PEOPLE at the 2024 BET Awards and discussed how this uplifting collaboration came about.

“I recorded this hook four years ago in 2020 at my mom’s house,” the BET Awards nominee revealed at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The “God Did” singer-songwriter also praised producer Ayo, one half of the Grammy-winning duo Ayo N Keyz, who he said began working with Smith earlier this year.

“He played the chorus to Will and Will added his verses,” he added, “so it’s a blessing, brother.”

Fridayy also spoke about the power of his music – including his collaborations with Smith – to stand the test of time, saying: “The kind of music I make is, like you said, hopeful, motivational and timeless. I can make a hook five years ago and it means something to people today.”

Smith will perform his collaboration with Fridayy – who is nominated for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – live for the first time tonight at the BET Awards. The actor explained the meaning behind the major new release – his first in over five years – on social media on Friday, June 28, writing: “In some of my darkest moments, music has always been there for me – to lift me up and help me grow.”

He continued, “It is my humble wish that it can do the same for you and bring you all the joy and light you deserve.”

Smith’s latest single comes shortly after he said Extra This month he was “in the lab” and has been working on new music for the past year and a half. “I have a project that is without question the most personal and powerful music I have ever made,” the Bad Boys: Ride or Die Star. “Well, you know, I’ll tell you in a month or so.”

The 2024 BET Awards will air live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.