Will Smith has just released “You Can Make It,” a track about inner strength that some critics believe is part of his carefully planned comeback. This release follows the infamous incident at the 2022 Oscars where Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage.
In a 2008 Family Guy episode titled “McStroke,” Will Smith’s music was humorously depicted, illustrating how his “nice clean raps” were viewed by popular culture. The show portrayed Smith rapping about respectful dating and getting jobs to help parents, contrasting the typical confrontational and hard nature of rap music.
Smith’s musical career began before his movie stardom, performing as the Fresh Prince. In 1997, at the peak of his musical fame, he released the album “Big Willie Style.” Reviews were mixed; some praised its friendly, humorous pop-rap, while others, like NME’s Andy Crysell, were less kind, comparing him to “the Cliff Richard of rap.”
Will Smith was once seen as the rapper for all audiences, a cool actor, and a public relations genius. He was a family patriarch admired by many. However, his reputation took a hit in 2022 after the Oscars incident.
The fourth installment of the “Bad Boys” series, released in May, was a success, suggesting audiences may have forgiven Smith. The film included a scene where Martin Lawrence’s character slaps Smith, a clear reference to the Oscars incident, which was well-received as an attempt at forgiveness through cinema.
“You Can Make It” is the debut single from Smith’s first album in almost 20 years, titled “Dance in Your Darkest Moments.” Smith performed the song at the BET Awards about 10 days ago, delivering a dramatic performance in a circle of fire. He began by telling the audience, “I don’t know who needs to hear this right now. But whatever’s going on in your life, I’m here to tell you: You can make it.”
Vulture described the performance as part of the “Will Smith image-rehabilitation tour,” critiquing the song’s blend of macho self-improvement messages and playing the victim. The article, titled “Nobody Wants This From Will Smith,” noted the track’s attempt to convey spiritual and psychological growth mixed with commercial interests.
The Guardian also commented on Smith’s “carefully choreographed comeback,” noting his efforts to remind the public of his clean, familiar, and cool persona. This strategy includes a successful 1990s movie franchise and now a gospel song about faith and inner strength. Smith’s performance at the BET Awards was his first appearance at an awards ceremony since the Oscars scandal, further indicating his strategic comeback.
The BET Awards, organized by Black Entertainment Television, honor the best of African-American entertainment culture. Smith’s choice to perform there was significant, as many opinion pieces argued that the response to the Oscars slap had racist undertones. Writers claimed a white actor would not have faced as severe a backlash, highlighting a double standard in public reactions to mistakes made by Black individuals.
Performing “You Can Make It” at the BET Awards could be seen as Smith seeking forgiveness from the Black community for perpetuating negative stereotypes. This is especially poignant in a country still grappling with the legacies of violence against Black individuals, such as the murders of Trayvon Martin and George Floyd.
Currently, Smith’s new song has entered the gospel and Christian music charts but has not yet gained significant traction, with fewer than half a million plays on Spotify since its release. Despite this, Smith’s film career remains strong, and his personal fortune is estimated at around $350 million. His latest film grossed over $360 million at the box office, suggesting he doesn’t need a music career resurgence to remain influential.
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