Hollywood icon Will Smith has shared some poignant memories from his long and storied career in the entertainment industry, especially his eerie last meetings with two towering figures of the music world: The Notorious B.I.G. and Prince. These encounters, marred by their untimely deaths, have left a lasting impression on Smith, who discussed these moments in a revealing episode of the Broken Record Podcast.
The Night Biggie Was Shot
Will Smith met The Notorious B.I.G., famously known as Biggie, just hours before the rapper’s tragic demise in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in 1997. Reflecting on that night, Smith shared his disbelief and sorrow, saying, “The Biggie one made me cry, ’cause it was like stupid and it was like just centered on hip-hop — for rapping. That one hurt me. It scared me too.” This conversation marks a significant moment for Smith, highlighting the harsh realities of the music industry overshadowed by rivalry and violence.
Biggie’s death remains one of the most notorious unsolved mysteries in the hip-hop community, often linked to the infamous East Coast-West Coast feud. This incident not only underscored the perils of the music scene but also left a profound impact on those who knew him, including Smith.
Prince’s Visionary Proposal
Similarly haunting was Smith’s interaction with Prince the night before the legendary artist passed away in 2016. During their conversation, Prince proposed a groundbreaking idea for an entertainment company that would unite him, Smith, and Jay-Z. “I talked to Prince and he was pitching, saying that me, him and Jay-Z should start an entertainment company and he said he had talked to Jay and he wanted to do it. And we talked that night, and in the morning, he was gone,” Smith recounted.
The sudden loss of Prince, coupled with the prior death of Biggie, underscores a pattern of profound and abrupt farewells that have deeply affected Smith, adding a somber note to his reflections on fame and mortality.
Will Smith’s Career and New Ventures
Amidst recalling these somber memories, Will Smith is also gearing up to release his first album in over two decades, titled “Based on a True Story”. This new project appears to be a reflective undertaking, where Smith delves into the relationships and pivotal moments that have shaped his life and career.
Creative Differences and the Success of ‘Hitch’
In other news related to Smith’s career, Director Andy Tennant shared insights into the making of the 2005 hit romantic comedy, ‘Hitch’. Despite initial creative differences and Smith nearly quitting days before filming began, the movie was a tremendous success, grossing over $371.6 million worldwide and becoming one of the year’s highest-grossing films.
Interestingly, Tennant revealed that a sequel to ‘Hitch’ is currently in development without his involvement, spearheaded by Smith’s production company. This news points to the enduring appeal of the story and its potential for new storytelling avenues.
Reflection and Legacy
These stories of near misses, last-minute decisions, and reflections on lost friends paint a complex portrait of Will Smith as not just an actor or a musician but as a thoughtful individual shaped by his experiences in the limelight. As he prepares to explore new artistic directions, fans and followers can only anticipate what insights and revelations his upcoming album will bring.