Update, 5/15/2020: Rapper Joyner Lucas’s musical tribute to Will Smith just got even cooler. The Fresh Prince Star himself contributed a lengthy new verse on the song’s official remix. It’s Smith’s own look back on his life and career, and a chance to honor his own heroes and the people who made him the man he is today.
And Smith also got to thank Joyner for his musical ode.
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When a beloved celebrity dies, fan tributes come pouring in from around the world. It’s always beautiful, because it shows how many lives those people touched. But it’s always bittersweet too since they aren’t around to hear them. Far too often we don’t think to share our appreciation and gratitude for those we most admire why they’re still with us. It’s a mistake Joyner Lucas decided not to make. The rapper has penned a song to honor his personal hero, Will Smith. “Will” is a celebration of the Fresh Prince’s career and message to build your life “brick by brick.” And the music video is a cosplay trip through Smith’s career on screen.
“Will” is a lyrical paean to Will Smith’s entire life. The song references some of the actor’s most famous films, his wife and children, and also his personal creed about how he takes on challenges one task at a time. The accompanying musical video is also a living tribute to Smith’s career. It features Lucas in costumes from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Bad Boys, Men In Black, Wild Wild West, I Am Legend, Shark Tale, The Pursuit of Happyness, I Am Legend, Concussion, and Aladdin.
And there’s no question why Joyner wrote this song. He tells us why in it. “Homie’s my idol and don’t even know it.” But Smith does now. He posted his reaction to the song and video on his Instagram page. He’s as touched by it as anyone would be.
If Joyner Lucas wrote this song after Will Smith was no longer with us it would be sweet, but it wouldn’t be as powerful. It’s more meaningful knowing Smith is still here to appreciate it. And that’s a message we should all remember when it comes to talking to our own idols. Because as Lucas raps in the song, “Ain’t nothing worse than losing your hero and couldn’t say bye. And we never know just when when it’s our time and legends are gone and we don’t know why.”
Featured Image: Joyner Lucas