Will Smith is back to his musical beginnings. He sang his new single, “You Can Make It,” at the 2024 BET Awards.
Smith performed at his first-ever BET Awards on a circular podium surrounded by pyrotechnic fire, assisted by Chandler Moore and the Sunday Service Choir. Along with a strong group of backing vocalists, Smith was joined by gospel legend Kirk Franklin, who unexpectedly made an appearance to provide a spoken-word sermon.
In the gospel-infused song, Smith sang on tenacity, emphasizing how to go past the “dark night of the soul” and the willpower and faith needed to get through trying times.
“The darker the hell you gotta endure / The brighter the heaven you get to enjoy / The harder the fall, the higher you soar.” “God opens a window when the devil closes the door / Believe me, they tried to bleed Will Smith / In the rearview, I see adversity was the gift / To lift me higher gifts requires faith,” Smith rapped.
In a press release issued prior to Sunday’s show, Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, said, “Smith began his career as a rapper and later became The Fresh Prince and a box office monarch as one of the Bad Boys.” “Will Smith is truly a global icon, and we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage.”
Smith has won four Grammy Awards for his rap performances, both alone and in collaboration with other artists. When he and DJ Jazzy Jeff performed the 1988 song “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” he won for the first time.
In 1992, the duo won again for their song “Summertime.” In 1998, Smith won back-to-back Grammys for his solo rap performance with “Men in Black,” and the following year, with “Gettin’ Jiggy with It.”
The actor recently shocked Coachella attendees with a rendition of “Men in Black” by J. Balvin while wearing the black costume from the 1997 film.
Photo Credit: MSN
Smith gave an uplifting speech to the audience as he wrapped up his performance at the 2024 BET Awards, saying, “Nobody gets an easy ride.” Though everyone of us has a cross to carry, that fire contains insight. Additionally, each and every instant of your life presents a fresh chance.”
“We are not being punished; we are being forged,” he stated. “Dance in your darkest moments.”
The Bad Boys star posted a video of the performance on X/Twitter after the BET Awards, stating, “I have come Home! A setback is never greater than a comeback.”