Will Smith’s new musical journey: A path of self-discovery and authenticity

An evening with Will Smith: Music and reflections

During a special event at the Grammy Museum titled An Evening With Will Smith, the multifaceted star not only mesmerized the audience with nostalgic performances of his iconic hits like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” and “Miami,” but also shared profound insights into his personal journey. Will’s return to music marks a significant shift in his career, driven by the desire to transform pain into art.

Turning pain into music

Music, for Smith, has always been a medium of honesty. “Music is a more honest place for me where I feel like I can say things that I wouldn’t say, and I can express things, and there’s uncertainty and there’s sadness,” he shared. Admitting to feelings he previously kept private, Smith acknowledged, “The two things I would never let myself publicly be are sad or mad. Now I’m just starting to be more honest with myself — I have a lot of fun in life, but I’m sad sometimes and I can get mad sometimes.”

This transparency signals a pivotal moment in his life, where embracing vulnerability has become a source of strength. Smith’s journey of self-acceptance underscores the power of allowing oneself to feel negative emotions and finding resilience within those feelings.

Embracing vulnerability and reality

“I absolutely have a warrior’s heart but with a warrior’s heart, the greatest thing you can do is surrender to reality, you surrender into the difficulty,” Smith explained. This perspective was evident as he recalled the controversial incident at the 2022 Oscars, where he reacted impulsively onstage. The release of Bad Boys: Ride or Die earlier this year marked his triumphant return to the big screen, reflecting his resilience and growth.

A new wave of authenticity

“For years I’ve done really deep-dive soul searching, more than almost any point in my life, and I’ve found a new well,” Smith said. This newfound authenticity is prompting him to explore different musical styles. While he and DJ Jazzy Jeff won the first-ever hip-hop Grammy in 1989, Smith’s current path has led him to the realm of gospel music, where he performed tracks like “You Can Make It” and “Work of Art” at the event.

“I don’t really fit in those [genre] boxes,” Smith noted. “I wasn’t thinking of it as I’m going to try to make a gospel record. I made a song that resonated with the emotional experience that I had in childhood in church. The ideas were leaning a little more into the spiritual lane… It’s still one story.”

Family and music: A new dynamic

This phase in Smith’s life is not only about his own growth but also about fostering deeper connections with his family. Since his last release, Get Lit, in 2017, Smith has been working collaboratively with his children on new music. “In the house working on music and everyone creating together and listening to each other’s music, it’s a new time,” he shared. “I’m discovering that as a parent, because I’m continuing to push and I’m continuing to work on myself, my children are gravitating toward me more.”

Smith’s commitment to personal improvement has fostered a tighter bond with his children. “I’m noticing that the struggles that I have, the difficulties that I overcome, the things that I learn because I’m not stopping, my children are not moving away from me… Another big part of working on the music and working to understand myself and understand life more deeply, I feel like I’m becoming a valuable elder.”

Breaking misconceptions and honing skills

At the Grammy Museum, Smith addressed some common misconceptions about his rap career, emphasizing, “This is now the first opportunity in my career that I can actually take my time and hone my skillset on stage as a performer.” This sentiment highlights his dedication to continuous improvement and authenticity.

Will Smith’s resurgence in the music industry is more than just a return—it’s a testament to his journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of a more genuine expression. As he continues to navigate this path, collaborating with his family and exploring new genres, his story remains an inspiration to many.

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