The esteemed actor, who has won an Academy Award, is set to make a significant musical debut on Sunday, June 30, at the 2024 BET Awards. After taking a break from releasing solo music since his 2017 EDM track “Get Lit,” which followed his last studio album, 2005’s Lost and Found, the accomplished rapper and actor, who has won four Grammy awards, re-emerged on June 28 with an inspiring new song titled “You Can Make It.”
The uplifting track features the backing of the renowned Sunday Service choir, known for their work with Kanye West on his acclaimed album Jesus Is King, and also includes a collaboration with Fridayy. In this new offering, the talented artist returns to his rap roots to deliver a powerful message that resonates with his listeners, offering a message of hope and encouragement.
In “You Can Make It,” the artist shares poignant and urgent verses, drawing listeners into the depths of his heart. Lines such as “You are in the smoke and the fire / Tight rope on the wires / I see you’re broken and tired / And all your hope is expired” convey a sense of resilience and perseverance, offering reassurance to those facing challenges. The overall theme of the song reflects a message of endurance and hope, providing a much-needed reminder to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity.
In the latter part of the song, Will Smith appears to direct his words of encouragement towards himself, referencing his past personal struggles, such as the well-known incident at the 2022 Oscars involving Chris Rock. His lyrics convey the message of overcoming adversity, with lines like, “Believe me, they tried to bleed Will Smith / In the rear view I see adversity was the gift.” He further reflects on his experiences with lines such as “Out of the madness out of the maze / Out of the saddest into the rays / the darkest of nights turns into day / And every storm runs out of rain.”
On Friday morning, Smith took to social media to share a video of himself playing the piano instrumental from “You Can Make It,” and wrote, “Through some of my darkest moments, music has always been there for me — to lift me and help me grow. It’s my humble wish that it can do the same for you and bring you all the joy and light you deserve.”
The artist concluded by expressing his enthusiasm for performing the new song live at the 2024 BET Awards scheduled for Sunday, June 30.
Earlier this week, BET made an exciting announcement regarding the star-studded performer lineup for the upcoming BET Awards. The lineup includes an array of talented artists such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, Ice Spice, Tyla, Victoria Monét, GloRilla, Latto, and more. One of the most notable additions to this impressive roster is Will Smith, who is set to join the award show as a performer.