Will Smith and Joyner Lucas are teaming up for a joint album that will mark the Fresh Prince’s musical comeback after nearly two decades. The rapper and actor, who celebrated his 55th birthday on Monday (Sept. 25), confirmed the news on his Instagram story, reposting a video from Lucas that showed them working in the studio.
Lucas, who has been a longtime fan of Smith, paid tribute to his “hero” and revealed how their collaboration came about. “Dear hero. I never thought I’d ever meet you,” he wrote in the caption. “Still trips me out that I grew up idolizing you, to then me making a record about my admiration and respect for you, to then you asking me to create a whole album with you.”
The record he is referring to is “Will”, a single from Lucas’ 2020 album ADHD, which featured him rapping over scenes from Smith’s iconic movies and TV shows. The track caught the attention of Smith, who praised Lucas for his creativity and skill. He later joined him on the remix, delivering a verse that referenced his own career and personal life.
The joint album will be Smith’s first studio project since 2005’s Lost and Found, which spawned the hit single “Switch”. Since then, he has made occasional appearances on songs by his son Jaden, Nicky Jam, Marc Anthony, and DJ Khaled. He has also focused on his acting career, starring in movies such as Suicide Squad, Aladdin, Gemini Man, and Bad Boys for Life.
Lucas, on the other hand, has been busy releasing music and videos that showcase his storytelling and social commentary. Earlier this year, he dropped “Devil’s Work Part 2”, a sequel to his controversial 2019 song that imagined trading the lives of some celebrities for others. In the new version, he rapped about what would have happened if Smith had not slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars in 2022, after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s affair.
Lucas will also join Smith on the big screen, as he is set to appear in the upcoming Bad Boys 4 movie. The film is expected to be released in 2024 and will continue the adventures of detectives Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence).
The title of the joint album and its release date has not been announced yet, but fans can expect some fresh and exciting music from the duo. As Smith said in the “Will” remix, “I’m feelin’ like a prince that turned to a king / Found me a queen, started a family and got me a team / On top of my dreams.”
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