Bad Boy: Ride or Die star Will Smith is taking his resurgence in music seriously. The Philly-born rapper just signed a new independent record deal with SLANG.
This went down after a memorable performance at the BET Awards; Smith joined the roster of the independent label spearheaded by music executive Rene McLean. McLean, a founding advisor and partner at Influence Media Partners, announced the deal through The Hollywood Reporter.
Get this: Smith is now part of a lineup that includes Grammy-winning producer Camper, top-charting producer 30 Roc, emerging rap talent Leaf, hip-hop duo The Underachievers, and underground sensation RY XP. All indie artists have established fan bases. McLean emphasized the label’s dedication to its artists, stating:
“In a rapidly changing music industry, SLANG artists will be supported by a team of strategists dedicated to advancing their careers and achieving their goals. Our commitment to culture comes first, and we consider our SLANG roster family.”
ICYMI: Will performed at the BET Awards on June 30, with the Sunday Service Choir and R&B singer Friday, giving audiences a taste of his inspirational song “You Can Make It.” They were accompanied by gospel music from Kirk Franklin in a performance highlighted by a dramatic rainstorm.
Smith blessed the world with words of encouragement; Smith stated, “Nobody gets an easy ride. We all have a cross to bear, but there’s wisdom in the fire, and every moment is an opportunity. Embrace the journey.”
Back in the day, before Smith was one of the world’s biggest movie stars, he came on the scene with a music career in 1987 with DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, producing hits like “Summertime” and “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” the latter winning the first-ever rap Grammy in 1989. His solo career brought further success with chart-toppers such as “Wild Wild West” and “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” which earned him another Grammy.
It’s been almost twenty years since his last album dropped, “Lost and Found,” released in 2005. More recently, Smith has been featured on tracks by Marc Anthony, Nicky Jam, Joyner Lucas, Bomba Estéreo, and his son, Jaden Smith. He also collaborated with Sean Paul on the soundtrack for the blockbuster film “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” That film was the biggest movie of summer 2024, and it seems like Will Smith is continuing his string of success with the new deal with SLANG.