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Will Smith, aka Willard Christopher Smith Jr., was born September 25, 1968. He was born and raised in
West Philadlphia, as many may remember from his Fresh Prince of Bel-Air themesong: “In West Philadelphia born
and raised…” His mother was a Philidelphia school administrator and his father was a refrigeration engineer.
Will Smith has been in the hip hop music game for longer than most. He started back in the mid-eighties, as
an MC. With his friend, DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jeffrey A. Townes), they formed the group, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the
Fresh Prince. The music was radio-friendly and everyone loved singing along with their raps.
“Parents Just Don’t Understand” was one of their biggest hits and scored the duo a Grammy in 1989.
It was the first ever Grammy for Best Rap performance!
As the money started rolling in, Will Smith, began spending it wildly. He purchased cars, houses and
jewelry. He was spending the money as quickly as he was making it. By the time he was in his early twenties,
this hip hop music star was nearly bankrupt.
In walks Benny Medina, with an idea for a sitcom loosley based on Will Smith’s life. Will liked the idea,
and NBC loved the idea. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was on the air for six seasons. The
hip hop music starred played a street-smart kid from Philly who moved to Beverly Hills. The show was
a hit and put Will Smith back on top.
While appearing on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Will Smith also began his movie career. He starred in
“Six Degrees of Separation”, in 1993 and was very impressive. Proving he wasn’t a “one hit wonder”
Will Smith returned in 1995, to star in “Bad Boys” with Martin Lawrence. Once again, the hip hop music star
showed the world he had what it took to be a leading man.
Will Smith has come a long way since his West Philadelphia days. In 1997, he married actress
Jada Pinkett Smith, they have three children, including Will’s son from his first marriage.
He was the first hip hop music artist to be nominated for an Academy Award. He has made 15 movies,
and they have all been successful. You can’t help but be happy for him!
written by: Rosalynda Thorn
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