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August Alsina Shuts Down Rumors of Tell-All Book

When it comes to August Alsina, the rumor mill keeps churning. This time rumor had it the young artist was in the process of penning a tell-all about his and Jada’s entanglement. So naturally, news outlets ate it up. So today, Alsina speaks his truth.

Alsina Back in The Spotlight

News of Will’s Slap is now global news, much like the breaking of Jada’s and Alsina’s entanglement. Will Smith has had to bear the brunt of both despite the lack of correlation. At face value, Will’s actions at the Oscars and the airing of their relationship drama do not bear a direct connection. However, Alsina has popped back into the spotlight post Oscars. Coincidence or not?

Alsina Shuts Down Rumors

Alsina first offered his sentiments in a social media post where he came off positively optimistic yet cryptic. On the heels of his response to the cascading events came the rumor of a possible tell-all. Although seemingly out of alignment with his earlier post, there was still speculation. Alsina felt it appropriate to shut it down quickly. His initial comments read,

“What would be the need to write a book about my supposed ‘sex life’ with ANYBODY, EVER, in life?”

He has a valid point. But unfortunately, in current times, sensationalism is a big deal.

In Perfect Alignment

It’s safe to say that Alsina is trying to align his statements with the persona he’s attempting to build.

“Lastly, why would one look to make that ‘type’ of money, eating from the lowest fruit, when God’s promise is GREAT HARVEST? I’m God’s very OWN, so HE makes me RICH! & Not just in spirit. Be blessed. -King SiNA’.

If what he says is true, that is a beautiful thing. But, given the release of a recent track, “Shake the World,” that addresses the entanglement, it’s hard to say how truthful he’s being. Only time will tell what is true and what is not. For now, all the public has to lean on is Alsina’s word.

Written by: Renae Richardson

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Have you read about Alsina’s initial response to the Will Smith and Chris Rock incident? If not, then check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article. 

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Benzino Says 2 Pac’s Fate Could’ve Been Will Smith’s

Benzino had a few things to add on the Will Smith and Chris Rock incident, and what he said was quite interesting. 

Benzino on Smith and Rock

According to Benzino, the Will Smith and Chris Rock incident could have turned out differently. In fact, Benzino believes the Smith could have suffered a similar fate to Tupac. The personality indicates Smith’s actions could lead him to death. In Benzino’s words

“People gotta understand, this is how 2Pac got killed.It was at an event, they seen somebody that supposedly took a chain, they jumped him. Then, later on, ‘Pac got shot up in a car. That shit could’ve happened to Will Smith! 

Is Benzino Right?

It is possible events could have spiraled in a million different directions. Fortunately, things did not escalate beyond the current path, and Smith is alive and well. Hopefully, this is a comparison that is never to come up again.

The Unique Perspective

By now, everyone has recounted the Oscar debacle numerous times. Many people have commented on the matter. However, Benizo’s comment gives the masses a different angle to contemplate. The irony of the comparison to Tupac’s not lost on anyone. Everyone has become aware of the ties between former icon Tupac and Jada. 

The Smith’s ties to Tupac

Some years ago, Will’s wife shared her endearing feelings for Tupac in a public poem. And a letter Jada penned to Tupac surfaced a while ago. In addition, a letter from young Willow addressed to Tupac was recently found to compound curiosity and deepen the link. However, these are remnants of a long time ago. 

The Road Past the Oscars

So much has transpired since the Oscar incident. The list goes from Smith’s resignation to some of his productions put on hold. Regardless of what could have happened, we now bask in the possibilities of what can be. This was an unfortunate incident that should have never taken place. But, unfortunately, it happened, and is impossible to take back. However, there is much one can learn. We hope that the culmination of the matter will eventually overshadow that single moment. 

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Written by Renae Richardson

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Benzino has a lot to say. If you haven’t heard his perspective on Boosie, Rittenhouse, and BLM, then check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article.

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Ja Rule Reacts To Will Smith’s Oscar Slap After The Resurfacing Of An Old Dave Chappelle Video

On Monday (Mar 28), comedian Dave Chappelle became a trending topic for an old joke he made about Ja Rule. Chappelle recalls seeing the Murder Inc. rapper on MTV around the time the World Trade Center collapsed by terrorists in 2001.

In addition, Chappelle asked Ja Rule what he thought of the horrific act of terror. However, Rule was evidently of the opinion that it was absurd.

“I remember right around September 11, Ja Rule was on MTV,” Chappelle says in a video clip circulating online. “They said, ‘We got Ja Rule’ on the phone. Let’s see what Ja’s thoughts are on this tragedy.’ Who gives a f**k what Ja Rule thinks at a time like this, n***a? This is ridiculous! I don’t wanna dance. I’m scared to death!”

Ja Rule Responds To His Fans In An Amusing Manner

Additionally, the clip was connected to the recent controversy surrounding Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 94th Annual Academy Awards. In addition, fans questioned, “Where is Ja?” Similarly, Ja Rule answered their call and appeared on Twitter shortly after that with the message: “Slapping season is OFFICIALLY in session…”

Moreover, the incident occurred on Sunday night (Mar 27). The Oscars were also playing. Furthermore, a confused crowd watched Will Smith walk up to Chris Rock and hit him across the face in the middle of his duties. Nonetheless, he found a G.I. Jane joke that Rock told concerning the bald head of Jada Pinkett offensive.

Celebrities Join In On The Controversy

Naturally, the internet exploded with memes and reactions at their expense. Celebrities such as 50 CentSnoop DoggOffset, and The Game all joined in.

“I feel you will smack the SH*T out of one of you n**gas bout my wife on national tv,” the Migos rapper tweeted. “Will Smith the greatest to do it.”

Will Smith Apologizes

In the end, Smith apologized for attacking Chris Rock onstage after the incident. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that he acted inappropriately but condemns violence in general.

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” Smith also wrote in part. “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I am embarrassed, and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

Written by Nikiya Biggs

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Academy Issues a Response to the Oscar’s Incident; Reveals New Info

On March 27th, no one expected the 94th Oscars to be so eventful. However, the fallout from the slap seen worldwide had a mass effect on all parties involved: Will Smith, Chris Rock, Jada Smith, attendees, and the Academy.

Apologies to Go Around

Will Smith apologized at the event following the altercation, yet his apology left out Rock. However, a day later, Will again addressed the issue, including Rock in the apology. Jada responded not long after Will. While the Academy announced they were reviewing the situation at the time, there were no other public statements to be made. But today, the Academy has brought forth new information.

The Academy’s Silence

Will’s reaction to a joke caught many off-guard. However, there was much discussion surrounding the Academy’s response during the event or lack thereof. Many astute viewers questioned why wasn’t direct action taken against Will immediately following the incident? Some even spurned the Academy for allowing Will to stay in attendance, given the nature of the incident, questioning if any other actor would have received the same treatment. At the time, the Academy was silent.

The Academy Responds.

Today the Academy has revealed that they did ask Will to leave following the incident, but the star refused. A statement from the Academy reads thus,

“While we would like to clarify that Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently.”

Although this is an informative answer, it is still a weak response. Because the question remains if it were any other celebrity, would the Academy have persisted? And why exactly was this situation handled differently?

A Comedian’s View on The Academy’s Lack of Response

Before the issuance of this response, some had their response to the Academy’s actions. Wanda Sykes, a fellow comedian, expressed her disgust with the progression of events citing the poor way the Academy dealt with the incident.

“And for them to let him stay in that room and enjoy the rest of the show and accept his award, I was like, ‘How gross is this? This is just the wrong message’.”

No one can deny she has a point.

What About Rock?

One disturbing thing about this event is the treatment Chris Rock received. Rock was not protected from the assault, although the point of contention is that no one expected it. Rock was also not protected after the assault. Instead, he was expected to carry on despite the injury to his person. Sadly, there were few, if any, public apologies to the comedian. Now It is with the understanding that Rock eventually got an apology from Smith and the Academy, who issued theirs with the new revelation.

“Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience at that moment.”

But what about the day of?

Overlooking Chris

It is indeed an issue of neglect or disrespect. Rock received nothing at the time of the incident as an assurance of the protections he, too, deserved. So, Chris Rock had to contend with humiliation, injury to his person, and whatever emotional distress it might have caused. And he had to go home knowing Smith slapped him for telling a joke, and no one had the decorum to issue a public apology that night.

Waiting for Rock to Respond

Rock has yet to respond, and who can blame him. According to a source, he is taking the time to process everything. As the source notes,

“Chris Rock says he is “still processing” his altercation with Will Smith at the Oscars but will talk about it “at some point.” He referenced the incident at a stand-up show and promised that when he did comment officially, it would be “serious and funny”

Academy’s Current Focus

The Academy is currently reviewing the incident to determine the repercussions Smith will face. However, much of this is now water under the bridge. What has been done has been done. The most we can hope is everyone learns a valuable lesson from this incident.

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Written by Renae Richardson

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Have you read Dame Dash’s response to the Oscar’s incident? If not then check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article. 

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Dame Dash Calls Will Smith A “Villain,” Who “Lost Control Of His Emotions”

The 2022 Academy Awards was a night of glamour and immense controversy involving Will Smith and Chris Rock. Now, New York icon Dame Dash is offering a different perspective on Oscars.

The Slap That Stopped The World

The Oscars took place earlier this week (Mar 27). The event also brought several highlights. A bright neon performance from Beyonce and a Disney rendition of Megan Thee Stallion is just a couple of examples. However, nothing compared to the physical confrontation between Will Smith and Chris Rock.

During a segment of the award show featuring comedian Chris Rock, a joke was made involving Jada Pinkett Smith. The quip was later revealed as an adlib and focused on Smith’s shaved head. For anyone who’s not aware, Jada is currently suffering from alopecia. Her clearly pained facial expression said it all.

“Jada, I love you. “G.I. Jane 2,” can’t wait to see it,” Rock laughed.

Before anyone could realize what was happening, Will Smith made his way to the stage and proceeded to slap Rock in the face. The King Richard star then returned to his seat and yelled profanities at the comic.

“Keep my wife’s name out your f——— mouth!” he yelled, much to everyone’s shock and disbelief. Take a look at the full video of the incident below:

Dame Dash Gets Psychological About Oscars

Of course, the entirety of social media was quick to react to the slap. Reactions are polar, with some believing the attack was unwarranted and deserving of backlash and others understanding Will’s protectiveness. Regardless of your take, a world-class actor hitting someone on live television is quite the event.

In the days following the Oscars, celebrities have started to share their thoughts. Unlike social media platforms, the general consensus amongst celebs is that Will simply went too far. Big names in Hollywood like Jim Carey and Wanda Sykes have called the slap “sickening” and “traumatizing.” Unfortunately, Dame Dash seems to fully agree.

In the exclusive Page Six report from earlier this week (Mar 29), Dash revealed his thoughts on Smith’s situation. “I will tell you this, ten years ago, five years ago, one year ago, if I ever heard that Will Smith got up and smacked somebody, I would not believe it,” he said.

He continued, “It’s almost like when a superhero turns into a villain or when a wrestler goes from being a good guy to the bad guy. It is almost seen as the shift of Will Smith. It is like he’s sick of being a good guy, I guess. Will is tired of being a punk, and he exploded, and Chris Rock got it.”

“It’s also internalizing a lot of trauma that he didn’t recognize, and he overreacted to other things that bothered him, so more than likely, I could say he could use a little therapy because he lost control of his emotions,” he analyzed.

The East Coast music exec finished with an interesting sentiment. “The world is a different place. I know if that was me and Kanye, I would’ve walked out in cuffs, and Kanye would’ve walked out in a straight jacket.”

Is Everything Good With The Smiths?

Dame Dash’s Oscars’ take about unresolved trauma may have some validity. Recently, the Smiths have been heavily in the news, not necessarily for a good reason. Back in July 2020, RnB singer, August Alsina revealed via song that he had a prior sexual relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith. The couple released an episode of Red Table Talk discussing the affair at length to get ahead of the story. Although the situation is in Will’s rearview mirror, it’s likely been weighing on him heavily. In addition to this, Jada has mentioned late rapper Tupac Shakur fondly several times. It’s widely known the two Baltimore natives had an extremely close friendship, but some believe it led to a secret romance. Those rumors were all but confirmed in the 53-year-olds memoir titled Will.

“In the beginning of our relationship, my mind was tortured by their connection,” he wrote. “He was ‘PAC! and I was me … though they were never intimate, their love for each other is legendary.”

The actor still has to confirm if either of those factors played a part in his escalating to violence. What do you think of the fateful slap? Was it deserved or misdirected energy?

RELATED STORIES:

Jim Carrey Is Turned Off By Will Smith’s Applause After The Oscars Incident

August Alsina Confuses Masses With Poetic Post-Oscar Response

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August Alsina Confuses Masses With Poetic Post-Oscar Response

After a week of confusion following the Oscar debacle, August Alsina adds on.

Oscar’s Like It’s Never Been Seen

Will Smith has dominated the headlines over the past few days over his response to a joke made by Chris Rock at the Oscars. The world has been weighing in on the chaos. As the dust settles, masses have laid in wait for responses from the Smith camp and Rock himself, given the gravitas of the situation. However, given the history between the Smiths and Alsina, the world was unsure if he would respond.

Alsina Steps in Spotlight

The headlines today bear a record that Alsina has spoken. Although he does not directly address the Oscars, Alsina’s current response maintains a connection given the timing. However, the lack of clarity is one thing perplexing many who have read the contents of his message. One responder had this to say,

“August Alsina just tell these people you was trying make a point and confused yourself along the way 😩or do y’all get it 👀”

There is no denying the message is not exactly clear.

August Alsina’s Message

The entire comment is flowery prose. Just like Jada, he addresses healing. But, as beautiful as it may be, it gives pause and raises more questions. Why?

In his statement, he speaks of choosing peace and puzzle pieces coming together. Part of his post reads as thus,

“Choose peace; trusting that life’s intricate puzzle pieces [puzzle emoji] are all forming together for the greater good and mastering of the seasonally sometime chaotic nature of your life’s art piece that’s being formed and painted by birthing life to your internal masterpiece,”

The question becomes to whom is he referring; to himself, Jada, Will, or Chris.? Well, no one knows because not only is the beginning of his post cryptic, it seems to have no pointed direction.

What Do We Understand?

Furthermore, we know that Jada also commented on the event stating it was time for healing. In her words,

“This is a season for healing and I’m here for it!”

So it appears as if Alsina is riding the wave. But is his response connected to Jada’s?

Hence, no one is sure, but the context is eerily similar despite the convolution of Alsina’s comment.

Alsina Breaks out the Polish

We know that his speech polishes his image; one only needs to read it.

“I’m A Walking Billboard & Network Simply Desiring to Televise & Broadcast Love, the love, grace and healing embrace of God…”

However, there could be many rationales for this. But, until there is more clarity, it would be assumptions.

Is Confusion a Strategy?

After all, one thing is sure Alsina has a host of people confused while others applaud his virtue. Conclusively, Alsina, although an extra in the Oscar drama, is being pulled center stage. Perhaps his message to the world is the portrait he paints of himself with words. Uniquely, he wants to maintain his image in a mud-slinging match. Or maybe it’s all smoke and mirrors. However, the jury’s still out, for now, so you be the judge?

Did you read Nicki Minaj’s thoughts on the Oscar debacle? If not, check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article. 

Written by Renae Richardson

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Nicki Minaj Shares Thoughts On Will Smith and Chris Rock Altercation

Nicki Minaj is a lot more active musically & online this year compared to the past few. Naturally, she is just as aware of Will’s attack on Chris Rock at the Academy Awards last Sunday (March 27th). Nicki shared her thoughts on the situation on Twitter yesterday (March 28th) & displayed a lot of insight into her reasonings. She fully supports Will & Jada Pinkett Smith’s side of the situation, while still showing love to Chris Rock. Ultimately, Will slapped Chris Rock in the face due to a poor joke made by the legendary comedian & award host about his wife Jada. The joke aimed at Jada’s hair loss which Chris clearly did not know was because she has “alopecia”.

 

Why Nicki Minaj Supports Will’s Action

Some people are not fans of Will’s viral attack the other night. Nicki seems to have the opposite take & makes very valid points about sticking up for someone you love. It showcases some of the morals Nicki Minaj values in men (and people in general). Here are some of her other tweets detailing the celebrity perspective/point of view:

 

Written by: Oryah Brown | Instagram: @oryah.wav

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Jim Carrey Is Turned Off By Will Smith’s Applause After The Oscars Incident

Jim Carrey has a message for Hollywood. The Canadian actor spoke with CBS Gayle King on Sunday evening about the drama involving Will Smith and Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards.

Jim Carrey Gives His Thoughts

“I was sickened by the standing ovation,” The Mask actor told King. Carrey discussed how the audience applauded Will for winning the Best Actor award mere minutes after he slapped the comedian. “I felt like Hollywood is just spineless en masse.”

King explained that anyone other than Smith may be led out of the building or arrested after hitting someone else. In Carrey’s opinion, the Gemini Mani star “should have been,” but Rock did not wish to take legal action.

“If you want to yell from the audience and show disapproval or say something on Twitter [that’s fine]. You do not have the right to smack somebody in the face because they said words,” adding that Smith’s choice was “a selfish moment that cast a pall over the whole thing,” as HuffPost notes.

Jim adds, “[The slap] came out of nowhere because Will has something going on inside him that’s frustrated,” the Sonic the Hedgehog star concluded. “I wish him the best. I have nothing against Will Smith. He’s done great things, but that was not a good moment.”

What Caused The Incident?

During Chris Rock’s time on stage, he took a minute to acknowledge Jada Pinkett Smith, who was in the audience sporting a shaved head. “Jada, I love ya,” he began. “GI Joe 2, can’t wait to see it,” Rock added, making an offensive joke for the actresses’ sake.

She didn’t seem impressed by the Grown Ups actor’s comments. However, Will initially laughed, but cameras caught him approaching the stage and striking him shortly afterward.

Are you of the opinion that Chris Rock should sue Will Smith, or is Will Smith’s apology post sufficient to move on from the situation?

By Nikiya Biggs

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New “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” has Solid Premiere

Last week FM Hip Hop covered the upcoming premiere of the reimagined “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” The time finally arrived on February 13, 2022. The New “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” with Jabri Banks reprising Will Smith’s character aired on NBC.

The Original “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” Gives Way to the New

The original “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” aired in the fall of 1990. It was a show no one expected; After the first few episodes, the show demonstrated tremendous promise. No one thought Smith could pull it off. He was a rapper. And little did Will know the show would grow into the success it became. Thirty-two years later, we stand once more waiting to see if the” Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” will do for this generation what it did for the last.

New Look but Same Relevancy

From the onset, clearly, the new show could not be compared to the original. It is not a show to be graded on its nostalgic factor alone. As a source notes,

“Bel-Air is not just another crass cash-in looking to leverage nostalgia for an easy win.”

We couldn’t agree more. Assuredly, no one can deny the power and strength of the storyline. Although the new show repackages content, the context remains exceptionally relevant.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Cast

Will was on to something when he selected the cast members for the show. The characters are complete opposites of those on the original at face value. However, after watching it for a while, you see beyond the characters to the characterization.

“The blending of the old and new instantly elevates what could have been a flat and uninspired re-tread into a completely different league,”

A source contends.

That is keeping it one hundred.

So kudos to Smith; the casting choice is on point.

Jabri Banks The New Fresh Prince in Bel-Air

New "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" has Solid Premiere
Photo Credit: www.newsweek.com

Before the premiere, Jabari Banks gave the world a little insight into some advice Will gave him. Smith told Banks the best way he could fulfill the role of the Fresh Prince was to be himself. At the time, Banks response was,

“So I’m leaning on my instincts and my upbringing to guide me through this.”

Without a doubt, those pearls of wisdom stuck with Banks. The budding star didn’t merely lean in; he straight-killed it in the premiere. There is so much of Will in Banks. If one looks a certain way, one cannot help but see the likeness. But, of course, it doesn’t hurt that Banks acting clears the bar. We can’t say enough; Banks understood the assignment. And Smith wasn’t playing around when he tapped members of the cast.

The new “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is on its way to becoming a cultural marker with as much success as the original. We are hoping the momentum continues. Props to the cast on a job well done.

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Written by Renae Richardson

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Will Smith Surprises Cast of New “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”

The mere mention of the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is nostalgic. That name takes us back to a time of high-top fades, leather bomber jackets, and blousy pants. A time when Will stepped from the Mic and in front of the camera as the Fresh Prince. And he did his thing.
This week Will passed on a bit of magic to the new cast of the revived classic.

Smith Hesitant about Reimagining of “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”

Will admits at; first, he wasn’t feeling a revival of the classic.

“For me, I vowed we would never touch The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,”

We feel that.

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” did something for America tv never truly done, since “The Cosby Show” first aired. They brought another family into our hearts. Big Willy from Philly was for some a little brother and for others our big brother. The show became iconic. So, If something is brilliant, there’s no need for refinement.

Smith Has a change of heart about “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”

Smith also contends he changed his position with a greater understanding of what could be done with the series.

“There were things we couldn’t say and do in a half-hour sitcom that in a dramatic version of this show, we can take the gloves off and dive into things in a way.”

He makes an excellent point..

Smith’s surprise to the cast of  “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”

Yesterday unbeknownst to the cast, Smith showed up on the red carpet. This was their first time meeting the original Fresh Prince. This is oddly amusing.  According to Jabari Banks, which is even more remarkable, Will handpicked every performer in the re-imaging. Since he had never met the cast in person he initiated a surprise pop-up. Not only did he give them the gift of his presence, but he also performed. This is a class act.

Big Shoes to Fill

Jabari Banks will reprise the role of Fresh Prince. Without a doubt, he’s got big shoes to fill. Banks told the press Smith gave him some pretty solid advice for helping him to blow this thing out of the water. Bank’s recounts,

“The biggest advice that he told me was just to be myself,” he explained. Because that’s what he was doing when he was playing the Fresh Prince.”

That is sage advice because who else can you be but yourself. Unfortunately, we have one Will Smith. No one will shine the way he does. So Banks will have to find his shine.

Back to Bel-Air

The good news is the world premiere is only a few days away. The new “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is scheduled to air right after the biggest event of the year, The Super Bowl. So hold tight because, on February 13th, we are headed back to Bel-Air.

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Written by Renae Richardson

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Are you interested in what else Will Smith has been up to? Then check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective articles.