"He can do this rap stuff if he wanted to and take over the game" — Fans react as Will Smith releases new song 'Work of Art' ft. Jaden Smith

Actor Will Smith debuted his single Work of Art along with its music video from his upcoming LP this Friday, July 26, 2024. The track features his son Jaden and singer Russ, reflecting on the Bad Boys actor's various personalities. Will raps:

"I am Musa, I am Jesus/I am Judas, I am the judge/I am the victim, and I'm the shooter/I'm in the Torah, and the Koran, and in the Bible/I am a shepherd/I am a leader, and a disciple/I am the wretched, and the blessed/I am the average/I am the shadow, and I'm the light."

The song was met with an overwhelmingly positive response and has since gone viral with over 375K views and over 31K likes on YouTube. Fans were quick to praise Smith, with one saying:

A comment reacting to the song (Image via YouTube/@Will Smith)

Netizens commended the actor for rising above his troubles (referring to the harsh criticism he received for slapping comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars 2022 after the latter made a joke at the expense of his partner, Jada Smith). Many were glad Smith reconnected with music. Here are some comments seen under the song on YouTube:

Comments reacting to the song (Image via YouTube/@Will Smith)

Others gushed about Smith's old music, stating that they have been following his singing career since the beginning.

Comments reacting to the song (Image via YouTube/@Will Smith)

---

Will Smith began career as MC of hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince

The Work of Art music video starts with black-and-white footage of the Hancock actor and Russ discussing the inspiration behind the song and how he "found (his) voice." The video is shot in a museum, with Smith on a display pedestal as Jaden raps:

"I'm a work of art/Baby, look at me, I'm a work of art/Now they framing me, painting in a dot/For the dead people, I'm a work of art/As I live and breathe."

Will has been tapping into his musical roots this year, teasing his comeback. He made a guest appearance during J. Balvin's Coachella set in April and later performed his song, You Can Make It, live at the BET 2024 awards. The actor also shared a preview of Work of Art at the La Velada Del Año 4 earlier this month.

Will Smith boasts a successful rap career along with his Hollywood accomplishments. He rose to fame as the MC for the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. They are best known for songs like Parents Just Don't Understand (1988) and Summertime (1991).

Smith also enjoyed a solo music career, releasing four albums. His debut album, Big Willie Style, peaked within the top ten on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum nine times by the RIAA. His best solo songs include Gettin' Jiggy wit It, Wild Wild West, and Switch.

Will Smith's last studio album, Lost and Found, was released in 2005 before he focused on his Hollywood career. The project sold over 500K copies and charted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200.

Smith's upcoming album, Dance in Your Darkest Moments, is set to drop sometime in 2024, preceded by the singles You Can Make It and Work of Art.