BY JAKE PAINE • JULY 16, 2018
Will Smith is at a crossroads in his career. Throughout the last 33 years, the West Philadelphia native has balanced music, film, TV, philanthropy, and a celebrity family. In all of those fields, the 49-year-old has seemingly thrived on the highest level. Recently, two freestyles showed a fierce return to Rap. In speaking with the Rap Radar Podcast‘s Elliott Wilson and Brian “B.Dot” Miller, Smith is elated. He says that 2018 marks the happiest time in his life, and Rap has played a significant role in that.
However, the one-hour-plus discussion also shows vulnerability. The family-friendly household name is asked by Elliott Wilson how has managed to stay authentic. Smith admits that he has not, but that for decades, he was a character—the character of “Will Smith” and a product of his values. He says he is working to be more honest and authentic, and the era of social media has helped.
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Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more
J Boog
Tuesday, June 16 @ UC Theater, Berkeley
DaBoyDame w/ Keyshia Cole, Plies +more
Friday, June 19 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Buju Banton & Stephen Marley
Saturday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Kev Choice Ensemble
Friday, June 26 @ Yoshi's, Oakland
Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
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