Will Smith is back. But honestly, it’s not the "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" version you remember from the late nineties. The bright neon lights and flashy suits are gone, replaced by a ring of fire and a gospel choir.
When Smith stepped onto the stage at the 2024 BET Awards to perform his new single, You Can Make It, the atmosphere felt heavy. It was a pivot. After the 2022 Oscars incident that effectively stalled one of the most bulletproof careers in Hollywood history, many wondered if he’d ever find a way back to the public's good graces. This song is his answer. It’s a raw, stripped-back anthem about survival.
He didn’t just drop a track; he dropped a manifesto.
The Story Behind You Can Make It
Life hits hard. Will Smith knows this better than most people do right now. After decades of being the world's biggest "clean" movie star, he became the face of a global controversy overnight. You Can Make It wasn't written from the mountaintop; it was written from the valley.
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The song features the Sunday Service Choir and the soulful vocals of Fridayy. It’s a "gospel hip-hop" fusion that feels more like a prayer than a radio hit. Smith has been vocal about how music became his sanctuary during his hiatus from the limelight. He recently mentioned that through his darkest moments, music was there to "lift and help him grow."
Breaking Down the Lyrics
The lyrics are surprisingly blunt. He raps about being "broken and tired" and having "expired" hope. One line in particular caught everyone’s attention: "Believe me, they tried to bleed Will Smith / In the rearview I see adversity was the gift."
It's a direct nod to the backlash. He’s basically saying that the "cancellation" or the public "bleeding" he went through was a necessary fire. He calls it "divine curriculum." That’s a heavy phrase for a guy who once gave us "Parents Just Don't Understand."
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Why This Comeback Actually Works
Usually, when a celebrity messes up, they go on a quiet apology tour. They do a sit-down interview with someone like Gayle King and hope for the best. Smith did a bit of that, but the music feels different.
You Can Make It works because it leans into the mess.
- Vulnerability over Image: He admitted to the rapper Russ that he "got the s*** kicked out of him" for the first time in his adult life.
- A New Sound: Moving toward gospel allows him to tap into a tradition of redemption.
- Independent Release: This was released through SLANG Music Group, marking his first real independent move. He’s not leaning on a massive corporate machine this time.
The performance at the BET Awards was symbolic. Standing in the middle of a literal ring of fire while artificial rain poured down, he looked like a man trying to wash away the last few years. It was dramatic. Maybe a little over-the-top? Sure. But it was authentic to where he is right now.
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Based on a True Story: The New Era
This single is the lead-off for his first album in twenty years, titled Based on a True Story. Think about that. The last time Will Smith released a full studio album, the iPhone didn't even exist.
He’s calling this new chapter of his life his "Funky 50s." He’s 56 now. He’s done pretending to be the invincible "superhero" brand. He told Africanews that the "Will Smith brand" had become a prison. He wanted to be a man, not a product.
What People Get Wrong About the Song
Some critics argue it's a calculated PR move to "fix" his image. But if you listen to the track, there’s a grit there that’s hard to fake. He’s not asking for permission anymore. He’s just stating that he survived. Whether you like him or not, the message of You Can Make It is universal. Everyone has a "darkest night." Everyone has a storm they think won't end.
Moving Forward From the Fire
So, can you actually "make it" back after a fall that big?
The box office numbers for Bad Boys: Ride or Die say yes. The standing ovation at the BET Awards says yes. But for Smith, it seems like the internal shift matters more than the external applause. He’s citing influences like Pema Chödrön and Nelson Mandela now. He’s "leaning into the sharp points."
If you’re going through your own version of a "valley," here are a few takeaways from Smith’s current philosophy:
- Accept the Lesson: Don't run from the "fire." Smith calls his obstacles a "gift" because they forced him to grow.
- Find Your "Choir": Surround yourself with a support system. For him, it was his family and the Sunday Service collective.
- Reinvent the Brand: If the person you were doesn't fit anymore, change. You aren't stuck being who you were yesterday.
Will Smith’s return isn't just about music. It’s about the narrative of redemption. You Can Make It is the soundtrack for anyone who has ever felt like they were "walking through the valley of the shadow of death" and needed a reason to keep going.
Next Steps for You
If you’re feeling inspired by the message of resilience, you can listen to the full track on all major streaming platforms. Pay close attention to the second verse—that’s where the most personal reflections live. You might also want to watch the live BET performance to see the visual storytelling he used to represent his journey through the "fire."