Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff reunite for New Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

A few weeks ago, Will Smith announced he would soon be recording a new album. Will Smith last released new music, in 2005, with his album, Lost & Found. The album featured Smith's hit single, "Switch," which topped the Billboard Hot 100. Following his 2005 album, Will Smith returned to producing television shows and starring in movies.

When Will Smith announced his new album, he said he would be working with many of the current hip hop stars. Smith also said his new album would contain a few surprises. Early in his career, Will Smith worked with DJ Jazzy Jeff. Childhood friends, Smith always kept him near, even when they ended their partnership.

Despite their partnership ending, DJ Jazzy Jeff is still Will Smith's performance DJ. Jazzy Jeff revealed he and Smith talked a couple of weeks ago and he told him he wanted to record with him. The duo are not working on a timed schedule, DJ Jazzy Jeff just wants to see what they can do while they are in the studio together.

Speaking on Will Smith "going Hollywood," DJ Jazzy Jeff said Will Smith never wanted to not do music, it was the bigger checks in movies that kept him away from hip hop. However, still, Will Smith has remained close to the hip hop scene. As Will Smith is working on his first album in six years, his daughter, Willow, is working on her debut album with Roc Nation.

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Will Smith to return to Rap

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Many forget Will Smith actually began his career as a rapper. Hailing from Philadelphia, he rose the ranks of the rap game. In 1991, his career received a major boost with "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." The show was a legendary classic and helped Will Smith make the jump from the small screen to the big screen.

For nearly twenty years, Will Smith has been one of Hollywood's leading men. While he has dominated the movies and even executive produced a sitcom, music has been on the backburner. Last year, he got back into the game when his daughter, Willow Smith, landed a record deal with Roc Nation.

Perhaps all of the recording with Willow got to Will. He has decided to dust off his mic and release a comeback album. Smith last released an album in 2005, Lost & Found. The album produced his crossover hit, "Switch." The song was a major hit and the album was successful. However, following the release of the album, Will Smith went back to the movies.

On his next album, Will Smith says he is working with Ashanti, T.I., and he said Mario invited him to record on his mixtape. For Will Smith, the invites are lining up rather quickly. Will Smith is also working on a new movie, High School, with Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa.

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