Two years after the biggest controversy of his career so far, Will Smith returned to his musical roots at the 2024 BET Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The Grammy winner, who started out as a rapper before finding success in TV and film, took the stage at the annual award show that honours Black entertainers with a much-anticipated performance.
The Gettin' Jiggy Wit It emcee delivered an uplifting performance of his new song, You Can Make It, at the star-studded ceremony, which also featured performances by top hip-hop acts including Lauryn Hill, Victoria Monét, GloRilla, Latto and Ice Spice. Normani cancelled at the last minute due to being injured during rehearsals.
It was the first live performance of Smith's newest song, a gospel-influenced track that hints at the actor's struggle in the public eye after he slapped comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards.
"Believe me, they tried to bleed Will Smith / In the rearview, I see adversity was the gift," Smith rapped.
Accompanied by a rousing choir, Smith performed against a backdrop surrounded by a circle of flames, while gospel icon Kirk Franklin made a cameo appearance.
Musical pundits are speculating that Smith's performance at the BET Awards teases a revival of his music career.
