Will Smith is back in the music scene with a bang, teaming up with Sean Paul for a new track titled
Titled “Light Em Up,” the song marks the actor/rapper’s first release in almost half a decade following his guest appearance on Joyner Lucas‘ “Will (Remix)” back in 2020. Over a hard-hitting, dancehall-flavored beat, Smith showcases his agility on the mic with different flows while reminding listeners that he hasn’t missed a step since the days of Big Willie Style.
Smith kicks off with lyrics that boast his resilience and confidence: “Back in this bitch like I never left/ The Devil came for me, should have worn a vest/ You thought I lost something, I ain’t miss a step/ You want some old me? Say less,” he raps. He continues to flex with “I’m bad to the bone when I get it rocking/ I’m back in my zone, ’bout to get it popping/ Will still plugged in, yeah, it’s pretty shocking/ Like a brand new Porsche, I got plenty options.”
The song is part of the soundtrack for ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die,’ the fourth installment in the action franchise where Will Smith reprises his role as Detective Mike Lowrey alongside Martin Lawrence as Detective Marcus Burnett. The movie, which hits theaters today, follows Lowrey and Burnett as they investigate corruption within the Miami Police Department and fight to clear their late captain’s name.
Aside from the Sean Paul collaboration, the soundtrack features new music from artists like BIA and JID, Shenseea, Flo Milli, the Black Eyed Peas, 21 Lil Harold, and Becky G. Fans of the franchise will also be delighted to see returning cast members such as Joe Pantoliano, John Salley, Vanessa Hudgens, Paola Nunez, Alexander Ludwig, and Jacob Scipio, with new faces like Rhea Seehorn, Tiffany Haddish, Eric Dane, and Ioan Gruffudd.
DJ Khaled reprises his role as Manny the Butcher, and there are cameo appearances from Lionel Messi, Joyner Lucas, and Trae Tha Truth. Adding to the excitement, Smith recently wowed fans with behind-the-scenes footage of him pulling double duty as both actor and cameraman during an intense action sequence.
Interestingly, Smith might have hinted at his musical comeback when he made a surprise appearance at Coachella in April to perform his classic hit ‘Men in Black’ alongside J Balvin. Dressed in his iconic black suit and sunglasses from the 1997 film, it was his first live performance in years.
With ‘Light Em Up,’ Will Smith proves he’s still got it, both in music and film. The ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ soundtrack and the movie itself promise to deliver the action and entertainment fans have been eagerly awaiting.
