3 Old-School Rap Songs for People Who Say They Don’t Like Will Smith

Today, the rapper and actor Will Smith is a bit of a walking contradiction. On the one hand, he is one of the most charming people to have ever lived, from his music to his roles in films like Independence Day, he’s just one of those people that others are drawn to. On the other hand, though, he is the author of the “slap heard ’round the world” when he hit comedian Chris Rock during the Academy Awards.

Since that slap, many have turned into their proverbial Will Smith fan club membership card and have turned sour on the entertainer. And that makes sense. But that doesn’t mean his music doesn’t continue to be worthwhile. Here below, we wanted to explore three songs from Smith that continue to bring smiles to listeners’ faces. A trio of old-school rap tunes that still stand the test of time. Indeed, these are three songs for people who say they don’t like Will Smith.

[RELATED: Will Smith Ignites Social Media Frenzy With BET Awards Performance Alongside Kanye West’s Choir]

“Summertime” from Homebase (1991)

From the opening drums please and warm percussion, this song was a beloved hit. Perhaps more than any song in the history of humanity, this track from Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff just sounds like summer. It gives off that neighborhood vibe where kids are getting snow cones from the ice cream man, people are playing basketball in the heat, sprinklers are out on the lawns, and men and women are looking cute in their bathing suits. The track, which hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, remains one music fans look too each July and August to remind of what the season holds at its best. On the song, Smith raps,

Here it is the groove slightly transformed
Just a bit of a break from the norm
Just a little somethin’ to break the monotony
Of all that hardcore dance that has gotten to be
A little bit out of control it’s cool to dance
But what about the groove that soothes that moves romance
Give me a soft subtle mix
And if ain’t broke then don’t try to fix it

And think of the summers of the past
Adjust the base and let the alpine blast
Pop in my CD and let me run a rhyme
And put your car on cruise
And lay back ’cause this is summertime

“Parents Just Don’t Understand” from He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper (1988)

A funny, even cute song from Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff, this song hits a chord with teenagers still living at home with their parents. It tells a story many of us know well—the parents go away and the kids decide to stretch their wings and act like adults, taking the car out, cruising for a date. But then it all goes wrong. On the song, Smith displays the charm and magnetism that would lead him to his role on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air—indeed, the track and music video is like a condensed sitcom episode. And on it, he raps,

I remember one year
My mom took me school shopping
It was me, my brother, my mom, oh, my pop, and my little sister
All hopped in the car
We headed downtown to the Gallery Mall
My mom started bugging with the clothes she chose
I didn’t say nothing at first
I just turned up my nose
She said, “What’s wrong? This shirt cost $20”
I said, “Mom, this shirt is plaid with a butterfly collar!”

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (TV series, 1990-96)

The theme song to the sitcom that made Smith a household name, this song is one seemingly everyone of a certain age knows and can rattle off word-for-word—Innnnn West Philadelphia, born and raised … Of course, the show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which was co-executive produced by musician Quincy Jones, is one of the best television programs of the 1990s. But the vibe and style kicks off with its iconic theme song, which is also called “Yo Home to Bel-Air.” It was co-written by Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff and remains one of the duo’s classic compositions. On the song, which was also featured on the 1998 LP Greatest Hits, Smith raps,

Now, this is a story all about how
My life got flipped-turned upside down
And I’d like to take a minute
Just sit right there
I’ll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel-Air

In West Philadelphia born and raised
On the playground was where I spent most of my days
Chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin’, all cool
And all shootin’ some b-ball outside of the school
When a couple of guys who were up to no good
Started making trouble in my neighborhood
I got in one little fight and my mom got scared
She said, “You’re movin’ with your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air”

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