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Will Smith performed his brand-new song for the first time at the BET Awards 2024.
On Sunday night, June 30, the rapper-actor gave an inspirational performance of his latest single "You Can Make It" featuring Fridayy and the Sunday Service choir during the awards show at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. He appeared in the middle of a ring of fire as the Sunday Service choir appeared at the top of a cliff above Smith to help him sing the powerful record. Midway through the set, gospel singer Kirk Franklin pulled up to motivate Smith and bless the audience with his moving words.
“The harder the fall, the higher you soar/God opens a window when the devil closes the door," he raps. "Believe me, they tried to bleed Will Smith/In the rearview, I see adversity was the gift/To lift me higher, gifts require faith/So dry your eyes and then you’ll find a way.”
Will Smith performed at the BET Awards for the first time in nearly 15 years. The last time he was in the building was in 2005 when he hosted the awards show with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. It's also the nationally televised event Smith as been involved with since he was barred from the Oscars in 2022 after he slapped Chris Rock on stage.
"You Can Make It" is Smith's second new song of the year. Earlier this month, the rapper-actor made an incredible comeback at the box office with his latest film Bad Boys: Ride or Die with Martin Lawrence. Smith teamed up with Sean Paul for their collaboration "Light Em Up" for the film's soundtrack. The project also features music collaborations with BIA, JID, Black Eyed Peas, El Afla, Becky G, ScarLip, Shenseea, Myke Towers, Flo Milli, and more.