Will Smith was born and raised in West Philadelphia. He spent most of his days in a playground, training basketball and relaxing all cool. Career-wise, he started as the vocalist of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, with his childhood friend Jeffrey "DJ Jazzy Jeff" Townes as turntablist and producer. The duo was known for performing humorous, radio-friendly songs, most notably "Parents Just Don't Understand" and "Summertime." They gained critical acclaim for winning the first ever Grammy in the Rap category (1988).
Smith was a charismatic and energetic performer but he was nearing bankruptcy when in 1990, the NBC television network signed him to a contract and built a sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, around him. The show was successful and helped revitalize his career
Although he made a notable dramatic film debut in Six Degrees of Separation (in which he played totally against type as a gay con man) while still appearing in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Smith's film career took off with his role in Bad Boys (1995) along with co-star Martin Lawrence.
After The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ended in 1996, Smith began a successful solo music career while simultaneously starring in a series of films. The first two films were hugely successful summer blockbusters: Independence Day (1996), in which he played a fearless and confident fighter pilot, and Men in Black (1997), where he played the comic and confident Agent J against Tommy Lee Jones's deadpan Agent K. Smith's acting in Men in Black won critical praise. The two films established Smith's commercial reputation as a bankable star whose appeal across age, race, and gender lines could "open" a film at the box office. Because his movies usually open during the July 4th weekend, many people have come to call a July 4th weekend in which Will Smith stars in a movie "Big Willie Weekend."
Lead roles in Enemy of the State, Wild Wild West, Ali, Men in Black II Bad Boys II and "I, Robot" then followed. He also starred in 2005's Hitch. (Like Smith, Hitch co-star Kevin James starred in a sitcom named for royalty, The King of Queens.) His 2006 role is that of Chris Gardner in the "inspired by a true story", "The Pursuit of Happyness" was nominated for, "Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role" an Oscar in 2007. Smith's son Jaden also stars in the movie.(Jaden Smith as of 2010 lately played the lead role of Dre Parker in the 2010 remake of "The Karate Kid".) Will Smith's latest acting role was "Seven Pounds" in 2008 where he played Ben Thomas an IRS agent. Since then he's been producing movies that include, "The Karate Kid"(2010), "The Human Contract"(2009), and "Lakeview Terrace"(2008)
Smith was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the boxer Muhammad Ali in Ali.
Smith also released a string of hit singles, often associated with his most recent film, throughout the late 1990s. The most notable of these were his #1 hit theme song "Men in Black," the #1 hit "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" (which made jiggy a catchphrase for a while in 1998), and "Just the Two of Us," an affecting message to his young son. His first two solo albums went platinum, but his third, on Columbia Records, was a sales disappointment compared to his past efforts, and after a quick Greatest Hits release that was almost not advertised at all, he was dropped by the label. He signed a recording contract with Interscope Records and released the successful Lost and Found in 2005. The album was propelled solely on the smash hit single, "Switch," which appealed to the mainstream media ala "Summertime." The single stayed atop the charts for months and returned Smith to the forefront of Hip Hop.
Also, on February 6, 2005 he appeared in the Super Bowl XXX.
On July 2, 2005, Smith served as host for the Live 8 concert in his native Philadelphia before an enormous crowd, and later performed a set with DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Smith married actress Sharee Zampino in 1992. They had a son, Willard Christopher III, also known as "Trey", but divorced in 1995. Smith married actress Jada Pinkett in 1997. Together they have two children: Jaden Christopher Syre (born 1998) and Willow Camille Reign (born 2000). Along with his brother, Harry Smith, he owns Treyball Development Inc., a Beverly Hills-based company named after his first son. He has been consistently listed in Fortune Magazine's "Richest 40" list of the forty wealthiest Americans under the age of 40.
Will Smith has been criticized for his lip service to his home town of Philadelphia, PA. Several of his songs talk about parts of Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. While he has spoken over the years about how much he loves the city and how much he wants to give back, none of his proposed ventures in the city of Philadelphia have ever been developed. He has proposed opening a restaurant, several upscale bars, and a community center in Philadelphia which have never seen development.
Don't Say Nothin'
Will Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I released my first single back in like '86
People was like oh you know that's popcorn and you know they weak
You know then I mess around I go world trade on them
Bangin' out them multi-plastic still got negativity to bring
My thing is you can't say nothing nice don't say nothing
Take your place allow me to flex a taste
Face me the star of stage and TV
My face be seen in almost every country
Grammy winner soon to be oscar nominee
Who he that's dressed jiggy straight from west Philly
Thought I was whack 'cause I wanted to act
Now every brother and his mother that rap be trying to do that
The ill kid
Hundred million dollar bill kid
The one you love to chill with come on keep it real kid
Don't try to act like this summer at the greek
You won't be bumpin' the big Willie in your jeep
I know y'all still feel me
Really don't act silly
Thought I feel off just becuase I left Philly
Took a break from the rap thing went on hiatus
I picked up the art of acting and multiplied papers
I chilled on silk sofas chatting with Operah
She asked me if it's true that me and Jeff broke up
While y'all kids busy playing drug pimp and playa
I was at my crib in Barbados chillin' with Jada
Vertex is me the magnanamous
God you sayin' damn I've always been a fan of his
Y'all know how it is oh wait hold up y'all don't
Look here y'all don't say nothing than I won't
Just don't say nothing
Man I love being me ready to rock the block
With some more hot top notch ---- for you to cop
No more mr. nice guy
My whole life I've been smiling when I felt like whiling
Jealousy swinging on me made his attack
(he soft he whack man that ain't real rap)
You believe that
It hurt me at first but it's cool
Took the insults feed it to my ego for fuel
Now everywhere I turn a dead end
Hundred women coming at me waving pads and pens
And they be screaming out
(oh my lord)
Did you see it's that brother from
(ID4)
Now can I please get
(a picture and your signature)
Sure you can miss
(oh my god my girlfriends they ain't gonna beleive this)
Worldwide wait nah hold up galactic
Hear my name don't nothing change but the accent
Bangok to Madagascar they wanna see me
Prince epe in Spain Japan I'm cota eshe
I like my steaks thick and my jets private
And my son to ride in the cockpit
I know he's only four taking lessons from the pilot
While I'm on my cell with my broker getting stock tips
Find a magazine and I read the hottest gossip
Man who'd a thought my life would be such an interesting topic
Well y'all know how it is wait hold up y'all don't
Well look here y'all don't say nothing than I won't
Just don't say nothing
Just don't say nothing
Just don't say nothing
Just don't say nothing
Go ahead adjust the balance and the bass in your speakers
Make sure my voice sounding crisp in your tweeters
I'm about to show you how a man like me works
Shorty get ice five carrots and nothing cheaper
Four five chromed out former two seater
Fifty inch sony to watch Siskel and Ebert
'Cause I'm about to get two thumbs ten toes one knee and probobly a couple
Of elbows
'Cause yo I'm the man and the whole world knows
Rock film fests to vos and rap shows
All the critics jealous people and back-stabbers
My so-called friends who been nothing but actors
You're way of charachter but now who's the bomb
It's Will from west Phil just slightly transformed
Y'all know what it is
Ah damn that's right y'all don't
But look here y'all don't say nothing then trust me I won't
Just don't say nothing
Just don't say nothing
Just don't say nothing
Just don't say nothing
The lyrics of Will Smith’s “Don’t Say Nothin’” are about the artist’s success and evolution as a musician and actor. He references negative comments he received early in his career and how he overcame them to become the Grammy-winning and now Oscar-nominated artist he is today. He dismisses criticism from those who may still doubt his talent and reminds listeners that he won’t say anything negative about them unless they do so first. Smith also boasts about his luxurious lifestyle and worldwide fame, even mentioning a conversation he had with Oprah Winfrey. Overall, the lyrics serve as a declaration of Smith’s confidence and success, as well as a warning to those who may try to bring him down.
One interesting fact about this song is that it was featured in the video game “NBA Live 2004.” It was also included on Smith’s album “Born to Reign,” which was released in 2002. Additionally, the song features a prominent bassline that is sampled from the song “The Bass Line” by Rodney O & Joe Cooley. The rhythms and flow of the lyrics are also very reminiscent of Smith’s earlier work from the late 80s and early 90s. Smith also references his role in the film “Independence Day,” which was a massive box office success and cemented his status as a leading man in Hollywood. Another interesting fact is that the music video for this song features Smith driving a sports car and performing “stunts” while wearing a neck brace.
Line by Line Meaning
When I released my first single back in like '86
Will Smith talks about his early days as a musician.
People was like oh you know that's popcorn and you know they weak
He recalls people's negative response to his music.
You know then I mess around I go world trade on them / Bangin' out them multi-plastic still got negativity to bring
Despite success, he still faces criticism from others.
My thing is you can't say nothing nice don't say nothing
Will's philosophy is to not speak if you have nothing nice to say.
Take your place allow me to flex a taste / As my accomplishments bring up my comp like mase
He boasts about his success in the industry.
Face me the star of stage and TV / My face be seen in almost every country
Will highlights his widespread fame as both an actor and musician.
Grammy winner soon to be oscar nominee / Who he that's dressed jiggy straight from west Philly
He mentions his prestigious awards and Philly roots.
Thought I was whack 'cause I wanted to act / Now every brother and his mother that rap be trying to do that
Will talks about how people were skeptical of his acting career at first, but now many rappers also pursue acting.
The ill kid / Hundred million dollar bill kid / The one you love to chill with come on keep it real kid
He describes himself as a cool, popular guy.
Don't try to act like this summer at the greek / You won't be bumpin' the big Willie in your jeep / I know y'all still feel me / Really don't act silly
He challenges fans to deny their love for his music, still being relevant even today.
Thought I feel off just becuase I left Philly / Took a break from the rap thing went on hiatus / I picked up the art of acting and multiplied papers / I chilled on silk sofas chatting with Operah
Will talks about leaving Philly, taking a break from music, and his successful acting career.
She asked me if it's true that me and Jeff broke up
He mentions rumors about his former partner, DJ Jazzy Jeff.
While y'all kids busy playing drug pimp and playa / I was at my crib in Barbados chillin' with Jada
He contrasts his relaxed, exotic lifestyle with the dangerous behavior of some others in the industry.
Vertex is me the magnanamous / God you sayin' damn I've always been a fan of his
Will admires himself and his ability to captivate audiences.
Y'all know how it is oh wait hold up y'all don't / Look here y'all don't say nothing than I won't / Just don't say nothing
Will reiterates his earlier point, asking people to keep their negative opinions to themselves.
Man I love being me ready to rock the block / With some more hot top notch ---- for you to cop / No more mr. nice guy / My whole life I've been smiling when I felt like whiling
He reveals his confidence and eagerness to continue putting out good music.
Jealousy swinging on me made his attack / (he soft he whack man that ain't real rap) / You believe that / It hurt me at first but it's cool / Took the insults feed it to my ego for fuel
He addresses criticism he has faced in the past, and how he used it to drive him forward.
Now everywhere I turn a dead end / Hundred women coming at me waving pads and pens / And they be screaming out (oh my lord) / Did you see it's that brother from (ID4)
He describes the attention he receives, both from fans and the media.
Now can I please get (a picture and your signature) / Sure you can miss / (oh my god my girlfriends they ain't gonna beleive this) / Worldwide wait nah hold up galactic
He continues to share amusing anecdotes about his fame and fortune.
Hear my name don't nothing change but the accent / Bangok to Madagascar they wanna see me / Prince epe in Spain Japan I'm cota eshe / I like my steaks thick and my jets private
He lists various places where he is popular and reveals some of his preferences as a wealthy celeb.
And my son to ride in the cockpit / I know he's only four taking lessons from the pilot / While I'm on my cell with my broker getting stock tips / Find a magazine and I read the hottest gossip
He talks about his luxurious life, and how even his young son is already learning about flying planes.
Man who'd a thought my life would be such an interesting topic / Well y'all know how it is wait hold up y'all don't / Well look here y'all don't say nothing than trust me I won't / Just don't say nothing
In a final statement, Will acknowledges how unique and intriguing his life has been, reiterating his request for people to keep any negative opinions to themselves.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KEITH PELZER, KEITH ISAIHA PELZER, WILLARD C SMITH, RYAN TOBY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind