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.
Lost & Found
Will Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Original - A first form from which varieties arise
An authentic work of art as opposed to an imitation or reproduction
[CHORUS]
Why should I try to sound like ya'll sound
That's what's wrong with the rap game right now
Man, it's like a circus wit a bunch of clowns
[VERSE 1]
I spit heatrock and I ain't talking rollin
Soon as the beat knock I'm crowd controlling
When I hear ya'll that a awful sound
I don't ride beats I take them off the ground
Land them somewhere show them the town
Even on foreign ground I let them know I'm around
I don't follow everybody when it's time to rap
At one time everybody thought the world was flat
Sounds like you that was my intention
I paid dues now dudes pay attention
I live for it even though the flicks is hittin'
Cribs sick you can see the booth from the kitchen
Speak on it cause I saw it happen
This is hip hop dawg
I ain't just rappin
Ya'll looking at a real MC
Man you couldn't check a mic for me
[CHORUS]
Why should I try to sound like ya'll sound
That's what's wrong wit the rap game right now
Why should I try to flow the way ya'll flow
Or do a show like ya'll show
Naw that ain't where my head at now
Ya'll in the hip hop lost and found
Man, that's wrong with the rap game right now
It's like a circus wit a bunch of clowns
Wit a bunch of clicks
I'll probably rap circles around
[VERSE 2]
Let's talk about rhyme capability
Let's talk about hip hop versatility
Let's talk about taking the game beyond
Now how the hell we gon have a battle of wits
Trick you ain't armed
Let's talk about love for the game
I mean real love
Back before there was fame
I'm real wit it
I ain't claiming to reign
But when ya'll talk about rap
Ya'll gon start saying my name
For real though I ain't playin
Plenty of ya'll love a brotha just scared to say it
Yo the first ever rap grammy
Let's talk about the only reason yo ass went to Miami
(Yup) truck wit rims (check) throw back jersey (check)
champagne bottles (check) lot's of models (check)
Damn that's the list for 90 percent of ya'll videos and songs
Am I wrong
[CHORUS]
[VERSE 3]
LOST
When you a slave to the biz
Wit no care for the cost of what you sayin to kids
FOUND
Is when ya lyrics are a test of time
And your mom hear that your spirit is blessed divine
LOST
Is when you rhyme til your throat gets sore
But you don't even believe what you say no more
FOUND
Is when you bleed heart into the mic
And the pain you sustain it can change a life
LOST
Is when you hide behind the freedom of speech
While sure you're free to do it
But what it mean to do it
Did you mean to do it
Did you need to do it
Did you take time to think about the seeds you ruined
FOUND Is ESCO, dead PREZ and them
FOUND Is Lauren Hill
FOUND Is Rakim
FOUND Can be you
If you felt the message and ask yourself this questioin
[CHORUS OUT]
The lyrics of the song Lost & Found by Will Smith speak to his unique perspective within the rap industry. In the opening lines, he sets the tone for the song, suggesting that he is an original artist who creates authentic work, rather than imitating others in the genre. In the chorus, Smith questions why he should try to sound like others in the rap game, arguing that this lack of originality is what's wrong with the industry. He uses the metaphor of a circus to describe the current state of rap music, saying that there are too many clowns and clicks in the genre.
Throughout the verses of the song, Smith emphasizes his unique style and skill as a rapper. He refuses to follow the crowd when it comes to his music, and takes pride in his ability to control a crowd with his words. In the second verse, Smith critiques the lack of love for the game in the rap industry, where many artists seem more concerned with fame and materialism than with creating meaningful music. He emphasizes the importance of using rap as a way to express oneself and make a positive impact on the world.
Overall, the song Lost & Found is a vehicle for Will Smith to express his frustration with the rap industry's lack of originality and excess focus on fame and materialism. He sets himself apart as an artist who values authenticity and using rap as a tool for personal expression and social change.
Line by Line Meaning
A first form from which varieties arise
The original form of something from which different varieties have developed
Why should I try to sound like ya'll sound
Questioning why the singer should try to emulate the sound of others
That's what's wrong with the rap game right now
The singer believes that the problem with the rap game is the lack of originality
Man, it's like a circus wit a bunch of clowns
The current state of the rap game is compared to a circus with many foolish individuals
Wit a bunch of clicks I'll probably rap circles around
The artist is confident in their ability to outperform others who follow trends or popular clicks
I spit heatrock and I ain't talking rollin
The singer boasts about their high-quality lyrics and delivery
Soon as the beat knock I'm crowd controlling
The singer is capable of commanding a crowd with their music
When I hear ya'll, that a awful sound
The artist is not impressed with the music of others
I don't ride beats I take them off the ground
The artist creates their own unique style and beats, rather than following trends
Land them somewhere show them the town
The artist takes their music to new places and showcases their talents
I don't follow everybody when it's time to rap
The singer does not follow the crowd when creating their music
Sounds like you that was my intention
The artist purposefully creates their own sound, rather than copying others
I paid dues now dudes pay attention
The singer has put in the work and deserves recognition for their talent
I live for it even though the flicks is hittin'
The singer is dedicated to their craft, despite facing criticism or negative feedback
Cribs sick you can see the booth from the kitchen
The singer's success and fame has allowed them to build a luxurious home studio
This is hip hop dawg, I ain't just rappin
The artist sees their music as more than just rap, but as a representation of the hip hop culture
Ya'll looking at a real MC
The artist is a true master of ceremonies when it comes to hip hop music
Man you couldn't check a mic for me
The singer is so confident in their lyrical ability that no one could test their skills
That ain't where my head at now
The singer is no longer interested in following trends or copying others
Ya'll in the hip hop lost and found
The current state of hip hop is compared to being lost and then found
Let's talk about rhyme capability
The artist suggests discussing the ability to create strong rhymes
Let's talk about hip hop versatility
The artist suggests discussing the ability to utilize different styles and approaches in hip hop
Let's talk about taking the game beyond
Discussing the need to push the boundaries of hip hop music
Trick you ain't armed
If you're not fully equipped or skilled, then you cannot compete in hip hop
Let's talk about love for the game
The singer suggests discussing the passion for hip hop music
I'm real wit it, I ain't claiming to reign
The singer is authentic in their music and does not claim to be the best
But when ya'll talk about rap, ya'll gon start saying my name
Despite not claiming to be the best, the singer believes they will still be recognized and mentioned in conversations about hip hop
Plenty of ya'll love a brotha just scared to say it
Many people appreciate the artist's music but are too afraid to express it
Let's talk about the only reason yo ass went to Miami
Bringing attention to the shallow reasons why some people are involved in hip hop
Damn that's the list for 90 percent of ya'll videos and songs
Most hip hop music is generic and follows the same formulaic checklist
Am I wrong
The singer questions whether their observation is incorrect
When you a slave to the biz
When someone is trapped in the business of hip hop music and has no control over their creative output
Wit no care for the cost of what you sayin to kids
When someone makes music without considering the impact it may have on young listeners
Is when ya lyrics are a test of time
When someone creates music that will stand the test of time and be respected for years to come
And your mom hear that your spirit is blessed divine
When even the singer's mother is proud and appreciates their music
Is when you rhyme til your throat gets sore
When someone puts in real effort and dedication into their music to create something meaningful
But you don't even believe what you say no more
When someone loses their passion and authenticity for hip hop music
Is when you bleed heart into the mic
When someone puts their heart and soul into their music, creating something truly meaningful
And the pain you sustain it can change a life
Music that is emotionally raw and authentic can inspire and motivate others to make positive changes in their life
Is when you hide behind the freedom of speech
When someone uses the freedom of speech to say whatever they want, regardless of the impact it may have
While sure you're free to do it
Although someone may have the freedom to express themselves however they want, it does not mean they should without consideration
But what it mean to do it, Did you mean to do it
The singer is questioning the intentions behind someone's music and whether they did it purposefully or not
Did you need to do it, Did you take time to think about the seeds you ruined
The singer is questioning whether someone thought through the impact their music will have on others and whether they could have done better
Is ESCO, dead PREZ and them
Referencing well-respected hip hop artists who create authentic and impactful music
Is Lauren Hill
Referencing a well-respected female hip hop artist who creates heartfelt and meaningful music
Is Rakim
Referencing a well-respected hip hop artist who is considered one of the greatest of all time
Found can be you
Implying that anyone can create impactful and authentic music if they put in the effort and are true to themselves
If you felt the message and ask yourself this questioin
Encouraging listeners to reflect on their own music and the impact it may have, and whether they can make a positive change
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDWARD M CISNEROS, LANCE M FANGUY, NOAH DAVID JULIAN GREEN, JOEL E JOHNSON, STEPHEN SUMNERS LIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind