Will Smith – “Pretty Girls” [VIDEO]

Will Smith releases new “Pretty Girls” single

After two decades away from the spotlight as a solo musician, Will Smith is back. His new single, “Pretty Girls,” has made waves across the music industry and social media alike. Released via SLANG Recordings, the track arrives just in time for summer, delivering playful lyrics and party-ready production. But as with most celebrity comebacks, the reaction is anything but simple.

From chart-topping success on the gospel charts to viral debates over his latest music video, Will Smith is navigating a full-blown pop culture moment — and fans are paying attention.

A Lighthearted Summer Banger?

“Pretty Girls” is produced by OmArr and Lexoskeleton, both of whom are known for their vibrant, high-energy soundscapes. It’s immediately clear that the song is meant to be fun. It leans into catchy hooks, light melodies, and the kind of beat you expect to hear at summer festivals or pool parties.

The music video, directed by Conor Cunningham, reinforces the party vibe: think bright visuals, dancing, and Smith smiling alongside models. While designed to be playful, it’s received mixed reactions on social platforms, with some users calling it “cringe” or even “exploitative.”

The First Full-Length Album in 20 Years

What many don’t realize is that “Pretty Girls” is just one piece of a larger story. The single comes off the heels of Based on a True Story, Will Smith’s first full-length album in over 20 years. The album is deeply personal and wide-ranging, blending introspective tracks with radio-friendly singles.

Key collaborators on the 14-track project include:

• DJ Jazzy Jeff – longtime friend and creative partner.
• Teyana Taylor – whose influence brings a soulful energy.
• Jac Ross – featured on the emotional standout “Beautiful Scars.”

Smith’s return to music is marked by growth, but also an understanding of the musical landscape he helped shape. His last solo album, Lost and Found, dropped in 2005. Since then, his focus shifted largely to acting, producing, and family life. In 2025, he’s finally striking a new balance.

A Historic Gospel Hit: “You Can Make It”

Perhaps the biggest surprise of Smith’s 2025 comeback? His No.1 debut on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart.

“You Can Make It,” featuring Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir, isn’t just a feel-good single — it’s a heartfelt anthem that resonated with both secular and spiritual listeners. Smith debuted the track with a stunning live performance at the 2024 BET Awards, where he stood in a firepit surrounded by real flames, symbolizing transformation and redemption.

This was his first chart-topping hit since 1998’s “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” showing his continued ability to connect across genres and generations.

The “Based on a True Story” Summer Tour

In support of the album, Smith is hitting the road with his first-ever headlining tour — a major milestone for the global star. The Based on a True Story Summer Tour kicks off July 13th in Hamburg, Germany, and includes stops in major cities throughout:

• Morocco (including Mawazine Festival)
• France (at POSITIV Festival)
• Spain (Dreambeach Festival)
• Italy (BIG ART Festival)
• And cities across the UK and Europe

The tour is not just about music — it’s a full-circle moment for Smith, reconnecting with fans in a live format. Tickets are now available at willsmith.com/tour.

From Fresh Prince to Full Circle: The Long Road Back

Will Smith’s musical journey dates back to the 1980s, when he and DJ Jazzy Jeff made history as the first hip-hop act to win a GRAMMY Award. Hits like “Summertime” and “Parents Just Don’t Understand” made them household names.

By the late ’90s, Smith became a solo powerhouse, delivering smash albums like:

• Big Willie Style (1997)
• Willennium (1999)
• Born to Reign (2002)

Songs like “Miami,” “Men in Black,” and “Just the Two of Us” blended family values with fun, party vibes — a combo that made him unique.

Then came a long break. Between film commitments and personal transformations, Smith stayed largely silent in the music space. The Oscars incident in 2022, when he slapped Chris Rock during the live ceremony, brought about a new chapter. He apologized publicly, stepped back from public life for a time, and began focusing on healing — both privately and creatively.

“Pretty Girls” and Based on a True Story are the results of that reset.

What This Means for His Legacy

Will Smith’s return is more than just a nostalgic trip. It’s a case study in resilience, reputation rebuilding, and the power of storytelling.

His ability to release a gospel hit, go viral with a lighthearted track, and sell out international tour dates all in the same year proves that he remains a global icon — and a versatile one at that.

For younger audiences discovering him for the first time, Based on a True Story could serve as a primer. For longtime fans, it’s a reminder of the artist who once ruled both the charts and the box office.

In the age of viral moments, streaming wars, and ever-shifting public opinion, Will Smith’s comeback is layered. “Pretty Girls” may not please everyone — but it wasn’t meant to. It’s a part of a larger narrative of growth, redemption, and reemergence.

Whether you’re vibing to the new single or still spinning “Miami,” there’s no denying it: Will Smith is back, and he’s doing it his way.