Will Smith has released a new single and accompanying music video titled “Work of Art,” featuring collaborations with his son Jaden Smith and rapper Russ. This release marks a significant moment in Smith’s career, blending his classic style with contemporary influences and showcasing a new direction in his artistry.
The largely monochromatic video opens with an intimate conversation between Smith and Russ, discussing the creative process behind the song. Smith reveals that “Work of Art” represents a pivotal moment in his recent musical journey, describing it as the track where he “found his voice.” This admission provides insight into Smith’s evolving artistic identity, suggesting a period of exploration and self-discovery preceding this release.
Smith’s musical career began in the late 1980s as part of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Their lighthearted, often comedic approach to rap music garnered mainstream success, with hits like “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and “Summertime” becoming cultural touchstones. Smith’s transition to a solo career in the late 1990s coincided with his rising Hollywood stardom, producing chart-topping albums and singles that defined an era of pop-rap fusion.
The new single appears to signal a departure from Smith’s earlier, more commercial sound, delving into deeper, more personal territory. In the video, Smith expresses that “Work of Art” emerged after recording approximately 20 tracks, suggesting an intensive period of musical experimentation and refinement.
Russ’s contribution to the track adds a contemporary edge, with lyrics that touch on themes of inner struggle and personal growth. His verse includes introspective lines that resonate with the overall tone of the song, bridging Smith’s established style with current hip-hop trends.
The video’s setting in an art museum serves as a visual metaphor for the song’s themes, with Smith and his collaborators positioned among various artworks, drawing parallels between their musical creation and traditional artistic expression.
In a particularly noteworthy moment, Smith unpacks the opening lines of his verse, offering a rare glimpse into his songwriting process and personal reflections. His interpretation of the lyrics suggests a new level of self-awareness and willingness to confront complex aspects of his public persona, possibly alluding to recent controversial events in his career.
The single was first previewed during a live performance at the La Velada del Año IV event, hosted by Spanish Twitch streamer Ibai Llanos on July 13. This performance, captured in the music video, saw Smith seamlessly blend his new material with classic hits like “Miami” and “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” demonstrating his ability to bridge different eras of his musical career.
Smith’s official debut of “Work of Art” occurred at the 2024 BET Awards on June 30. Surprise appearances by Kirk Franklin and the Sunday Service Choir further highlighted the song’s spiritual undertones and Smith’s evolving artistic direction.
This release is anticipated to be part of a larger project, which Smith has described as his “most personal and powerful music” to date. In a May interview with Extra, he hinted at the imminent release of this deeply personal album, suggesting that “Work of Art” is just the beginning of a new chapter in his musical journey.