Latest news with #BrandNewFunk
Express Tribune
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Will Smith accused by Tony Rock of using Oscars slap on Chris Rock to sell album
Comedian Tony Rock is taking direct shots at Will Smith over the actor's new album Based On A True Story, accusing him of using the infamous 2022 Oscars slap—where Smith struck Tony's brother, Chris Rock, on live TV—to generate buzz and sell records. In a recent TMZ interview at Los Angeles International Airport, Tony didn't hold back. He labeled the album as 'trash' and called out Smith for rehashing the Oscars controversy in his lyrics, despite months of public pleas to move on from the moment. 'Everybody tells me to stop talking about it, then he puts it on the song,' Tony said. 'That gives me the green light to talk about it again.' Smith's first album in over two decades is making headlines for its emotional and personal tone, especially references to the now-iconic Oscars incident. But Tony believes it's all for publicity, accusing the actor-turned-rapper of using drama to stay relevant. Will Smith (R) hits Chris Rock as Rock spoke on stage during the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 27, 2022. REUTERS/Brian Snyder 'I'm surprised he wasn't rapping about being a drug dealer on this one,' Tony joked. 'He's trying to sell an album.' Despite his harsh critique, Tony gave credit to Will Smith's earlier music, specifically naming 'Brand New Funk' as his best work. However, he made it clear that the relationship between Will and Chris remains broken. 'They ain't gonna be friends,' Tony said. 'Nobody lost money. My brother probably made more after that Netflix special.' As far as he's concerned, the incident has become a win-win in its own twisted way. 'We're all walking into the bank smiling on Monday,' he added.
USA Today
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Philadelphia renames city street after Will Smith near Philly icon's alma mater
Philadelphia renames city street after Will Smith near Philly icon's alma mater Show Caption Hide Caption Will Smith performs 'Miami' on a double-decker bus in Hollywood Will Smith rocked up to the "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" premiere atop a double-decker bus. He and Martin Lawrence "might have one more in us," he said. Philadelphia renamed 2000 N. 59th St. to Will Smith Way on Wednesday. The street is just a block away from Overbrook High School, where Smith graduated in 1986. In time for his first album release in 20 years, Philadelphia has renamed a street after its local icon, Will Smith. On Wednesday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker sang a few lines from The Fresh Prince's "Brand New Funk" before gifting Smith a key to the city and a replica of the street sign that now bears his name, Will Smith Way. The new street name replaces 2000 N. 59th St., just a short jaunt away from Overbrook High School, from which Smith graduated in 1986. "The name 'The Fresh Prince' was coined in that building," Smith said at Wednesday's ceremony, pointing back to his alma mater. "I added the 'Fresh,' because it was hip-hop slang," he continued with a laugh. According to Smith, it was a teacher by the name of Mrs. Brown who began calling him "Prince Charming" when he was in the 10th grade. It was from there that he deemed himself "The Fresh Prince," which would carry over to his 1990s sitcom, "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air." On Friday, Smith released his new album, "Based on a True Story." It is his first album since "Lost and Found" in 2005. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Philadelphia renames city street after Will Smith near Philly icon's alma mater
In time for his first album release in 20 years, Philadelphia has renamed a street after its local icon, Will Smith. On Wednesday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker sang a few lines from The Fresh Prince's "Brand New Funk" before gifting Smith a key to the city and a replica of the street sign that now bears his name, Will Smith Way. The new street name replaces 2000 N. 59th St., just a short jaunt away from Overbrook High School, from which Smith graduated in 1986. "The name 'The Fresh Prince' was coined in that building," Smith said at Wednesday's ceremony, pointing back to his alma mater. "I added the 'Fresh,' because it was hip-hop slang," he continued with a laugh. According to Smith, it was a teacher by the name of Mrs. Brown who began calling him "Prince Charming" when he was in the 10th grade. It was from there that he deemed himself "The Fresh Prince," which would carry over to his 1990s sitcom, "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air." On Friday, Smith released his new album, "Based on a True Story." It is his first album since "Lost and Found" in 2005. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Smith Way: Philadelphia renames city street after Will Smith
