- Will Smith has signed a new distribution deal with SLANG, an independent frontline label led by Rene McLean
- SLANG’s roster includes Grammy-winning producer-songwriter Camper, chart-topping hip-hop producer 30 Roc, and several emerging acts
- Rene McLean led catalog acquisition deals for artists like Future, Tyler Johnson, and Tainy at Influence Media Partners
- Will Smith performed at the BET Awards and rapped his song "You Can Make It" with the Sunday Service Choir and Kirk Franklin
- Smith released his first album in 1987 with DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, and has had solo hits like "Wild Wild West" and "Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It"
- Smith’s last album was in 2005, but he has been featured on songs by artists like Marc Anthony, Nicky Jam, and Jaden Smith
Will Smith is making a comeback in the music industry as he signs a new distribution deal with the independent frontline label SLANG. The Grammy-winning rapper and Oscar-winning actor recently performed at the BET Awards and has now joined forces with music executive Rene McLean, who is a partner and founding advisor of Influence Media Partners.
SLANG’s roster includes other talented artists such as Grammy-winning producer-songwriter Camper, chart-topping hip-hop producer 30 Roc, rapper-singer Leaf, Flatbush hip-hop duo The Underachievers, Atlanta-based rapper Truththebull, artist-songwriter-producer Isaia Huron, and underground Atlanta rapper RY XP. McLean expressed his excitement about leading SLANG’s efforts to partner with quality artists and invest in their growth, regardless of genre or career stage. He emphasized the commitment to culture and the idea of the SLANG roster being a family.
McLean has a history of successful deals in the music industry, having led catalog acquisition deals for Grammy-winning rapper Future, hit songwriter-producer-engineer Tyler Johnson, and hitmaking Latin producer Tainy. He has also worked with notable artists such as Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Eminem, Pharrell, and Timbaland in the past.
At the recent BET Awards, Will Smith delivered a powerful performance of his inspirational song “You Can Make It.” Backed by the Sunday Service Choir and R&B singer Friday, Smith performed in a circle of fire as rain poured down, creating a dramatic and impactful scene. The performance also featured gospel star Kirk Franklin, who shared words of courage and wisdom with the audience. Smith’s message on stage emphasized the idea that everyone faces challenges in life, but there is wisdom to be gained from those experiences and every moment is an opportunity for growth.
Smith’s music career began in 1987 with the release of his first album, “Rock the House,” as part of the rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. The duo achieved success with hits like “Summertime” and “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” which won the first-ever rap Grammy in 1989. Smith later pursued a solo career and topped the charts with hits like “Wild Wild West” and “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” the latter earning him another Grammy award. His last album, “Lost and Found,” was released in 2005, but he has continued to collaborate with various artists over the years, including Marc Anthony, Nicky Jam, Joyner Lucas, Bomba Estéreo, and his son, Jaden Smith. Most recently, Smith worked with Sean Paul on the soundtrack for the hit movie “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.”
Will Smith’s return to the music scene with SLANG promises exciting new opportunities for his career and the potential for more inspiring music to come. His performance at the BET Awards showcased his continued passion for music and his ability to connect with audiences through his powerful lyrics and engaging performances. With the support of SLANG and Rene McLean, Smith’s future in the music industry looks bright as he embarks on this new chapter in his musical journey.
/Digital Sauce