In the world of iconic figures, Will Smith and Kanye West share an unexpected common thread. Both have engraved their names in the chronicles of life’s controversies during award ceremonies. Will’s unforgettable Oscars moment and Ye’s 2009 VMAs incident are etched in the memory of many. But there is more to this connection than meets the eye. Smith reportedly embarked on a comeback journey, weaving his talent into the fabric of eight songs with Ye back in 2015. 

It is quite intriguing to ponder why Smith handpicked Ye. However, the answer might be traced back to Smith’s profound infatuation with a particular Ye album, as disclosed by Jaden Smith in his recent podcast.

Will Smith’s fascination with Kanye West and forged drives 

Will Smith’s admiration for Ye was certainly not a one-sided affair. Even the renowned rapper did not hold back in his enthusiasm to collaborate with the Fresh Prince. This obsession was laid bare in a revealing episode of Will’s Class of ’88 podcast, where Jaden shared an anecdote about his father’s intense fixation with Ye’s album, ‘Watch the Throne.’ Jaden recounted that his father’s zeal reached a point where he impulsively beckoned him into the car. 

In 2011, the release of ‘Watch the Throne’ ignited an obsession in Will Smith. Touching on this, the ‘Icon’ singer shared that he dove into the album. More so, he perceived it as a profound lesson. Will and his son embarked on a 30-minute drive while immersing themselves in the album’s beats and lyrics. The Bad Boys actor delved further, noting that hip-hop served as a unique bridge that connected generations, allowing both parents and children to embrace the same sonic artistry and share their perspectives.

Undoubtedly, Ye’s influence left a mark, and it resonated profoundly. Jaden Smith, evidently moved by the rapper’s aura, took his admiration to the next level. He prepared to step into West’s shoes in a reality series back in 2019.

Jaden Smith as the reel Kanye West 

The actor and singer, renowned for his unconventional roles, assumed the character of a young and alternate version of West in a series titled Omniverse for the streaming platform Showtime. The anthology was supposed to delve into “the many doors of perception”. It was scripted and executive-produced by Lee Sung Jin and Ye’s longtime manager, Scooter Braun. However, the show has yet to see the light.

Jaden had always maintained an eccentric relationship with West. An illustrative incident of this was when Jaden attended Kim Kardashian and Ye’s wedding wearing a Batman Suit. The two even had some tensions after Jaden walked out of Ye’s infamous ‘White Lives Matter’ show, which even Kendall Jenner subtly supported. However, his jamming on ‘Ni**as in Paris’ at a Louis Vuitton event showed his love and admiration for the rapper, despite polar opposite opinions. 

What is your take on this hilarious yet beautiful anecdote? Share your thoughts in the comments below.