Creativity, charm, and ironically, change are the three elements that have remained constant in the three-decades-long career of Will Smith. But while they have become symbolic of Will Smith, the actor, they are actually an extension of the Fresh Prince who did the nine yards to bring Hip Hop to the mainstream. And while opinions may differ, the fact that the very first Grammy for a rap song was awarded to DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince for ‘Parents Just Don’t Understand’ speaks for itself. Both the artist that brought it to its pinnacle, and the industry have now marked 50, something that Will Smith celebrated with gratitude.

As scholars and music critics pick up their pens to write the revolutionary effect that Hip Hop has had on history, culture, and hearts, for its 50th anniversary, Will Smith typed up two small lines as his Instagram caption. Although he did not use many words, coming from The Fresh Prince, each word left a great impact.

The 54-year-old posted a throwback photo with Darryl Matthews McDaniels, Joseph Simmons, and Jam Master Jay. The four, especially Smith, despite being known as legends, remain underrated.

With the rise of Eminem, Kanye West, Jay Z, and Travis Scott, Smith’s songs, which were already a sore thumb in an industry that likes its beats and lyrics to serve as substitutes for energy drinks, were sidelined.

It is surprising how he managed to rival his own astonishing music career with his success in acting, but the Hip Hop industry saw early on the telltale signs of a legend in the making in Will Smith.

How the Hip Hop industry accelerated the rise of Will Smith

As the now 54-year-old actor continued to churn out music true to his character, his fandom soon lost the badge of discovering an underrated artist. Soon enough, the whole world had its ears perked to listen to Will Smith rap about summers and the difficulties of being a teenager. This is how Will Smith has his name on not only the first Grammy dedicated to Hip Hop but more that came after it.

Many also forget that if not for his already established popularity as The Fresh Prince, it would have been impossible for the now iconic sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, to be made. While Will Smith has thanked Hip Hop for giving him the life of his dreams on his 50th anniversary, the industry has and will continue to applaud him for being one of its finest.

Did you know that Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff won the first Grammy for Hip Hop? Let us know in the comments below.