"Will"
Remix cover
Single by Joyner Lucas
from the album ADHD
ReleasedMarch 25, 2020
GenreHip hop
Length3:21
LabelTwenty Nine
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Crank Lucas
Joyner Lucas singles chronology
"Lotto"
(2020) 		"Will"
(2020) 		"DOA"
(2020)
Music video
"Will" on YouTube

"Will" is a song by American rapper Joyner Lucas, and the ninth single from his debut studio album ADHD (2020). It was released on March 25, 2020 with an accompanying music video. The song is a tribute to actor and rapper Will Smith, one of Lucas's biggest influences.[1] On May 15, 2020, a remix of the song with a guest appearance from Smith was released.

Composition

In the song, Lucas raps about his great admiration for and influence from Will Smith's success throughout his career.[2][better source needed] Lucas references ten of Smith's most renowned works in his filmography, most notably The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Furthermore, he states that he hopes his son will one day become successful as Smith's children Willow and Jaden are, and also raps about the importance of paying homage to icons while they are still alive.[3]

Music video

The music video was directed by Joyner Lucas and Ben Proulx, and shows Lucas dressing as the iconic characters played by Will Smith in the films he mentions in the song,[4] and parodies the movie scenes,[5] shapeshifting from one to another.[6] The ending of the visual features an audio clip of a quote by Will Smith. As of April 2021 the video has over 40 Million Views.

Response

Will Smith responded on Instagram, saying that he was "humbled and honored",[7] and that he hoped to meet Lucas one day.[8] In April 2020, Smith hosted Lucas on his YouTube channel to thank him.[9] Lucas called Smith his idol, and said that he grew up watching his movies and listening to his music.[10]

Remix

The official remix of the song has guest vocals from Will Smith, and was released on May 15, 2020. On his verse, Smith again thanks Lucas and discusses his inspirations as well.[11]

Charts

Chart performance of "Will"
Chart (2020) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[12] 65
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[13] 92
Ireland (IRMA)[14] 72
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[15] 11
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[16] 2
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[17] 48

References

  1. ^ Powell, Jon (2020-03-25). "Joyner Lucas channels "Will" in new music video". Revolt. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  2. ^ "The social experiment 'ADHD' is a noteworthy debut for Joyner Lucas". The Miami Student. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  3. ^ Allen, Joseph (26 March 2020). "Joyner Lucas Didn't Expect Will Smith to Respond to His New Song "Will"". Distractify. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  4. ^ "Joyner Lucas Serves up Big Willie Style in Visual for "Will"". Hypebeast. 26 March 2020. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  5. ^ Ketchum III, William E. (2020-03-26). "Will Smith Praises Joyner Lucas For "Will" Music Video". Vibe. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  6. ^ Kaufman, Gil (2020-03-26). "Joyner Lucas Transforms Into The Fresh Prince and a Bad Boy in 'Will' Tribute Video". Billboard. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  7. ^ Moorwood, Victoria (2020-03-26). "Will Smith co-signs Joyner Lucas' "Will" video". Revolt. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  8. ^ Bonner, Michael (2020-03-26). "Will Smith shouts out Joyner Lucas after rapper releases 'Will'". Masslive. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  9. ^ Lamarre, Carl (2020-04-08). "Will Smith Can't Stop Watching Joyner Lucas' 'Will' Video: 'This Will Be My Ninth Time'". Billboard. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  10. ^ Price, Joe. "People Are Loving Will Smith's Remix of Joyner Lucas' "Will"". Complex. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  11. ^ Kaufman, Gil (2020-05-15). "What's Better Than Joyner Lucas' 'Will?' A Remix With the Fresh Prince Himself". Billboard. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  12. ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 25 May 2020". No. 1577. Australian Recording Industry Association. May 25, 2020. ((cite magazine)): Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)
  13. ^ "Joyner Lucas Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  14. ^ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  15. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  16. ^ "Joyner Lucas Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard.
  17. ^ "Joyner Lucas Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
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