Will Smith was honored in his hometown of Philadelphia with both a street named after him and a key to the city. On March 26, the 2000 block of North 59th Street in the Overbrook section of the city was officially renamed Will Smith Way in recognition of his accomplishments in entertainment and his lasting connection to the community where he grew up. The event celebrated his contributions to music, film, and television while acknowledging the impact he has had on Philadelphia’s cultural identity.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing Smith’s influence and the pride he has always shown for his roots. She noted that regardless of how far his career has taken him, he has remained vocal about where he comes from and how his upbringing in West Philadelphia shaped him. Parker highlighted his work ethic and the message of perseverance that he has demonstrated throughout his career, stating that he serves as a role model for those who aspire to achieve success while staying true to their origins.
Smith addressed the audience, expressing his appreciation for the honor and reflecting on the values he learned growing up in Philadelphia. He spoke about the challenges he faced early in his life and how they prepared him for his journey in entertainment. He emphasized the importance of determination, discipline, and resilience, crediting his family and the community around him for instilling those qualities. Dressed in a jacket and hat representing Overbrook High School, where he attended as a student, Smith recalled his daily walk across a nearby bridge in all kinds of weather. He described it as a reminder of the commitment and dedication required to reach one’s goals.
In the days leading up to the ceremony, Smith found himself thinking about what “Will Smith Way” truly represents. He concluded that it embodies the lessons he learned from his parents and grandmother, who guided him with principles that have remained central to his life. He explained that those values continue to influence his decisions and his approach to both his career and personal growth. The renaming of the street, he said, was not just a personal honor but a reflection of the strength and character of the community that helped raise him.
As he celebrates this milestone in Philadelphia, Smith is also preparing to release his latest album, Based On A True Story, on March 28. The album marks his return to music nearly 20 years after his last studio release, Lost and Found, which debuted in 2005. This project features collaborations with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, and his son, Jaden, and takes a unique approach to storytelling by structuring the tracklist as “episodes” rather than traditional songs. The format aims to create a narrative experience for listeners, blending music with personal reflections.
Smith announced the album’s release on March 14 through social media, sharing the cover art and tracklist. He expressed enthusiasm for finally being able to share the project, stating that it had been in development for a long time and was something he had put a great deal of effort into. He encouraged fans to pre-save the album and described it as an important artistic statement.
During promotional interviews for the album, Smith also shared personal experiences that have influenced his perspective on life and creativity. He revealed that he had spoken with Prince just hours before the musician’s passing in 2016. According to Smith, Prince had reached out with a business proposal, suggesting that he, Smith, and JAY-Z create an entertainment company together. Prince had reportedly discussed the idea with JAY-Z and was excited about the possibility of working together. However, the next morning, Prince passed away, leaving the conversation as an unfinished opportunity that Smith still reflects on.
In addition to that experience, Smith also recalled meeting The Notorious B.I.G. the night before the rapper’s death in 1997. He described both moments as reminders of how unpredictable life can be and how important it is to pursue meaningful collaborations and projects while the opportunity exists. Although the proposed company with Prince never came to fruition, Smith and JAY-Z have continued to work together on various projects, maintaining a professional relationship through their respective companies.
The combination of receiving a key to the city, having a street named in his honor, and releasing a long-anticipated album marks a significant moment in Smith’s career. While he has built an international reputation as an actor and musician, these recent events serve as a reminder of his deep connection to his hometown and his ongoing commitment to storytelling in multiple forms.
