Will Smith Is Picking Back Up the Mic

Summertime, when we sit back and watch Will Smith launch his hip-hop comeback. The actor, rapper, and repentant slapper will perform a new song at this year’s BET Awards on Sunday, June 30, at 8 p.m. ET, Variety reports. While not much is known about the performance itself, sources say the Fresh Prince is preparing a new album. “From his start as a rapper to The Fresh Prince to being a box office king as one of the Bad Boys, Will Smith is truly a global icon, and we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage,” said Connie Orlando, executive vice-president of specials, music programming, and music strategy at BET. “We look forward to Will adding to yet another defining night for the culture that is not to be missed.” His upcoming slot at the BET Awards follows the release of the Bad Boys soundtrack song “Light Em Up” this month and a guest appearance in April at Coachella, where he made a cameo on J Balvin’s stage in his Men in Black costume.

It’s not just Smith getting jiggy on the BET Awards stage. Other performers include Victoria Monét, Sexyy Red, Ice Spice, Latto, Lauryn Hill & YG Marley, Shaboozey, Muni Long, Tyla, GloRilla, and Tanner Adell. Veteran host Taraji P. Henson returns to MC the ceremony with appearances by Cardi B, Gunna, Davido, and more. While Drake lost the feud with Kendrick Lamar, he did win the race for the most nominations with seven nods.