*Will Smith hit up his West Philadelphia hometown on Wednesday for a special street renaming ceremony.
The 2000 block of North 59th Street, located near Overbrook High School—his alma mater—was officially renamed “Will Smith Way.” The actor, joined by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and other local officials, shared heartfelt reflections on what this honor meant to him.
“When I thought about the ‘Will Smith Way,’ I thought about my mother, my father, and my grandmother,” he said.
Smith credited his parents and grandparents for instilling important life lessons that he carries with him. “The ‘Will Smith Way’ is encompassed in the lessons that I got from my father, my mother, and my grandfather,” he added.
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Reflecting on his childhood, Smith emphasized how his father’s teachings about hard work and discipline played a critical role in his success.
“You can’t make a life if you’re not willing to sacrifice and you’re not to suffer and work for your dreams,” he noted.
“Nobody gets an easy ride,” Smith explained. “That was one of the things these streets of Philadelphia taught me: that there’s nothing wrong with a hard day’s work.”
Smith expressed his deep love for his hometown, declaring, “Philly, I love you. I am yours, you are mine.”
Meanwhile, the rapper/actor is making a triumphant return to music with his first full-length album in over two decades. Titled “Based on a True Story,” the highly anticipated project is set for release on March 28 and will feature a mix of star-studded collaborations. Fans can expect appearances from DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, and Jac Ross, among others.
The 14-track album will also include previously released singles such as “First Love,” “Beautiful Scars,” “TANTRUM,” “Work of Art,” and “You Can Make It,” per the news release.
His latest single, “You Can Make It,” featuring Fridayy and the Sunday Service Choir, recently climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart—marking his first chart-topping hit since his 1998 classic “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It.” The uplifting track, which he debuted in a fiery performance at the 2024 BET Awards, has resonated deeply with audiences, blending elements of hip-hop and gospel.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Will Smith to Release ‘Based on a True Story,’ His First Full-Length Album in 20 Years
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