Will Smith Shares Chilling Personal Encounters with Biggie and Prince
In a recent interview on the Broken Record Podcast, Will Smith revealed one of the most unsettling and surprising personal stories of his life. The Oscar-winning actor shared that he met two of the most iconic figures in music—The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie) and Prince—just hours before their deaths. These encounters, though brief, have left an indelible mark on Smith, who expressed a mix of disbelief and superstition about the eerie timing of these meetings.
A Haunting Coincidence: Biggie and Prince
During the podcast, host Justin Richmond brought up a rumor about Smith’s connections to Biggie and Prince. Initially hesitant, Smith confirmed the story, revealing that he met Biggie just four hours before the rapper was tragically murdered in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997. Similarly, he had a conversation with Prince eight hours before the music legend’s accidental fentanyl overdose on April 21, 2016. Smith described the latter interaction in detail, explaining how Prince had called him to discuss a potential collaboration—a music and entertainment company involving Smith, Prince, and Jay-Z. “We talked that night, and in the morning, he was gone,” Smith said, his voice laced with disbelief.
The Emotional Toll of Tragedy
The loss of Biggie hit Smith particularly hard. At the time, Smith was already an established actor, having risen to fame with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and on the verge of starring in the blockbuster film Men in Black. However, he was also a rapper, and the hip-hop world was still reeling from the murder of Tupac Shakur just six months prior. Smith admitted that Biggie’s death brought him to tears and left him “scared,” as the violence seemed to target figures in the music industry he deeply admired. The senseless killing of Biggie, he noted, marked a turning point in the East Coast-West Coast rap feud, as it prompted a truce between artists from both coasts.
Reflecting on Life’s Bizarre Coincidences
When Richmond suggested that such coincidences are inevitable when someone has had as many experiences as Smith, the actor jokingly warned, “Don’t call me!” While he acknowledged that these events could simply be a matter of bad timing, the weight of these memories still lingers. Smith’s reflections highlight the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of fate. His story serves as a reminder that even in the glare of fame, no one is immune to the unexpected twists and turns of destiny.
Continuing the Legacy: Smith’s Musical Comeback
Decades after these tragic events, Smith is revisiting his musical roots. The actor is currently promoting his first solo album in 20 years, titled Based on a True Story, which is set to release in March. Though the album’s content has not been detailed, it is a testament to Smith’s enduring connection to music—a connection that was shaped, in part, by his encounters with Biggie and Prince. Their legacies, both in music and in Smith’s personal journey, continue to resonate.
A Life of Intersection and Reflection
Will Smith’s story is one of intersections—moments where his path crossed with those of two musical icons, only to see them gone within hours. These encounters, while unsettling, have contributed to the rich tapestry of his life. As he steps back into the music scene, Smith’s latest chapter serves as a bridge between his past and present, honoring the memories of Biggie and Prince while carving out new territory in his ever-evolving career. His story is a reminder of the power of connection, the fragility of life, and the enduring impact of those we meet along the way.
