Will (Joyner Lucas song) explained

Will
Cover:	Joyner Lucas and Will Smith - Will.png
Caption:	Remix cover
Type:	single
Artist:	Joyner Lucas
Album:	ADHD
Released:	March 25, 2020
Genre:	Hip hop
Length:	3:21
Label:	Twenty Nine
Producer:	Crank Lucas
Prev Title:	Lotto
Prev Year:	2020
Next Title:	DOA
Next Year:	2020

"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] 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 (2020)! scope="col"

Peak position
Australia (ARIA)^[12]	65
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)^[13]	11

Notes and References

1. Web site: Powell. Jon. 2020-03-25. Joyner Lucas channels "Will" in new music video. 2020-08-11. Revolt.
2. Web site: The social experiment 'ADHD' is a noteworthy debut for Joyner Lucas. 2020-08-11. The Miami Student.
3. Web site: Allen. Joseph. 26 March 2020. Joyner Lucas Didn't Expect Will Smith to Respond to His New Song "Will". 2020-08-11. Distractify.
4. Web site: Joyner Lucas Serves up Big Willie Style in Visual for "Will". 2020-08-11. Hypebeast. 26 March 2020 .
5. Web site: Ketchum III. William E.. 2020-03-26. Will Smith Praises Joyner Lucas For "Will" Music Video. 2020-08-11. Vibe.
6. Kaufman. Gil. 2020-03-26. Joyner Lucas Transforms Into The Fresh Prince and a Bad Boy in 'Will' Tribute Video. 2020-08-11. Billboard.
7. Web site: Moorwood. Victoria. 2020-03-26. Will Smith co-signs Joyner Lucas' "Will" video. 2020-08-11. Revolt.
8. Web site: Bonner. Michael. 2020-03-26. Will Smith shouts out Joyner Lucas after rapper releases 'Will'. 2020-08-11. Masslive.
9. Lamarre. Carl. 2020-04-08. Will Smith Can't Stop Watching Joyner Lucas' 'Will' Video: 'This Will Be My Ninth Time'. 2020-08-11. Billboard.
10. Web site: Price. Joe. People Are Loving Will Smith's Remix of Joyner Lucas' "Will". 2020-08-11. Complex.
11. Kaufman. Gil. 2020-05-15. What's Better Than Joyner Lucas' 'Will?' A Remix With the Fresh Prince Himself. 2020-08-11. Billboard.
12. The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 25 May 2020. Australian Recording Industry Association. 1577. May 25, 2020.
13. Web site: April 6, 2020. NZ Hot Singles Chart. April 6, 2020. Recorded Music NZ.