Will Smith concert in Monaco

Before he became a global movie star, Will Smith was already a household name thanks to his groundbreaking career in music.

As one half of the iconic duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, and later as a solo artist, Smith brought a unique blend of humor, storytelling, and infectious beats to hip-hop, helping to shape the genre’s more accessible and mainstream side during its formative years.

On 2 August, Will Smith, movie star and rap pioneer recipient of several Grammy Awards, puts on a whirlwind show displaying class and rhythm. A unique performance by a charismatic artist.  

Since 2006, the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival has brought together the greatest names in the history of music, which have built the international reputation of Salle des Etoiles. With rock, pop and, for the first time in its history, electro, the line-up for this 2025 edition, proposed by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and its artistic Director Alfonso Ciulla, once again targets an eclectic audience.

Practical information:

• Date: 2 August 2025
• Price: Dinner-show – 490 euros
• Location: Salle des Etoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo, 26 Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco
• Information and reservations: +377 98 06 36 36 / ticketoffice@sbm.mc

Will Smith: The Feel-Good King of Hip-Hop and Pop

Will Smith’s musical journey began in the mid-1980s when he teamed up with childhood friend DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jeff Townes). Together they formed DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, a duo that quickly stood out for their lighthearted, family-friendly, and highly relatable lyrics. While much of hip-hop at the time focused on gritty street stories, Will Smith brought a refreshing comedic and charismatic style that resonated with young listeners.

Their debut hit “Girls Ain’t Nothing But Trouble” (1986) marked the beginning of their success, but it was “Parents Just Don’t Understand” (1988) that became their breakthrough. The song won the very first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989, making history and bringing rap into mainstream awards shows. They followed this success with the smash hit “Summertime”, which remains one of the most beloved summer anthems to this day thanks to its smooth groove and laid-back storytelling.

In the mid-1990s, after starring in the hit TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Smith successfully transitioned into a solo music career. His 1997 debut solo album Big Willie Style featured chart-topping hits like “Gettin’ Jiggy wit It”, “Miami”, and “Just the Two of Us”. The album was a commercial juggernaut, going multi-platinum and showing that Smith could dominate both music and Hollywood at the same time. His music during this era was marked by positive vibes, catchy hooks, and a party-ready energy that made him a staple on radio and MTV.

Smith also mastered the art of blending music with his blockbuster films. Songs like “Men in Black” and “Wild Wild West” not only served as movie soundtracks but also became hits in their own right. His ability to write songs that could stand alone yet enhance the pop culture appeal of his movies set him apart.

Will Smith’s music may not have been the most lyrically complex, but it excelled in what it aimed to do: entertain, uplift, and connect with a wide audience. His songs were about fun, relationships, family, and good times — all delivered with his signature charm and a touch of humor.

Though he has since focused primarily on acting, Smith’s musical legacy still holds strong. His tracks continue to be played at parties, barbecues, and retro-themed nights, reminding listeners of an era when hip-hop was fun, inclusive, and irresistibly catchy.