7 Reasons Will Smith Will Always Be the King of Funky Music Videos
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Will Smith turns 46 today, and we're celebrating by looking back on the multitalented performer's best music videos. It's been years since he put out a music video, but classics like "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" never go out of style — just ask Alfonso Ribeiro — even when giant blue sweatsuits do. Prepare to be entertained, because these are gems. Happy birthday, Will Smith, and thanks for all the good times! Source: NBC
"Parents Just Don't Understand"
Smith recorded his first hit as The Fresh Prince when he was still hanging with DJ Jazzy Jeff. The 1989 graffiti-splattered video is a classic, and the song remains a teenage anthem for disillusioned youth everywhere.
"Summertime"
This 1991 jam also included DJ Jazzy Jeff, and the video is so, so '90s. It's fun seeing Smith chillin' at a block party before his videos upped the production value considerably.
"Men in Black"
When you sign Will Smith for a movie, you don't just get an amazing action star, you get a bona fide rap star to provide a catchy song for your soundtrack. Smith's 1997 alien film became a big hit at the box office, and his complementary song was arguably just as popular.
"Gettin' Jiggy Wit It"
Is there anything better than Smith's amazing getups in the video for "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It"? In less than four short minutes, he sports some kind of velvet suit, a giant astronaut-like blue sweatsuit, a cheap Egyptian pharaoh outfit, and an oversize colorful tropical suit. Answer: no. It's the best.
"Just the Two of Us"
A departure from Smith's usual bumping beats, "Just the Two of Us" is a slow jam about the rapper's relationship with his son. I love that his son Trey stars in the video, and I still tear up at the thought of Smith and his kid building castles in the sky.
"Miami"
I'm not exaggerating when I say my best friend and I have an entire choreographed dance to Smith's 1998 single "Miami." This video features sun, sand, and lots of tanned ladies partying "'till the break of dawn." There's even an appearance by the then-unknown Eva Mendes, who would later go on to star with Smith in Hitch.
"Wild Wild West"
Smith brings the wild back to the West in the theatrical video for the No. 1 hit that went along with his 1999 action film. Costars Salma Hayek and Kevin Kline get in on the action in addition to Stevie Wonder, Enrique Iglesias, Sisqó, and even Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Alfonso Ribeiro.