I Am Will Smith

I Am Will Smith

By GARRETT CARLSON

Asst. Arts Editor

Pac. Biggie. West. Smith?

Yeah, I said it. I included Will Smith with some of the best MCs of this generation. Sure, 50 Cent's rap career may benefit from being shot multiple times and not dying (unlike the record sales from his latest release, Curtis), but Smith's back story is just as violent and immersive.

It all starts in West Philadelphia, where Smith was born and raised. Oftentimes it was the playground where he would spend most of his days, just chilling out, relaxing, being all cool, and occasionally shooting some b-ball outside the local high school. But one time due to some gang violence, a fight broke out, and Smith's mother got scared and informed him that he would be moving with his "auntie" to a small suburban town named Bel Air.

So how did this move affect his rap career to make him into the greatest MC of all time? It's easy. Once Smith realized that the older folks just didn't understand, he released the scathing rap that would make Eazy-E queezy, "Parent's Just Don't Understand." His relatable rhymes caught on with crowds nationwide, while his ability to rap without cursing brought young kids to his shows.

Trendsetter may be the best word to describe Smith. While other rappers were still trying to out-rap Smith, he continued his trendsetting ways by releasing "Summertime," the original club bumper. It features a technique used in most rap videos seen today with a party and plenty of scantily clad frolicking women in the sun.

Like all great rap artists though, Smith wanted to go out on top, and that he did shortly after the release of "Summertime."

Also like most great rap artists, Smith staged a comeback. But unlike most (Jay Z, I may never forgive you for the travesty that is Kingdom Come), he returned with a new fire, unlike anything seen before in the rap game. His comeback was where he defined himself as the greatest MC of all time.

Most artists can claim that they popularized a dance move. Usher can say he popularized the thunder clap. Soulja Boy can claim he popularized the "Soulja Boy Dance." Kanye West can claim he popularized the hissy fit after losing at every major award show.

But those artists have one move. Smith has three.

Smith let us "get jiggy with it." Smith made us switch. Most importantly, Smith made us "nod our head." Not only was it a catchy dance move, but it also was a great warning for people who were unaware the black suits were coming.

So maybe the dance moves he created aren't the best example of him being the greatest MC ever, but what about his ability to write about anything and make it credible?

Smith has the ability to rhyme not only about what's going on right now, but also about looking into our past and future by becoming completely different characters.

Maybe you have heard of Jim West aka "desperado," aka "rough rider," aka "someone you don't want none of." Or what about time traveler Willenium? Let's just say on Will2K, Smith let us peek into the future, and I must say, the future sounds good.

While Kanye West seems too mentioned as the cockiest rapper in the game right now, it's hard to deny the cockiness Smith brought to the table in his rhymes.

"In the middle of the club with the rub-a-dub, unh/No love for the haters, the haters/Mad cause I got floor seats at the Lakers/See me on the fifty yard line with the Raiders/Met Ali he told me I'm the greatest."

West might get to hang out with Daft Punk, but he probably wishes he had a fifty yard line for the Raiders like Smith. Hell, Smith even lets everyone know that he is the greatest according to the "Official of Greatness Decider," Muhammed Ali.

Think you're good at beer pong? Think again. Smith is the greatest. Think you are good at kite flying? Wrong. Smith is the greatest. Ali told him, so it's all true.

Smith prides himself on his inabilities as well. His inability to swear may have brought some criticism from fellow rapper, Eminem, but Smith actually got the last laugh in this rap feud. Remember all those rumors about Eminem coming out with a new record? Smith heard, realized it was terrible and "Neuralized" everyone involved to make sure it never saw the light of day. Take that Marshall.

False retirement? Check. Dance moves? Check. Cockiness? Check. Rap feud victory? Check.

While people may claim Kanye, 50, or even Luda to be the best rappers in the game, it's fairly obvious who the answer is. In the end, it's only Will Smith.

E-mail: gmc27@buffalo.edu