Will Smith recently opened up about one of the most haunting and surreal experiences of his life during an interview on the Broken Record Podcast. The actor, who has had a storied career in Hollywood and music, revealed a chilling coincidence involving two music legends: The Notorious B.I.G. and Prince. Both artists, who are widely regarded as two of the most influential figures in their respective genres, died just hours after Smith met or spoke with them. This revelation left listeners stunned and sparked a deeper conversation about life’s unpredictable nature and the fragility of human connection.
The story began when podcast host Justin Richmond asked Smith about a rumor related to his encounters with the two late icons. Smith hesitated at first, describing the experience as a “terrible jinx” he didn’t even want to acknowledge out loud. He then shared that he had met The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace, just four hours before the rapper’s tragic murder in 1997. Similarly, Smith had a conversation with Prince eight hours before the music legend’s accidental death in 2016. “I don’t know what that says about me,” Smith said, reflecting on the eerie timing of these events. Richmond tried to reassure him, suggesting that such coincidences are inevitable when someone has had as many experiences as Smith has. However, Smith couldn’t resist jokingly warning, “Don’t call me!”
The death of The Notorious B.I.G. remains one of the most infamous unsolved murders in music history. He was gunned down in Los Angeles after attending a Vibe Magazine party on March 9, 1997. This senseless killing came just six months after the murder of Tupac Shakur, another rap legend, in Las Vegas. At the time, Smith was already an established actor and rapper, and the loss of these two figures deeply affected him. He admitted that Biggie’s death brought him to tears and left him “scared,” as the violence seemed to hit close to home. The East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry, which had fueled tensions between rappers from different coasts, began to dissolve in the aftermath of Biggie’s death, as the tragedy served as a wake-up call for the music industry.
When Smith spoke with Prince in 2016, he was nearing the height of his fame, having been a household name for decades. Prince, who is widely celebrated as one of the most innovative and influential musicians of all time, reached out to Smith with an exciting proposal. He wanted to start an entertainment company with Smith and Jay-Z, and he had already discussed the idea with Jay-Z. The conversation that night was filled with promise, but by the next morning, Prince was gone. He had passed away from an accidental fentanyl overdose, leaving the world in shock. For Smith, the loss of Prince was another painful reminder of how quickly life can change.
Smith’s reflections on these experiences are deeply personal and thought-provoking. He seems to grapple with the idea of coincidences and the weight of these moments in his life. While Richmond tried to reassure him that such events are simply a result of the many experiences Smith has had, the actor couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more profound at play. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. It also highlights the profound impact that both Biggie and Prince had on music and culture, as their legacies continue to inspire and influence new generations of artists and fans alike.
As Smith promotional his first solo album in 20 years, Based on a True Story, which is set to release in March, his reflections on these experiences take on a new significance. The album, which marks his return to music after two decades, is a testament to his enduring creativity and passion for storytelling. Through his music and his acting career, Smith has always sought to connect with audiences on a deeper level, and his recent revelations offer a glimpse into the personal and emotional journey that has shaped him as an artist and a person. While the timing of his encounters with Biggie and Prince may seem like a tragic coincidence, it underscores the interconnectedness of life and the unexpected ways in which we can touch the lives of others.
