The Evolution of Will Smith: From ‘The Fresh Prince’ to ‘Bad Boys For Life’ (Photos)

The Oscar-nominated actor reunites with Martin Lawrence in the sequel to the blockbuster action franchise opening this weekend

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Getty

Long before he became an awards season darling and box office king, Will Smith was a successful rapper. From his early days in Philadelphia, TheWrap looks back at the Fresh Prince’s versatile career.

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Getty Images

Fresh Prince (1985)
A 17-year-old Will Smith met Jeff Townes by chance and the two ended up forming a hip-hop duo called DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince.

 

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Getty Images

First Grammy (1989)
DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince received their first ever Grammy Award for “Parents Just Don’t Understand” in 1989.

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NBC

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)
After the IRS came after Will Smith for underpaid taxes, the rapper was nearly bankrupt.

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