Will Smith Remembers Encounters with Biggie
Will Smith Says He Was One Of Last To Speak To Prince And Notorious B.I.G. Before They Died

Source: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty
Will Smith Reflects on Encounters with Biggie and Prince Before Their Tragic Deaths
In a deeply emotional reflection, Will Smith recently opened up about his encounters with two iconic figures in music, The Notorious B.I.G. and Prince, shortly before their untimely deaths. These meetings, which happened just hours before their passing, have left an indelible mark on Smith, who has long been a part of the entertainment world.
Smith recalls his meeting with Biggie occurring just four hours before the rap legend’s tragic shooting in 1997. The loss of Biggie, he explains, was a heart-wrenching moment, especially in light of the senseless violence that has plagued the hip-hop community. Smith spoke candidly about how the violence in the music industry and the loss of such a talented artist had a profound impact on him, fueling a deep emotional distress.
But Biggie wasn’t the only star Smith had a chance to connect with before their death. Just eight hours before Prince’s passing in 2016, the two had a conversation that left Smith reflecting on the unpredictability of life. During their meeting, Prince proposed a business idea to Smith and fellow mogul Jay-Z: starting an entertainment company together. Unfortunately, Prince’s sudden and tragic death cut that dream short, leaving Smith with both a sense of unfinished potential and the weight of the loss of one of music’s most visionary artists.
As Smith promotes his first album in over 20 years, “Based on a True Story,” he’s using these deeply personal experiences to connect with his fans. The album, which marks his return to the music scene after a two-decade hiatus, is being released at a time when Smith is reflecting on the legacies of these influential figures and the lessons they imparted, both musically and personally.
Smith’s reflections on his encounters with Biggie and Prince serve as a poignant reminder of how fragile life can be and how the impact of an artist extends far beyond their music.
Source: Billboard.com