As Smith remembers in a YouTube video, following his IRS points and dropping tens of millions on frivolous spending sprees, he was inspired by his girlfriend on the time to, “simply go stand round at ‘The Arsenio Corridor Present.'” That unlikely tactic labored. Smith met file government Benny Medina on the present, who pitched him the thought for “The Contemporary Prince” and launched him to legendary music producer Quincy Jones. Jones was set to supply the collection and clearly noticed Smith’s potential as a non-threatening rapper who might carry hip-hop tradition to the lots in a family-friendly kind.

That each one led to at least one night time when Smith’s life would change. In his memoir, “Will,” (by way of Self-importance Honest), the actor remembers attending a celebration at Jones’ home earlier than “The Contemporary Prince” had been greenlit. The producer had invited the highest brass at NBC, together with then-network head Brandon Tartikoff and his second-in-command, Warren Littlefield. As Smith remembers it, Jones actually got here up with the thought to base “The Contemporary Prince” on Smith’s background on the spot:

“‘The place you from?’ Quincy mentioned. ‘Philly,’ I mentioned with the requisite swag and satisfaction that Philadelphians use to ensure you know that our metropolis is best than yours. ‘Ah, man, I really like Philly!’ […] ‘OK, that is it, it is excellent: Your character’s from Philly. Will from Philly! Then he goes to Bel-Air!'”

Jones then launched Smith to Tartikoff earlier than saying, “Can I’ve everyone’s consideration? […] We gon’ have a audition. Clear the furnishings out the lounge!” To Smith’s shock, he was now being requested to audition for the pinnacle of NBC in the midst of a celebration with zero prep time. Unsurprisingly he was stunned and requested Jones for a while to organize. However the producer wasn’t having it.