Motivational Thursday.

Do you want to laugh? OK, here I go: Did you know that most people in this world only recognize Will Smith as an old-school actor? And in a few years, people will only remember him for slapping that one comedian. But the real OGs, like myself, know he started as a rapper—winning the first-ever hip-hop Grammy.

These days, Will is still rapping, but it seems like he does it with more purpose. In many of his songs, he talks about growth and how he’s feeling increasingly comfortable in his own skin. In his latest single, “BEAUTIFUL SCARS” with Big Sean, he continues that theme.

“BEAUTIFUL SCARS” is driven by a monumental, almost award-like instrumental that should accompany rounds of applause and victory champagne. Over it, we get uplifting verses from Will Smith and Big Sean, in which they reflect on their journeys and emphasize the importance of faith. While Will sounds like a 2010 version of Rick Ross on the track (I’m pretty sure he didn’t write his verse), Sean stays true to his laidback, quirky style. Rounding things out is OBanga, who delivers a heartfelt chorus that didn’t quite hit the mark for me but still adds emotion to the equation.

I’m one of those people who doesn’t want to see Will Smith make a rap comeback (Respectfully). Props to him, though.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.