Ye Praises Will Smith in Rare Social Media Tribute Amid Ongoing Feuds

Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, briefly stepped away from his string of online feuds this week to share an unexpected moment of admiration for actor and musician Will Smith.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, April 1, the rapper reposted a viral video of Smith freestyling over Griselda’s 2019 track “Dr. Birds” for Lyrical Lemonade, describing the performance as inspirational.

“Will Smith is one of my biggest inspirations,” Ye wrote. “This ni**a really became the biggest movie star in the world. Married the baddest actress. Raised brilliant children. And still got that drive.”

The post stood out as a rare show of appreciation amid Ye’s recent pattern of public criticism toward former collaborators, family members, and fellow artists.

Praise Amid Controversy

The unexpected shoutout comes days after Ye’s controversial appearance on an interview with DJ Akademiks, during which he criticized a wide range of industry figures including JAY-Z, Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, John Legend, and others.

Addressing JAY-Z directly, Ye aired grievances over a lack of personal support:
“JAY-Z, Beyoncé, you ain’t help me when I was having problems with my kids… You ain’t show up to my first wedding. You ain’t my family.”

Ye also accused Kendrick Lamar of borrowing elements from his 2016 album The Life of Pablo for Lamar’s 2022 project Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, citing similarities in sound and structure.

Will Smith Finds Support in Hip-Hop Peers

Meanwhile, Will Smith, who recently released his new album Based on a True Story, revealed in interviews that both Lamar and JAY-Z served as mentors during the creative process. According to Smith, the two hip-hop heavyweights pushed him to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in his music.

“Say that sht you’ve always been fu**ing scared to say,”* Smith recalled Lamar telling him, while JAY-Z reportedly advised, “Be true to your story. Don’t fake it.”

Smith’s comeback album, released on March 28, features collaborations with Big Sean, Russ, Teyana Taylor, and his son Jaden Smith.

His freestyle for Lyrical Lemonade, now known as the “Lunch Break Freestyle,” has gone viral, showcasing Smith’s still-sharp lyrical skills and prompting admiration from unlikely sources—including Ye.