In West Philadelphia, the birthplace of actor and musician Will Smith, a street has been officially renamed as Will Smith Way. This change was celebrated on Wednesday during a ceremony attended by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and various city leaders, marking a significant tribute to the Oscar and Grammy-winning artist.

The street that now carries Smith's name is located next to Overbrook High School, where he spent his formative years. At the ceremony, Smith expressed his love and connection to Philadelphia, stating, “Philly, I love you. I am yours. You are mine.” His heartfelt remarks highlighted the values instilled in him by his parents, emphasizing the importance of hard work and education in achieving success.

Smith reflected on his upbringing, sharing the lessons he learned from the streets of Philadelphia. He noted, “Nobody gets an easy ride,” underscoring the work ethic that was a vital part of his journey from a local youth to a worldwide star in the entertainment industry. His comments resonated with the crowd, many of whom had witnessed his evolution from an aspiring rapper to a household name.

Among the attendees was a former teacher who played a pivotal role in his early life, being the first to call Smith "Prince Charming," a moniker that later inspired the title of his iconic 1990s television series, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." During his speech, Smith reminisced about how the name "The Fresh Prince" was created in that very building, revealing that he tweaked it by adding "fresh" to take advantage of the hip-hop slang prevalent during that era.

As Smith’s career continues to evolve, he is set to release his fifth studio album titled “Based on a True Story” this Friday, marking his return to music after a two-decade hiatus since his last project, “Lost and Found.” This new album is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, showcasing his enduring talent as a musician.

Throughout his career, Will Smith has won Grammy Awards for hit songs such as “Summertime,” “Men In Black,” “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” and “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” In addition to his musical accomplishments, he has starred in blockbuster films such as “Bad Boys,” “Men in Black,” and “King Richard,” further establishing himself as a versatile performer in both music and acting.