Page 34 - Will Smith: A Biography of a Rapper Turned Movie Star

Will Smith
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Street” pays tribute to Jeff ’s favorite horror movie series,
Nightmare on Elm Street. Both songs were released as singles
in 1988. “Parents Just Don’t Understand” reached number 12
on Billboard magazine’s Top 100 list, and “Nightmare on My
Street” got as high as number 15 that summer.12
He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper surpassed Rock the House,
selling more than 3 million copies.13 Smith and Townes,
with their first Platinum Record, were rich. They were
also creative businessmen, starting their own 900 telephone
line. Fans paid roughly $2.45 to call the 900 number and
hear the taped voices of Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.
The duo would discuss subjects such as plans for new
records, upcoming concert dates, and maybe some
personal gossip.14
In 1989 they released their third album, And in This
Corner . . . , featuring the party rap that DJ Jazzy Jeff and
Fresh Prince had become known for. The most-played cut
from the album was “I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson,” a
fantasy in which Will takes on Tyson, who was the world
heavyweight boxing champion. Of course, Will loses the
match as soon as Tyson hits him with his first punch.
In early 1989 Will Smith was twenty years old. But
unlike most twenty-year-olds, Smith was a millionaire. The
rappers’ 900 telephone line alone brought in over $10
million.15 Record sales only added to his wealth.
Unlike many millionaires, who work for years to
earn their fortune, Smith and Townes had earned theirs
in a very short time. They were young and immature