Page 38 - Will Smith: A Biography of a Rapper Turned Movie Star

Will Smith
38
movie about two teenage rappers who throw a party for
their friends while their parents are out of town. The
soundtrack for House Party is filled with rap music and
dancing. After seriously considering the offer, Smith and
Townes turned it down. Smith wanted his first acting role to
be a more serious one. He also wanted to prove that he was
versatile and that he did not have to be cast as a party rapper.
The rap duo Kid’n Play starred in House Party, which
turned out to be a huge hit with moviegoers when it opened
in 1990. It seemed that Smith had missed out on a wonderful
opportunity. Still, something even better was waiting for
him just around the corner.
At that time, the African-American comedian Arsenio
Hall was the host of a nighttime talk show. One night Hall
devoted his program to the life and career of Quincy Jones, the
multitalented musician, composer, and record producer.
While Smith was not asked to appear on the air, he was invited
to join the cast and crew at a party celebrating Jones backstage.
Smith saw this celebration as more than a chance to
party. It was a great opportunity to network—that is, to meet
others in the field who might help with his career. For
Smith, this networking paid off big time. One of the party
guests was record executive Benny Medina.
Medina had an idea for a television show based on his
life. Medina’s father had walked out on his family when
Benny was very small. Tragedy struck when Benny’s mother
died suddenly. There were no relatives to care for Benny, so
he was placed in various foster homes over the years.