Why Will Smith Was Invited to Participate in J Balvin’s Coachella Set
“I felt his pain because I was going through a similar situation when I felt that some part of the world was against me for mistakes,” Balvin stated.
J Balvin and Will Smith share a unique bond. The “Mi Gente” singer, 39, explained why he was so excited to have Smith, 55, in his Coachella set in April in a recent Rolling Stone interview that was released on Tuesday, August 13.
“My inner child was screaming to have him in my show because there was no one better than him,” he stated to the publication.
The 1997 hit song “Men in Black” from the movie of the same name was performed by the Oscar winner when Balvin invited Smith out onstage for his alien-themed UFO show at Coachella.
Smith rapped in character as Agent J from the film as the two danced side by side in the iconic motions from the song.
Balvin claims that he had to work hard to get Smith to come on stage with him, but he persisted until the actor agreed.
“I shared my vision with him. Please give me a week, he said. And I didn’t stop pushing, dude,” he uttered. “I kept sending him pictures of me praying, until he called and said he was down, and it was a beautiful moment to see us together, man.” Additionally, Balvin disclosed that he considers Smith to be his “idol” and that he feels “connected” to him.
“Will Smith has always been one of my biggest idols,” the man stated. Clearly.I have a strong emotional bond with him. You can’t hold someone accountable for their faults.”
After Smith smacked Chris Rock in 2022 over the host’s remark about his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith, he was barred from the Oscars for ten years. In the months that followed the incident, Balvin admitted to the source that he could relate to the King Richard star’s feelings.
“A mistake cannot define who you are because if it’s like that, we all are bad,” he stated.
“[Will Smith’s] experience made me feel bad for him because I was going through a similar thing where I thought the world was against me for my mistakes,” Balvin continued.
The 2021 music video for “Perra,” featuring Tokischa, that caused controversy and charges of “misogynoir” due to its portrayals of Black women on leashes, is most likely the one the Colombian singer is referencing.
In an Instagram Story at the time, Balvin expressed his regret for the video, writing, “I want to say sorry to whomever felt offended, especially to the Black community.” That isn’t my identity.
Balvin told Rolling Stone that he believes Smith and himself are now in better places.”I’m happy right now for his new season, too,” he replied. “As I’m having a new season, he’s having his new season, and I salute that.”
