Someone achieving stardom in either music or film is rare enough; making it to the top at these two entertainment industries is rarer still. Will Smith, however, continues to excel at both, raking in rave reviews for his films and award nominations for his music. The fact that he's been at his career for two and a half decades only makes his resume seem all the more impressive.

Will Smith, The Fresh Prince

"With the loss of Biggie and Tupac, the industry is ready for a change. I'm just feeling good to be part of the renaissance."

Someone achieving stardom in either music or film is rare enough; making it to the top at these two entertainment industries is rarer still. Will Smith, however, continues to excel at both, raking in rave reviews for his films and award nominations for his music. The fact that he's been at his career for two and a half decades only makes his resume seem all the more impressive.

Will Smith Becomes the Prince

Born Willard Christopher Smith, Jr. in Philadelphia in 1968, Smith's nickname came way before his music career, having been given to him very early in his academic life. He had gotten started with rap by his high school years at West Philadelphia's Overbrook High School, where he met Jeff Townes - then more widely known as DJ Jazzy Jeff.

The two met at a party but soon got together more often, eventually forming the DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince act (along with beat boxer Clarence Holmes, a.k.a. Ready Rock C) in 1985. After bagging a deal with local Word Up Records, the trio quickly became known for their lighter, more narrative raps that were free of profanity. Their 1986 debut Rock the House didn't take long to sell 300,000 copies.

He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper, their follow-up album from 1988, cemented the act's career as recording artists. Lead single Parents Just Don't Understand earned them much air time on MTV, as well as their first Grammy for Best Hip-Hop/Rap Song - the first one ever awarded.

Will Smith Crosses the Media Bridge

Despite the commercial success of their third LP, And in This Corner