In a recent podcast interview, Hollywood star Will Smith shared two of the most unsettling personal experiences of his life. He revealed that he met the Notorious B.I.G. just hours before the rapper's tragic death and had a conversation with Prince shortly before the musician passed away. These encounters left Smith feeling both honored and haunted by the coincidences. The actor also mentioned a business proposal from Prince involving Jay-Z, which never came to fruition due to Prince's untimely passing. Despite the eerie nature of these events, Smith expressed gratitude for having crossed paths with such influential figures.

Unfortunate Coincidence: Meeting Biggie Hours Before His Death

Smith recounted a chilling encounter with the Notorious B.I.G., where he spent time with the rapper only to learn of his death hours later. This meeting occurred during a pivotal moment in hip-hop history, as tensions between East Coast and West Coast rappers were at an all-time high. The actor was visibly moved by this memory, acknowledging the emotional impact it had on him.

The incident took place in Los Angeles after a Vibe Magazine event on March 9, 1997. Smith reflected on the gravity of the situation, noting that Biggie's death not only shocked the music industry but also brought an end to the long-standing rivalry between East and West Coast artists. The actor admitted that the sudden loss of Biggie left him feeling vulnerable and questioning the safety of his own career in rap. He described how the tragedy resonated deeply with him, especially considering the similar fate of Tupac Shakur just six months prior. The parallels between these events added to the haunting nature of his experience.

Unexpected Conversation: Speaking with Prince Before His Passing

Years later, Smith found himself in another unexpected encounter, this time with Prince. The musician reached out to Smith with a bold idea for an entertainment company, involving Smith, Prince, and Jay-Z. Their conversation took place on the evening before Prince's untimely death, leaving Smith to ponder the significance of their interaction.

Prince's proposal included plans for a collaborative venture that could have reshaped the entertainment landscape. However, the following morning, news broke that Prince had passed away due to an accidental fentanyl overdose. Smith expressed a mix of disbelief and sorrow over the loss, reflecting on the irony of their brief yet impactful discussion. He joked about being a harbinger of misfortune, though he acknowledged that such coincidences are inevitable given the breadth of his experiences. The actor also highlighted the profound respect he held for Prince's visionary ideas and lamented the missed opportunity to collaborate with one of the greatest musical minds of his generation.