Will Smith

The rap debut that topped global charts while defining Agent J's cinematic introduction.

Will Smith stars as Agent J in the 1997 film "Men in Black," a role that launched his transition from rap star to major movie lead. Released by Columbia Records on June 3, 1997, the song of the same name served as the lead single for both the film's soundtrack and Smith's debut solo album, Big Willie Style. Produced by the duo Poke and Tone, the track heavily samples Patrice Rushen's "Forget Me Nots" and features Coko from SWV on the chorus. The song reached number one in multiple countries including Australia, France, Germany, and the UK, winning Smith a Grammy Award in 1998 for Best Rap Solo Performance.

Quick Facts

Character portrayed: Agent J
First appearance: Men in Black (1997)
Key partnership: Coko (SWV) for chorus and background vocals

Lore & Background

The production of "Men in Black" began when Steve Stoute and Tommy Mottola approached producers Samuel Barnes and Jean-Claude Olivier to work with Smith. Initially reluctant due to questions about Smith's musical relevance, the duo changed their perspective after a direct phone call and meeting, forming a close working relationship that extended to Big Willie Style. Interestingly, Barnes and Olivier admitted they did not fully understand the film's concept or the song's specific lyrics regarding Agent J's duties until watching the movie in full. Lyrically, Smith adopts the persona of Agent J to discuss the Men in Black's function, while Coko provides the backing vocals. The accompanying music video, directed by Robert Caruso, features Smith dancing with an alien named Mikey and includes a modified Electric Slide routine where the alien eventually slips away.

Reader's Guide

Critics praised the track for its clever charm rather than hardcore lyricism. Larry Flick of Billboard noted it would be an "outta-da-box smasheroo," while Music & Media highlighted how Smith built his raps on Rushen's hook in an "instantly appealing way." Although it did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100 due to a lack of commercial single release in the US, it topped airplay charts and reached number one in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the UK. The song was also included in the 1999 album All Time Greatest Movie Songs by Sony and featured after the end credits of the VHS release. It has since been covered by Forever the Sickest Kids for Punk Goes Crunk & and by Alvin and the Chipmunks on The A-Files: Alien Songs.