Will Smith has officially released his new reworked hip-hop version of the classic Aladdin song “Friend Like Me”, which is featured in Guy Richie‘s upcoming live-action remake of the beloved 1992 Disney film. In the new remake, Smith plays a “hip-hop version” of the Genie, the character played by the late Robin Williams in the original 1992 cartoon feature.
Smith recruited DJ Khaled on the new version of “Friend Like Me”, as the veteran actor/rapper steps back into the hip-hop world, bringing back memories of Smith’s Big Willie Style days. The new track features a beautiful sitar lick woven together with a hard-hitting bass hook and a silky-smooth flute work as the rappers toss lyrics back and forth.
Listen to Will Smith’s new version of “Friend Like Me” featuring DJ Khaled below:
Will Smith ft. DJ Khaled – “Friend Like Me”
[Audio: DisneyMusicVEVO]
The remake of Aladdin, which is set for release this Friday, also stars Mena Massoud in the title role, along with Naomi Scott (Jasmine), Marwan Kenzari (Jafar), Billy Magnussen (Prince Anders), Nasim Pedrad (Dalia), and many others.
The film’s description reads, “A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, Aladdin is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future.”
Ahead of the film’s forthcoming worldwide release, fans can watch the official trailer for Aladdin below:
Disney’s Aladdin [Trailer]
[Video: Walt Disney Studios]