Will Smith thanked DJ Khaled for reworking ‘Friend Like Me’ for the ‘Aladdin’ soundtrack, which earned him his first Oscar

Listen to Will Smith and DJ Khaled’s rap rendition of Aladdin’s “Friend Like Me” here.

Guy Ritchie’s live-action remake of Smith’s iconic 1992 animated picture Genie hits theaters on Friday, May 24. Robin Williams’ role as the Genie in the 1992 picture cemented his fame. Director Bilall Fallah, DJ Khaled, Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, and Nicky… News photo, Getty Images.

Smith performs the ballad “Friend Like Me,” written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, in the new film. Aladdin’s new soundtrack has that rendition of “Friend Like Me” as well as a Khaled-led “End Title.”

DJ Khaled’s severe role in Bad Boys For Life is revealed by Will Smith – Metro NewsWill Smith and DJ Khaled attended the premiere of “Bad Boys 3” in Miami on January 12, 2020. – Purepeople

Listen to “Friend Like Me” without Khaled.

 

In a press release, Smith stated that he wanted to change the song when he first walked into the studio to record the Khaled-featuring version of “Friend Like Me.” After 30 minutes in the studio, the song and BPM of 94/96 were played. Old school hip hop has that BPM range.

I then layered the breakbeat underneath The Honey Drippers’ “Impeach Your President”. I tried it. I also tried “I Know You Got Soul” by Erik B. & Rakim for “Friend Like Me.” Thinking, “Oh my God, I’m home.” I dabbled with hip-hop, and the Genie sprang from the music.

Khaled’s highly anticipated new album, “Father of Asahd,” was released last week.