Ye Counts Will Smith Among ‘Biggest Inspirations,’ Says He ‘Still Got That Drive’

Will Smith has a fan in Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.

Amid his wild tangents on X on Tuesday, the rapper-producer complimented the Academy Award winner, reposting a clip of Smith rapping over 2019 Griselda track “Dr. Birds.”

“Will Smith is one of my biggest inspirations,” Ye tweeted. “This n***a really became the biggest movie star in the world Married the baddest actress Raised brilliant children And still got that drive.”

Ye hasn’t been much for giving celebrities their flowers lately, dissing Frank Ocean, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar just this week.

But Smith looked to Kendrick along with Jay-Z for advice on how to approach his comeback album, Based on a True Story. According to the actor-rapper, K.Dot implored him to “say that shit you’ve always been fucking scared to say” and “be honest.”

“Make the record you want to make. Don’t try to make the record that you think people will like you for. Make the one that’s authentic,” Smith said around the 43-minute mark of Sway in the Morning below.

Ye, however, could still be a fan of Smith’s fifth solo album, which he dropped on Friday. Among the features are Big Sean, Russ, Teyana Taylor, and Smith’s youngest son, Jaden.