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Will Smith puts a hip-hop spin on "Friend Like Me" for Aladdin.
: Initial reactions were mixed due to the iconic nature of Robin Williams' original performance. However, many critics and fans praised Smith for making the role his own by leaning into his hip-hop roots rather than attempting a direct imitation.
: Smith revealed that he found his "spin" on the character by sampling the drum beat from the Honeydrippers' "Impeach the President," allowing him to deliver a "Fresh Prince-style" flow. Will Smith - Friend Like Me (from Aladdin)
: A rap-heavy remix featuring DJ Khaled .
The 2019 Aladdin soundtrack features multiple variations of the track: Will Smith puts a hip-hop spin on "Friend
: The song was certified Platinum by the RIAA in the United States and Gold in the United Kingdom. As of late 2025, it has accumulated over 200 million plays on Spotify.
: The primary film version used during the Genie's introduction. : Smith revealed that he found his "spin"
: While the original version by Robin Williams was a big band/swing number, Smith's rendition infuses modern hip-hop and rap elements.
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