Will Smith’s New York Times Best Selling memoir WILL has been making the news since its release. He had a sit down with Oprah where he revealed details of his open marriage with Jada Pinkett. He also addresses the tumultuous relationship he had with his father and his role in being a father to his children.
One of the hidden stories in the book is the time he was approached by an “Infamous LA gangbanger” who was notorious for “shakedowns, extortion and charging fees for protection” from movie stars and musicians.
The message read, ‘I need a cut of that Will Smith business” were the words of a letter he received during the heyday of the Fresh Prince Of Bel Air.
His manager JL received the message and decided not to respond.
Will, who is from Philadelphia confessed that the LA environment seemed uncertain for him then because the worst neighborhoods “have green grass and palm trees”.
“We had heard stories about this dude. He would just take people’s money, force them to sign over their publishing, and strong-arming people throughout the industry. We were new to LA and we did not want trouble but if trouble wanted us we would were right here”, he said.
“It felt dangerous and confusing,” he continued.
After receiving the fifth message bearing the same message , his Manager and long time friend James Lassiter took the call.
“I am thinking I need to get a cut of that Will Smith business,” said the voice on the other end of the phone.
“I think we can do that, but I have a partner, I don’t make the final decision, you will need to speak with him. My partner works at the Federal Bureau Of investigations” said James, “I’ll set the call, any deal that you and him come up with I am down for it”.
That was the last time the LA enforcer called Smith or his team.
It was not revealed who the LA gangster was but both Will and Lassiter have grown to become power brokers in Hollywood since then.
Lassiter who attended University of Miami and Temple University started out was as close friend of DJ Jazzy Jeff, one half of Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. He met Smith through Jazzy Jeff and became Smith’s road manager.
With a successful movie career and many albums later, he and Smith formed the company Overbrook Entertainment, which produced films like Hitch and ATL. Overbrook Entertainment first had a deal with Universal Studios to produce films, then was taken over by Sony. Lassiter and Smith has executive produced top blockbuster films like Bad Boys 4 Life, I, Robot and most recently King Richard.
