: 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.
The 2019 Aladdin soundtrack features multiple variations of the track:
: While the original version by Robin Williams was a big band/swing number, Smith's rendition infuses modern hip-hop and rap elements. Will Smith - Friend Like Me (from Aladdin)
: 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.
: A shorter version performed by the cast at the end of the film. Reception & Performance : Smith revealed that he found his "spin"
: The primary film version used during the Genie's introduction.
: 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. As of late 2025, it has accumulated over
: The production includes a hard-hitting bass hook, sitar licks, and flute work, combined with Smith’s signature beatboxing and improvised ad-libs.