Will Smith played an instrumental part in landing Nick Cannon the lead role of Devon Miles in the 2002 film Drumline.
In a recent conversation with The Pivot, Cannon praised Smith and emphasized the actor's critical role in his career. Cannon credited Smith with paving the way and providing numerous opportunities that contributed to his success in the entertainment industry, including securing the lead role in Drumline, which helped catapult Cannon's career.
"This man gave me my first record deal, gave me my first television deal, people don't even know this when it was up between me and another individual for Drumline, he personally made the phone call to the head of the studio and said 'this is the person you need to give this job to,'" he shared in the interview linked below.
"It's funny because Will made that call for me, and in the movie, they needed a rapper-celebrity cameo. It ended up being Petey Pablo, but they were like, 'Will got you the job. Can you call Will or something to try and perform at the Classic?' I was like, 'I think he a little busy.' But he's opened so many doors, but not only has he opened doors," Cannon continued. "He showed me the power of resilience, the power of hard work and the power of really just being a kind individual. That dude walks into a room, and he's nice to everyone, and it's not an act."
Cannon went on to explain how Smith gave him a blueprint for managing the industry, but called it "a gift and curse." He always viewed the Fresh Prince as a "big bro," but also grappled with the pressure of being labeled the "next Will Smith," which he resisted as he aimed to carve his own lane. To shake those comparisons, Cannon intentionally pursued ventures that Smith wouldn't do, such as launch Wild'n Out, to separate himself from the superstar.
In January 2023, T.I. revealed he was in the running for the lead role in Drumline, but turned it down after realizing he had to learn how to play the drums.
"I just didn't want to commit myself to it at the time. It wasn't there. But I read, and I didn't get it, and that movie went on to be Drumline," he said. "Yeah, I was reading for Nick Cannon's part."