It's understandable that this can be confusing. Smith, as Fresh Prince, won a Grammy twice -- both times with partner DJ Jazzy Jeff at his side. The first time was for 1987's _He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper_ double album; the second was for the smash single "Summertime" off of the album _Homebase_. It is of course Smith's option whether or not he uses the name, but those who have been living in a cave and never saw "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" MIGHT not realize Smith and Prince are one in the same.
This however is not the source of the controversy. It seems that people are more upset that he's "sold-out" his hip-hop side now that he's become a Hollywood success (with blockbusters like _Independence Day_ and critically acclaimed art films like _Six Degrees of Seperation_) and decided to drop any hint of his formerly successful rap indentity. Rumor also has it that as Will Smith he will no longer be recording with former partner DJ Jazzy Jeff.
The question this raises is not so much whether Will Smith has changed identities but if we as the public "own" our stars. It's not as though Smith changed his BIRTH name, he just decided to record under his own name for a change -- which may indicate he is well recognized enough to not need a gimmick, or may reflect a personal maturation and change as an individual. Ours is not to question why. Smith should have the same right to record a record, under a moniker or not, as anyone. Nobody criticized Saafir for recording as Mr. NoNo or Kool Keith for recording as Dr. Octagon -- they were in fact applauded for their versatility.
If I have to take a stance on this, it's going to be that Smith deserves none of this criticism about his name. If we intend to criticize, let's reserve it for how good or bad the music (and movies) that he makes is.
Peace, Flash
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