What happened to Jaden Smith?

Jaden Smith has been in the public eye since childhood, thanks to his famous parents, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. After achieving early success with his role in The Karate Kid (2010) and his debut album Syre (2017), he has become less prominent in the entertainment landscape, leaving fans curious about his recent absence.

As he transitioned into adulthood, Jaden candidly shared his challenges with fame. In an interview with Dazed Digital, he expressed a growing appreciation for normalcy, stating, “I didn’t always get to hang out with normal people when I was young. So being older and being able to hang out with the big kids and play with normal people is fun.” This desire for a more grounded life reflects a significant shift in his priorities.

His last major film role was in After Earth (2013), and since then, his appearances have been limited to a documentary about Kid Cudi, A Man Named Scott (2021), and voice roles in the animated series Intergalactic (2022) and The Eric Andre Show (2023). These projects highlight his intention to step back from the mainstream film industry.

Smith’s exploration of psychedelics has also influenced his views on fame and personal growth. On his mother’s Red Table Talk series in 2021, he discussed how taking mushrooms led to an experience of ego dissolution, which he described as transformative. “That was the moment that really changed me,” he noted, explaining that psychedelics helped him confront deeper emotions and understand his place in the world.

In the past few years, Jaden has been open about struggling with depression, which he attributes to his intense feelings leading up to his upcoming musical project. His new EP, 2024: A Case Study of the Long Term Effects of Young Love, set for release on October 18, 2024, marks his first music since 2020. He revealed to Spin that the project is rooted in sadness, stating, “I made this project because I’m sad, thank you for listening.”

Despite these personal battles, Jaden remains authentic and emotionally connected with his audience. As he navigates his journey through fame and mental health, fans are eager to see how his experiences will resonate in his new music.