Kendrick Lamar‘s “N95” has been used to soundtrack the official trailer for Season 2 of Bel-Air, which is set to return to NBC’s streaming platform Peacock next month.
The full-length trailer, released Thursday (January 19), sets the tone for a darker season of the drama, which finds Will (played by Jabari Banks) trying to navigate his way to independence.
As the preview opens, Kendrick is heard singing the first line of the song’s intro: “Hello, new world.” From there, the “N95” instrumental – produced by Baby Keem, Boi-1da, Jahaan Sweet and Sounwave – builds to a crescendo, matching the dramatic 2:33 minute clip’s pace.
Throught the trailer, various lines from the Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers track are highlighted for effect, including the melodic bridge, and a couple of bars from the third verse, which hears Kendrick Lamar rapping at his alternate, signature frenetic pace and tone.
Based on the viral 2019 short film from director Morgan Cooper, Bel-Air is a contemporary drama focused on reimagining the complicated journey of the series lead, a fictional teenaged Will Smith, from the streets of West Philadelphia into the lap of luxury and abundance in the exclusive gated community of Bel-Air.
With executive production coming from Will Smith himself and original show heavy hitters such as Quincy Jones and Benny Medina, the goal for the series is to “dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases that were impossible to fully explore in a 30-minute sitcom format.”
Based on the synopsis shared with the official trailer, the show’s new season will take that promise even further. “Season two of Bel-Air picks up with Will at a crossroads in his life as a new figure comes into his life who challenges what he’s learned in Bel-Air and competes for control of his influence,” the description reads. “He juggles this while navigating his home life with the Banks family and trying to rebuild the trust that was broken at the end of last season.”
The second season of the popular drama will also explore the shifting dynamics between Will and Carlton, Viv and Phil, and Hilary and Jazz, whose blossoming relationship is impacted by her burgeoning career in the world of influencer marketing. The new trailer also introduces Tatiana Ali, who played the youngest Banks sibling in the original Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, in her new role as a mentor to the reboot’s Ashley, played by Akira Akbar.
Ali isn’t the only new face joining Bel-Air this year. Saweetie has also been tapped to appear as a guest star in the second season of the popular drama series. According to Variety, the Bay Area rapper will appear as herself in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air-inspired series.
It was not specified how many episodes she will be included in, or which story arc she’ll be joining.
Season 2 of Bel-Air will kick off with three new episode available for streaming on Peacock on February 23, with additional episodes released each subsequent Thursday.
