Will Smith Makes A Comeback to Hip Hop with New Album
In a remarkable return to the music scene, Will Smith—known for his dual career as a rapper and actor—has released his new album Based On a True Story. This marks his first musical project in two decades, debuting on Friday to the anticipation of fans old and new.
Singles Leading Up to the Release
In the lead-up to the album launch, Smith teased fans with several singles, including collaborations such as “Beautiful Scars” featuring Big Sean, and tracks like “First Love,” “You Can Make It,” “Tantrum,” and “Work of Art.” This new project arrives nearly exactly 20 years after his previous album, Lost and Found. Notably, Based On a True Story reunites Smith with famed producer DJ Jazzy Jeff, and includes contributions from artists like Teyana Taylor, Joyner Lucas, and his son, Jaden Smith. Last year, The Hollywood Reporter highlighted Smith’s signing with indie label Slang Records to distribute this exciting project.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
In a teaser video released on his Instagram just hours before the album’s debut, Smith expressed a renewed sense of self-discovery. He stated, “The past couple of years, I’ve been doing a very deep exploration of who and what I truly am. The process of this album is really allowing myself to be more honest with myself than I ever have about who and what I actually am. This is about to be the greatest artistic creative period of my entire life.”
Overcoming Past Challenges
The last few years have presented their share of challenges for Smith, particularly due to his involvement in a controversial incident during the 2022 Academy Awards where he infamously slapped comedian Chris Rock. This episode has initiated a period of image rehabilitation for the actor as he seeks to regain his footing in the public eye.
Looking Ahead: Tours and Musical Legacy
Amidst these complexities, Smith is keeping his creative energy focused on music. Earlier this month, he announced plans for a tour across Europe starting later this summer. However, it remains to be seen how the reception of his new music will unfold, given the significant gap since he was last active as a recording artist. In an interview on Sway in the Morning, Smith shared valuable insights he received from industry icons Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar regarding authenticity in his music-making.
“‘You gotta say what’s true for you and you’ll be looking at the younger rappers and you’ll want that to be true to you, but you don’t live like that,'” Smith recalled Jay telling him. “‘Be true to your story. Tell your story.’ And that’s where I got the ‘Based on a True Story,’ from Jay.”