Will Smith isn’t holding back in his new album Based on a True Story, which has quickly become a highly anticipated release for fans and critics everywhere
The actor – who has turned rapper – tackles the fallout from his infamous 2022 Oscars slap of comedian Chris Rock, a moment that sparked a media frenzy and put his career on pause.
In his new album, Smith addresses the scandal head-on, using his music as a platform for reflection.
The incident, in which Smith slapped Rock on stage after a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, echoed throughout Hollywood and beyond.
Smith’s personal and professional life was upended, and in the opening track of Based on a True Story, he wastes no time diving into the controversy.
In the first few seconds of “Int. Barbershop — Day”, a voice declares, “Will Smith is cancelled,” referencing the backlash he faced.
Another voice follows up, saying, “I ain’t never going to forgive him for that s— he did,” setting the tone for the album’s candid exploration of his public struggles.
Throughout the album, Smith doesn’t shy away from addressing the slap’s consequences, with lines like, “Him and Jada both crazy, girl, what you talkin’ bout? / You better keep his wife’s name out of your mouth.”
These references are interwoven with Smith’s reflections on his journey, his family, as well as the media’s portrayal of him, demonstrating his desire to confront the narrative that has followed him.
In the song “You Lookin’ for Me?,” Smith raps, “Took a lot, I’m back on top / Y’all gon’ have to get acclimated / Won’t stop; my s— still hot / Even though I won’t get nominated.”
In fact, these lyrics speak to his determination to rise above the incident and continue his career, despite the challenges.
While the slap cost him dearly—he was banned from attending the Oscars for ten years and resigned from the Academy—Smith’s confidence shines through as he raps about maintaining his momentum and not letting the controversy define him.
Based on a True Story marks Smith’s first album release in two decades, following his 2005 album Lost and Found. The new album features collaborations with artists like B. Simone, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Big Sean, Jaden Smith, and Joyner Lucas.
Smith has described the album as a reflection of his deepest exploration of self, where he confronts his personal challenges and growth in an authentic way.
