Will Smith returns to the music scene with 'Based on a True Story,' an album that addresses the controversies in his career and personal life including his 'complicated' marriage with Jada Pinkett Smith.
- March 28, 2025
AceShowbiz - Hollywood megastar Will Smith is back, and he's not shying away from addressing controversies surrounding his life and career including is infamous Oscars slap of comedian Chris Rock.
"Based on a True Story," Smith's first full-length solo album in 20 years, opens with a bang, featuring a barbershop skit that mocks debates about his personal life and the slap that rocked the 2022 Oscars. The album, released on Friday, cleverly uses humor and raw honesty to address the incident and its aftermath.
The opening track, "Int. Barbershop - Day," begins with the phrase, "Will Smith is canceled," setting the tone for a project that delves into the public's reaction to his actions.
The skit, featuring voices of Smith's longtime collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff and comedian B. Simone, mixes humor with criticism. "Who the f**k Will Smith think he is?" one voice questions, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the actor.
Smith's reaction to Rock's joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, at the Oscars led to a mix of public condemnation and support. In this album, Smith directly tackles the controversy, rapping, "I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back/ And you know they only made him do that s**t because he's Black."
After Smith was banned from Academy events for 10 years, he issued a public apology and resigned his Academy membership, expressing deep remorse for his actions.
The album's second track, "You Lookin' for Me?", finds Smith channeling his experiences into his lyrics, noting, "Took a lot, I'm back on top/ Y'all gon' have to get acclimated/ Won't stop, my s**t still hot/ Even though I won't get nominated."
The "Men in Black" actor, who split from Jada Pinkett Smith but still stay married, additionally touched upon his marriage. "Personal life with my wife, mind your business, it's complicated," he rapped.
The couple's "complicated" marriage was under scrutiny in 2020 when her "entanglement" with her son Jaden's friend August Alsina was revealed. Adding to the drama, Chris Rock reportedly asked Jada out on a date but she rejected him.
On his album, Smith is joined by notable collaborators such as Big Sean, Joyner Lucas, and Teyana Taylor. Tracks like "Beautiful Scars" and "Tantrum" see Smith delivering some of his best raps yet while "Hard Times (Smile)" featuring Teyana Taylor offers a Motown-inspired groove.
Previously released tracks like "Work of Art" with Russ and son Jaden Smith, and "First Love" with Spanish singer India Martinez, add depth to the album.
Smith's return to music isn't limited to the album alone. He plans to hit the road for a summer tour to promote "Based on a True Story," bringing his eclectic mix of sounds to fans across the country.
In sum, Smith's new album is not just a musical project - it's a bold statement and a testament to his resilience and creativity.