Will Smith has returned to music with a bang, and his new album Based on a True Story doesn’t shy away from controversy. The four-time Grammy-winning rapper has addressed his most infamous scandal—the 2022 Oscars slap—directly in the album’s opening track, taking listeners through the drama that shocked Hollywood and the world.
In March 2022, Smith stormed the stage at the Academy Awards and slapped comedian Chris Rock after Rock made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The fallout was swift and intense, with Smith resigning from the Academy and being banned from attending the Oscars for ten years.
Now, in his new music, Smith tackles the incident with candidness and humor. The opening track, Int. Barbershop – Day, draws inspiration from Eddie Murphy’s iconic barbershop scene in the 1988 film Coming to America. Smith portrays the voices of his critics, who can be heard saying, “Will Smith is cancelled” and “I ain’t never going to forgive him for that s*** he did.” Another voice chimes in, “I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back.”
Smith also directly references the Oscars moment in a line from the track: “Him and Jada both crazy, girl, what you talkin’ bout? / You better keep his wife’s name out of your mouth.”
The album’s second track, You Lookin’ for Me?, continues the theme of resilience and defiance. 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.”
Based on a True Story is Smith’s first album in nearly two decades, marking his highly anticipated return to the music scene. The album features collaborations with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Big Sean, and Smith’s son, Jaden Smith.
Hours before the album’s release, Smith took to social media to reflect on the project, calling it his “most honest” work yet. The rapper and actor has made it clear that this album is a reflection of his journey, his struggles, and his triumphs.
Based on a True Story is now available for streaming, with fans and critics alike eager to hear how Smith’s personal experiences shape the music. The album marks a new chapter for the actor-turned-rapper, and it’s clear that he’s not afraid to face his past head-on.
