After a 20-year break from music, Hollywood actor and rapper Will Smith has made his much-anticipated return with a new album, Based on a True Story. Before embarking on this musical journey, the 56-year-old artist sought advice from two of the industry’s biggest names—Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar.
Speaking on Sway in the Morning, Will Smith shared that before starting the project, he made two important phone calls. “I reached out to Jay and Kendrick, asking for advice before I got back into music,” he revealed.
Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar’s Advice to Will Smith
During their conversation, Jay-Z emphasized the importance of authenticity, urging Smith not to fabricate his experiences but rather to share his real story. “He told me, ‘Don’t fake your story. You might look at younger rappers and want to fit into that, but that’s not your life. Be real, tell your story,’” Will explained. Inspired by this, he decided on the album’s title—Based on a True Story.
Similarly, Kendrick Lamar encouraged Smith to be fearless in his lyrics. “He told me, ‘Say the things you’ve always been scared to say,’” Smith recalled. He admitted that this advice was intimidating yet freeing, as it pushed him to embrace honesty in his music.
Smith also spoke about the importance of creative freedom, explaining, “When it comes to making music, don’t create something just because you think people will like it. Create something that’s true to you.”
Will Smith’s Return to Music After Two Decades
Ahead of the album’s release, Smith took to Instagram to express his excitement. Based on a True Story is his first studio album since Lost and Found in 2005 and features collaborations with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, and Jac Ross.
The album’s first single, Beautiful Scars, featuring Big Sean and Obanga, was released in January, marking his official comeback. The project also delves into personal and public moments from Smith’s life, including his controversial 2022 Oscars incident.
Addressing the 2022 Oscars Slap in His Music
The album’s opening track, Int. Barbershop — Day, reflects on the backlash Smith faced following the highly publicized incident where he slapped comedian Chris Rock onstage. The song explores themes of cancel culture and racial bias, with lyrics stating, “I heard he won the Oscar but had to give it back/ And you know they only made him do that st because he’s Black.”**
The second track, You Lookin’ for Me?, sees Smith rapping about his resilience and return to the spotlight: “Took a lot, I’m back on top/ Y’all gon’ have to get acclimated/ Won’t stop, my st still hot/ Even though I won’t get nominated.”**
With 14 tracks in total, Based on a True Story signifies Smith’s return to music on his own terms, reflecting both his personal growth and the challenges he has faced in the public eye.
