Will Smith Drops First Album in 20 Years: Based on a True Story
Will Smith Returns to Music with 14-Track Album
After two decades away from the music scene, Will Smith is back with a brand-new album, Based on a True Story. The 14-track project features guest appearances from Teyana Taylor, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Big Sean, Joyner Lucas, and more, making it one of the most anticipated hip-hop releases of the year.
In a teaser video shared on Thursday, Smith described the album as his most personal work yet. “The process for this album is really about allowing myself to be more honest with myself than ever before,” he stated.
A Deeply Personal Album Addressing His Career and Controversies
Smith doesn’t shy away from addressing his 2022 Oscar win and the infamous Chris Rock slap. The album reflects on his journey, personal struggles, and media scrutiny.
In the track “Int. Barbershop – Day,” Smith voices multiple characters in a conversation reminiscent of Eddie Murphy’s classic barbershop scene in Coming to America. Through these voices, he humorously references public discussions about his life, career, and the Academy Awards controversy.
On “You Lookin’ For Me?”, Smith directly confronts the backlash he’s faced, rapping:
“Won’t stop, my sht’s still hot even though I won’t get nominated / Personal life with my wife, mind your business, it’s complicated.”*
Tracklist & Featured Artists on Based on a True Story
The album includes previously released singles like “First Love” (ft. India Martinez & Marcin), “Beautiful Scars” (ft. Big Sean & OBanga), and “You Can Make It” (ft. Fridayy & Sunday Service Choir).
Full Tracklist:
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Int. Barbershop – Day (ft. DJ Jazzy Jeff & B. Simone)
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You Lookin’ for Me?
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The Reverend (Rave Sermon)
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Rave in the Wasteland
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Bulletproof (ft. Jac Ross)
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Hard Times (Smile) (ft. Teyana Taylor)
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Beautiful Scars (ft. Big Sean & OBanga)
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Tantrum (ft. Joyner Lucas)
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First Love (ft. India Martinez & Marcin)
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Make It Look Easy
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The Reverend (YCMI Sermon)
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You Can Make It (ft. Fridayy & Sunday Service Choir)
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Work of Art (ft. Russ & Jaden Smith)
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The Reverend (WOA Sermon)
Will Smith’s Comeback: A New Era of Music
Smith calls this “the greatest artistic and creative period” of his life, and with a lineup of emotional storytelling and high-profile features, Based on a True Story is shaping up to be one of the biggest hip-hop albums of the year.
What do you think of Will Smith’s new album? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
