Will Smith Shares Wisdom from JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar Ahead of First Album in 20 Years

In a recent interview with Sway in the Morning, Will Smith opened up about how he sought advice from two of the biggest names in hip-hop, JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar, as he prepared to release his first album in two decades. The album, Based on a True Story, marks Smith’s return to the music scene since his 2005 album Lost and Found.

Smith shared that he called both Hov and Kendrick for guidance before diving into the creative process. He described his conversation with JAY-Z as transformative, with the Roc Nation mogul offering a piece of advice that ultimately inspired the album’s title. According to Smith, JAY-Z told him, “Don’t fake your story. You gotta say what’s true for you.” This wisdom resonated deeply with Smith, especially as he reflected on the pressures to emulate the lifestyle of younger rappers. JAY-Z’s message to stay authentic and true to his own experiences led to the decision to name the album Based on a True Story.

Kendrick Lamar’s advice was equally profound, urging Smith to “just say that shit you always been fucking scared to say.” Kendrick’s emphasis on honesty and being true to oneself resonated with Smith, who acknowledged the fear that comes with expressing such raw vulnerability. It was a message about creating music from the heart rather than crafting a record for the sake of others’ expectations.

This advice from two hip-hop legends came at a time when Smith was looking to re-enter the music world, and it guided him to create a project that is deeply personal and authentic. Based on a True Story is set to be released on March 28, and it features collaborations with familiar faces like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, and even his son Jaden. The album’s tracklist includes singles like “Beautiful Scars,” “First Love,” and the gospel-infused “You Can Make It.”

Along with the album, Smith is gearing up for a summer world tour in support of the project. The Based on a True Story tour will kick off on June 25 in Morocco and will make stops in various countries, including France, Spain, Italy, and the UK, before concluding in Paris on September 2. This will be Smith’s first-ever solo headline tour, marking another milestone in his multifaceted career.