Will Smith, the multi-talented Oscar winner and former rap superstar, is making his long-awaited return to music. After years of flirting with the idea of releasing new tracks, the speculation surrounding a full comeback has finally been put to rest. On Thursday, Smith confirmed that he is gearing up to release his new album titled Based on a True Story, his first full-length LP in nearly two decades. The album’s announcement has sent waves of excitement through fans, who have been eagerly awaiting his return to the rap scene.
A Long-Awaited Return
Will Smith’s last studio album, Lost and Found, was released in 2005, marking the end of a storied rap career that began in the late ’80s as part of the iconic duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. His solo career, particularly his early hits like “Gettin’ Jiggy wit It” and “Miami,” cemented his place in pop culture. But after stepping away from music to focus on his acting career, which included blockbuster films like Men in Black and The Pursuit of Happyness, fans had wondered if Will Smith would ever return to his roots in rap. Now, with Based on a True Story on the way, it seems he is ready to reintroduce himself to the music world.
“Beautiful Scars” and Collaborations
As part of the album announcement, Will Smith dropped the single “Beautiful Scars,” a track that features guest verses from OBanga and Big Sean. The song sets the tone for what’s to come on the album—personal, reflective, and filled with positive energy. Big Sean, who has made a name for himself with motivational and introspective lyrics, brings an added layer of depth to the track. The accompanying promo video for the single was inspired by The Matrix, featuring a futuristic, sci-fi concept, and hinted at the album’s more experimental direction.
Although the exact release date for Based on a True Story remains under wraps, it is reported that the album will be available sometime in March, giving fans less than two months to wait for what could be one of the most anticipated comebacks in music.
The Tracklist: A Mix of Old and New
The upcoming album will also include some of the singles Will Smith has released in recent years, such as “You Can Make It,” “Tantrum,” and “Work of Art.” “Work of Art” features a collaboration with Will’s son, Jaden, as well as rapper Russ. Meanwhile, “Tantrum” features Joyner Lucas, another artist who previously worked with Smith on the remix to Lucas’s “Will.” These tracks, like much of Smith’s recent work, focus on positivity and self-empowerment, themes that he has leaned into in the wake of his controversial incident at the 2022 Academy Awards.
The album’s direction seems to be part of Will’s larger rebrand. After facing intense scrutiny following the Oscars slap, Smith has sought to repair his public image, focusing on themes of growth, healing, and self-reflection in his music. Collaborating with artists like Russ and Joyner Lucas, who are known for their positive messaging, further solidifies this shift in Smith’s musical approach.
Big Sean, Russ, and More: What to Expect
Aside from the collaborations already confirmed, the final tracklist for Based on a True Story has yet to be fully revealed, but fans are already speculating about who else will make an appearance. With Will Smith’s influence in the industry and the success of his recent singles, it’s not unlikely that even more big-name artists will be involved. Will’s partnership with Big Sean, in particular, has generated a lot of buzz, as both artists have grown in similar directions over the past decade, embracing more mature, reflective content in their music.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Will Smith?
Will Smith’s return to music marks an exciting new chapter in his career. After years of focusing on acting, producing, and his family life, Smith is ready to take center stage once again as a musician. Based on a True Story will be a pivotal moment in his career, as he works to reclaim his place in the music world while continuing to navigate his personal and professional growth.
For longtime fans, this new album is a chance to revisit the artist who once dominated both the rap and Hollywood scenes. For newer listeners, it could introduce them to a side of Will Smith that they’ve never seen before—a rapper eager to embrace his past while moving forward with a positive, evolving message.
Whether or not Based on a True Story becomes a massive commercial success, Will Smith’s return to rap is bound to spark conversation and intrigue. With just a few months to go before its release, the world will be watching closely to see if Will Smith can pull off what many thought might never happen: a triumphant musical comeback.
