Will Smith is making a long-awaited return to music with a new album, Based On A True Story, set to drop on March 28. The announcement comes nearly two decades after his last project, Lost and Found, which was released on March 29, 2005.
The Hollywood icon shared the news on Instagram on March 14, unveiling the album cover and tracklist. Instead of traditional song titles, the tracklist is structured as “episodes,” hinting at a storytelling approach. Featured artists include longtime collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff, singer Teyana Taylor, and Smith’s son, Jaden.
“It’s OFFICIAL!!” Smith wrote. “My new album Based On A True Story drops March 28. TWO WEEKS!! Hit that presave. Been working on this project for a minute and I’m itchin’ to get it out to y’all.”
A Return to Music
Will Smith first gained fame in the late 1980s as part of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, known for hits like “Summertime” and “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” After transitioning into acting, he continued his music career, releasing solo albums such as Big Willie Style (1997) and Willennium (1999).
Despite focusing on Hollywood blockbusters in recent years, Smith has occasionally hinted at a return to music. Based On A True Story marks his first full-length project in nearly 20 years, building anticipation among longtime fans.
Smith’s Connection to Music Legends
In addition to his own musical journey, Smith recently shared a remarkable story about Prince. While appearing on the Broken Record podcast, he revealed that just hours before Prince’s passing in 2016, the music legend proposed the idea of starting an entertainment company with Smith and JAY-Z.
“I talked to Prince eight hours before he died,” Smith recalled. “He called and he was pitching. He was saying that me, him and JAY-Z should start an entertainment company. And he said that he had talked to Jay and he wanted to do it. We talked that night and in the morning – he was gone.”
Smith also shared that he met The Notorious B.I.G. just hours before the rapper’s tragic death in 1997.
Will Smith and JAY-Z’s Collaborations
Although the joint venture with Prince never came to fruition, Smith and JAY-Z have collaborated on multiple projects over the years. In 2020, their companies, Roc Nation and Overbrook Entertainment, teamed up to produce a limited series about Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley.
In 2021, Smith and JAY-Z were also part of a major investment in Landis Technologies, a startup dedicated to helping renters transition into homeownership. Their investment contributed to a $165 million funding round aimed at purchasing and renting homes to low-income families until they qualify for mortgages.
What to Expect from Based On A True Story
While details about the album’s sound and themes remain under wraps, the unique “episodes” format suggests that Smith is embracing a narrative-driven concept. With contributions from DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, and Jaden, fans can expect a mix of nostalgic hip-hop, introspection, and fresh collaborations.
As the March 28 release date approaches, excitement is building for Smith’s long-awaited return to music.
