Smith’s return to music comes after a tumultuous moment at the 2022 Academy Awards, where he made headlines for slapping host Chris Rock during the ceremony
After a two-decade absence from the music scene, Will Smith is gearing up for a major return with the release of his new album, Based on a True Story. The rapper and actor took to Instagram to share the exciting news, revealing that the album will drop on March 28.
“It’s OFFICIAL!! My new album Based on a True Story drops March 28. TWO WEEKS!! Hit that presave,” Smith wrote in the post. “Been working on this project for a minute and I’m itchin’ to get it out to y’all.”
This marks Smith’s first full album release since Lost and Found in 2005. Based on a True Story will feature several singles, including “First Love,” “Beautiful Scars,” “TANTRUM,” “Work of Art,” and “You Can Make It.” The album will also feature collaborations with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, and Jac Ross.
Smith’s return to music comes after a tumultuous moment at the 2022 Academy Awards, where he made headlines for slapping host Chris Rock during the ceremony. Reflecting on the aftermath, Smith opened up about his personal and artistic growth. In an interview with Billboard, he revealed that the incident led to a deep spiritual and emotional exploration, one that fueled his return to music.
“A well opened up inside of me, a well of understanding of art and pain… all kinds of things that I didn’t even know were in there,” Smith shared. “After the Oscars, that spiritual investigation continued, and a whole world woke up inside that I didn’t even know was there. Dreams, visions; parts of my inner landscape that I had no awareness of prior to three years ago.”
This introspective journey influenced the album’s sound, which Smith described as a reflection of his joy and creativity. “A big part of my music now is about that ecstatic kind of joy I remember from church when I was growing up,” he said.
In the interview, Smith hinted that Based on a True Story will be the first in a three-part album series, which he likened to “three seasons of a TV musical show.” Fans can expect a deeper, more personal exploration of his artistic evolution in the coming months.
