Will Smith made two pivotal phone calls prior to embarking on the journey of recording fresh music. The 56-year-old actor and rapper, during a recent interview on 'Sway in the Morning,' revealed that he sought counsel from Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar before diving back into the music industry with his latest album titled 'Based on a True Story.'
"Just before I embarked on this endeavor, I dialed up two numbers," Smith recounted. "I had heart-to-hearts with Jay and Kendrick. I asked them, 'Hey, I'm contemplating a return to music. What's your advice?'"
Smith recalled Jay-Z imparting, "Don't manufacture your narrative." He further elaborated on Jay-Z's guidance: "He emphasized, 'You must articulate what rings true for you.' He said, 'You'll observe younger rappers and aspire to embody their authenticity, but you don't lead by their example in real life.' He urged, 'Stay true to your story. Share your story.'" Smith went on to share that Jay-Z's advice served as the muse for the album's title.
Regarding Kendrick Lamar, Smith said the rapper exhorted him to "vocalize the things you've always been too frightened to utter." "Essentially, it boiled down to the same sentiment. It was about embracing honesty. It was daunting," added the 'Men in Black' star. "That's the essence of any genre. Create the music you desire to create. Don't strive to craft something solely to curry favor with the masses. Craft something genuine."
In anticipation of the album's release, Smith took to Instagram to express that the birth of new music had been a long time in the making. "It's OFFICIAL! My new album 'Based on a True Story' drops March 28. TWO WEEKS!! Hit that presave button. I've been laboring over this project for quite some time, and I'm eagerly anticipating sharing it with you all," he captioned the post.
This venture marks Smith's maiden full-length album since the 2005 release of 'Lost and Found.' The 14-track album boasts an eclectic mix of collaborators, including DJ Jazzy Jeff—with whom Smith first etched his mark in the music industry—Teyana Taylor, and Jac Ross.
Smith first announced the album when he unveiled his latest single, 'Beautiful Scars,' in January. The track is a collaborative effort featuring Big Sean and Obanga.
The album's opening two tracks allude to Smith's infamous 2022 Oscars slap incident involving comedian Chris Rock, which led to a 10-year ban from the awards ceremony. During the ceremony, Smith struck Rock, who was presenting onstage, in response to a joke Rock, 60, made about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The actor then returned to his seat and shouted at Rock, "Keep my wife's name out of your fucking mouth!"
The first song, "Int. Barbershop — Day," contains references to Smith being "canceled" and the line, "I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back/ And you know they only made him do that shit because he's Black." The second track, "You Lookin' for Me?," features Smith rapping, "Took a lot, I'm back on top/ Y'all gon' have to get acclimated/ Won't stop, my shit still hot/ Even though I won't get nominated."
