Los Angeles, CA – After a tumultuous few years in the spotlight, Will Smith announces his return to the music scene with the upcoming release of his first album in two decades. The album, titled Based on a True Story, is set to drop on March 28, marking a significant milestone in the actor’s career as he seeks to reconnect with his musical roots while navigating the fallout from his highly publicized altercation with comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards.
In a recent Instagram post, Smith expressed his excitement for the album’s release, sharing a glimpse of the tracklist which includes collaborations with artists like Teyana Taylor, Jaden Smith, and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Despite facing backlash and consequences for his actions at the Oscars, Smith has been hard at work on this project, unveiling singles like Beautiful Scars and Tantrum that showcase a blend of personal reflection and artistic expression.
Following the Oscars incident, which led to his ban from the award show and setbacks in his acting career, Smith took a step back from the limelight to reflect and regroup. The release of his film Emancipation in 2022 faced commercial challenges, but he bounced back with the success of Bad Boys franchise’s fourth installment, Ride or Die, proving his enduring appeal to audiences.
Through his music, Smith appears to confront his own vulnerabilities and mistakes, using his platform to explore themes of resilience and self-discovery. In an interview discussing his song Beautiful Scars, Smith delves into the complexities of being human and the process of transforming past failures into opportunities for growth and renewal.
As he prepares to unveil Based on a True Story, Smith aims to redefine his musical legacy and showcase a new level of artistry that aligns with the mastery he has achieved in his acting career. Despite doubts about the alignment of his hip-hop and pop music with his acting persona, Smith’s past success on the charts and his commitment to pushing himself artistically suggest that his return to music will be met with anticipation and curiosity from fans and critics alike.