Will Smith Releases New Album Referencing Fallout from Chris Rock Oscar Slap
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/will-smith-street-renaming-ceremony-philadelphia-032825-b3c981d393f347828107f0581d98c337.jpg)
Actor and rapper, Will Smith, has made a bold move in his latest music release by directly addressing the fallout from his infamous 2022 Oscars slap incident involving comedian Chris Rock. The album, titled Based on a True Story, does not shy away from the controversy, with Smith calling out the actor for being “canceled” in his lyrics.
Smith, known for his roles in movies like Bad Boys and his music career including collaborations with DJ Jazzy Jeff, delves into the scandal that rocked the entertainment industry a few years ago. The incident occurred during the live Oscars ceremony when Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage in response to a joke made about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The altercation sparked a media frenzy and left audiences shocked.
In the opening track of the album, titled “Int. Barbershop — Day,” voices can be heard discussing Smith’s cancellation in the aftermath of the incident. The lyrics and asides throughout the songs make direct references to the moment, with lines like, “Him and Jada both crazy, girl, what you talkin’ bout?/ You better keep his wife’s name out of your mouth.”
Despite winning the 2022 Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in King Richard, Smith faced consequences for his actions at the Oscars. He was banned from attending future Academy Award events for a decade and voluntarily resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The fallout from the incident continues to be a point of discussion in the entertainment industry.
In another track on the album, “You Lookin’ for Me?,” Smith addresses the impact of the scandal on his career, rapping, “Won’t stop, my s— still hot/ Even though I won’t get nominated.” This marks Smith’s return to the music scene after a 20-year hiatus since his last album, Lost and Found, was released in 2005.
The release of Based on a True Story has been highly anticipated by fans and industry insiders alike. The album features collaborations with artists like B. Simone, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jaden Smith, Russ, and Joyner Lucas, showcasing a mix of hip-hop and storytelling that has become synonymous with Smith’s style.
In a teaser video shared prior to the album’s release, Smith reflected on the creative process behind the music and expressed a deeper exploration of his personal journey. He shared, “This is about to be the greatest artistic creative period of my entire life,” hinting at the introspective nature of the album’s content.
Based on a True Story is now available for fans to listen to, offering a glimpse into Smith’s perspective on fame, controversy, and personal growth. The album serves as a reminder of the complexities of celebrity life and the challenges that come with being in the public eye.
As fans eagerly delve into the new music from Will Smith, the conversations around his past actions and the impact on his career are sure to continue. The release of Based on a True Story marks a significant moment in Smith’s artistic journey, inviting listeners to engage with his narrative in a raw and unfiltered way.