Will Smith makes a return to his music roots with a new full-length album, marking his first major musical project in 20 years. The album, titled Based on a True Story, is scheduled for release on Friday, March 28, 2025 (IST). This news comes after a long hiatus since his previous album, Lost and Found, which was released in March 2005. The comeback has stirred excitement among fans and the entertainment industry alike.
Album Overview
Will Smith’s new album features a total of 14 tracks. Each song reflects his personal experiences and a blend of various musical influences. The project is a significant return to the artist’s original passion for music. Smith has invested considerable time and effort in this project. He mentioned in an interview with Extra in May 2024 that he spent about a year and a half working on this music. He described the work as his most personal and powerful yet.
The album is designed to offer a mix of styles and sounds, bringing a fresh perspective while staying true to his early career style. The diversity in the album promises to appeal to both long-time followers and new listeners.
Track Details
Several singles have already been released as a preview for the upcoming album. One of the leading singles, “Beautiful Scars,” features collaborations with Big Sean and Obanga. This track has set the tone for the project and has generated significant interest among music fans.
Other singles include:
“Work of Art” – a track that features a guest appearance by his son, Jaden Smith, along with Russ.
“Tantrum” – a song that brings in the unique style of Joyner Lucas.
“You Can Make It” – a performance piece that Will Smith showcased at the 2024 BET Awards.
Each of these songs gives listeners a glimpse into the wide range of musical expressions that Based on a True Story will cover.
Collaborative Efforts
The album includes contributions from several artists who have been important in Will Smith’s musical journey. Among these is DJ Jazzy Jeff, a key figure from his early career. His involvement brings back memories of the classic style that fans have long appreciated.
Other collaborators include Teyana Taylor and Jac Ross, whose creative inputs add fresh sounds to the project. The mix of veteran and contemporary artists creates a balanced and varied musical experience. These partnerships underline Smith’s commitment to merging his past influences with modern trends in music.
Music Video Concept
A notable highlight of this project is the music video for “Beautiful Scars.” In the video, Will Smith transforms into a character reminiscent of Neo from The Matrix series. The creative direction of the video has drawn attention because of its unique take on the classic film imagery. In a surprising twist, Big Sean steps into the role similar to Morpheus, the mentor figure from the films.
This creative choice pays homage to a well-known cinematic universe and ties back to a pivotal moment in Smith’s acting career. Many fans recall that he once turned down the role of Neo in the original The Matrix film in favor of starring in Wild Wild West. The music video brings this piece of history into a new light while remaining true to Smith’s artistic vision.
Interview Insights
During an interview with Extra in May 2024, Will Smith spoke about the depth of this musical project. He emphasized the personal nature of the album and noted that it reflects his journey over the past two decades. His comments focused on the effort and emotional investment poured into the music. He stated that every track holds a piece of his personal story, making the album a significant work in his career.
Smith’s approach to this project is grounded in his desire to reconnect with his audience on a personal level. He shared that working on the album felt like revisiting an old passion, with new lessons learned along the way. The candid discussion in the interview offered fans a rare look into the behind-the-scenes process of creating music that is both nostalgic and innovative.
Social Media Engagement
The album announcement was complemented by active social media participation. On the day the release date was revealed, Will Smith joined a popular trend online. He reunited with Tatyana Ali, his former co-star from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, along with Doechii to join the “Anxiety” social media challenge. This challenge, which features dance moves reminiscent of his television days, showcased his ability to mix his past experiences with current trends.
Will Smith’s humorous remark on Instagram about waiting 35 years for such a dance trend resonated with fans. The blend of nostalgia and modern pop culture in his social media activity has further increased interest in the upcoming album. His engagement online illustrates that he remains connected to his audience, even as he ventures back into the music scene.
Will Smith’s return with Based on a True Story is a notable moment in the entertainment world. The album promises a mix of personal storytelling, varied musical styles, and creative collaborations. Fans and critics alike are watching closely as he marks his return to a field that defined a significant part of his early career.
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