Based On a True Story is the title of Smith's new album, available since Friday, March 28, marking his grand comeback to the scenes after the infamous slap at the Oscars three years ago. Since then, his first public appearance at an award show has only been at the Grammys last February.
The new album marks the end of his “redemption” path and opens a new chapter in his career. Alongside the tour, which will also stop in Italy this summer, Smith claims to have enough material for at least two more albums.
Based On a True Story is a 14-track album that reunites Smith with DJ Jazzy Jeff and features a series of new collaborations with Teyana Taylor, Joyner Lucas, and his son Jaden Smith. The album is a rap, but the songs are accompanied by a gospel choir. Smith has revealed that he has lived a profound relationship with God in recent years, developing a personal relationship with Him. The album is the fruit of intense self-analysis.
The single Beautiful Scars, featuring Big Sean, has pre-empted the album. The music video is inspired by The Matrix and sees Smith in the role of Neo, while Big Sean interprets Morpheus.
Here is the tracklist for Based On a True Story by Will Smith:
1. Int. Barbershop – Day feat. DJ Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone
2. You Lookin' for Me?
3. The Reverend (Rave Sermon)
4. Rave in the Wasteland
5. Bulletproof feat. Jac Ross
6. Hard Times (Smile) feat. Teyana Taylor
7. Beautiful Scars feat. Big Sean and OBanga
8. Tantrum feat. Joyner Lucas
9. First Love feat. India Martínez and Marcin
10. Make It Look Easy
11. The Reverend (YCMI Sermon)
12. You Can Make It feat. Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir
13. Work of Art feat. Russ and Jaden Smith
14. The Reverend (WOA Sermon)
Smith has also announced that he has material ready for at least two more albums, which will form a trilogy, for now titled Rave in the Wasteland.
Listen to “Beautiful Scars” by Will Smith ft. Big Sean.
Will Smith: the return after the Oscar slap
Smith returned to the spotlight last February, making his first public appearance at the Grammy Awards. And the new album marks his return to the scene after the 2022 Oscar incident with Chris Rock.
In the last two years, the actor has dedicated himself to a profound inner journey, asking himself essential questions about himself: a process of self-analysis that has marked his artistic and personal path.
At the 2022 Oscars, Will Smith had risen to the stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock after a joke made by the latter about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia. The actor's gesture had been heavily criticized and had even led to him being banned for 10 years from any Academy event.
Will Smith's tour will stop in Italy
With the new album Based On a True Story, released 20 years after the last one, Smith is preparing for a worldwide tour, which will kick off on June 25 at the Mawazine festival in Morocco and will stop in Italy.
The appointment is for July 25 at the Big Art Festival in Massa, which will be held at Villa Alpebella, the private residence of Andrea Bocelli, an old friend of the actor.
However, the Will Smith concert in Italy has already sparked heated controversy, particularly regarding the prices of the tickets. The cost starts from €1,100 for the most affordable seats, while the most exclusive packages arrive at €2,500. The tickets include access to the gala program, a dinner with a dedicated menu, and a premium drink service at the table.