Will Smith Unveils First Album in 20 Years, ‘Based on a True Story,’ Inspired by Jay-Z’s Advice to Stay Authentic and Kendrick Lamar’s Push for Fearless Honesty after Snoop Dogg advised him never go sing again

Will Smith Unveils ‘Based on a True Story,’ His First Album in 20 Years, Guided by Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar’s Unfiltered Advice

Los Angeles, CA – March 30, 2025 – Will Smith, the iconic actor, rapper, and Hollywood powerhouse, has made a triumphant return to the music industry with his first full-length album in two decades, Based on a True Story. Released on March 28, 2025, the 14-track project marks a significant milestone in Smith’s multifaceted career, blending his signature charisma with raw vulnerability—thanks in large part to the sage advice of hip-hop legends Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar.

In a revealing interview on Sway in the Morning earlier this week, Smith, now 56, shared that before diving back into music after a 20-year hiatus—his last album, Lost and Found, dropped in 2005—he sought counsel from two of rap’s most influential figures. “Before I started, I made two phone calls,” Smith recounted. “I talked to Jay and I talked to Kendrick. I was like, ‘Hey, I want to get back in music. What’s the advice?’”

The advice he received proved transformative. Jay-Z, the mogul behind hits like “Empire State of Mind,” urged Smith to stay true to himself, delivering a simple yet profound directive: “Don’t fake your story.” Smith elaborated, “He was like, ‘You gotta say what’s true for you.’ He’s like, ‘You’ll be looking at the younger rappers and you want that to be true for you, but you don’t live like that.’ He was like, ‘Be true to your story. Tell your story.’” This mantra not only inspired the album’s title, Based on a True Story, but also set the tone for Smith’s deeply personal approach to the project.

Kendrick Lamar, the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist known for introspective lyricism, offered a similarly bold challenge. “Man, just say that shit you always been f—ing scared to say,” Smith recalled Lamar telling him. “Basically the same thing. It was like, ‘Be honest.’ It was scary.” This encouragement pushed Smith to confront his fears and create an album that feels authentic and unfiltered, a departure from the polished, mainstream hits of his earlier music career.

Based on a True Story features collaborations with longtime partner DJ Jazzy Jeff, with whom Smith rose to fame in the late 1980s, as well as Teyana Taylor, Jac Ross, and even Smith’s son, Jaden Smith. The album also reunites Smith with producers and artists like Big Sean, who appeared on the January single “Beautiful Scars,” which served as a precursor to the full project. Tracks like “You Can Make It” and “Work of Art” have already garnered attention, but it’s the opening songs that have sparked the most buzz—directly addressing one of the most controversial moments of Smith’s life: the 2022 Oscars slap of comedian Chris Rock.

The incident, which occurred live on television during the 94th Academy Awards, saw Smith storm the stage and strike Rock after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The altercation led to Smith being banned from Academy events for 10 years, a period that has clearly weighed heavily on him. On the album’s first track, “Int. Barbershop — Day,” Smith raps about being “canceled” and references a misconception that he had to return his Best Actor Oscar for King Richard (which he did not). He also touches on racial dynamics with the line, “And you know they only made him do that shit because he’s Black.” The second track, “You Lookin’ for Me?,” continues the theme, with Smith asserting, “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.”

These lyrics reflect not only Smith’s resilience but also the honest, unvarnished storytelling Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar encouraged. “That’s the thing with genre,” Smith told Sway. “Make the record you want to make. Don’t try to make the record that you think people will like you for. Make the one that’s authentic.”

The album’s release on March 28, 2025, came two weeks after Smith announced the date on Instagram, writing, “It’s OFFICIAL!! My new album Based on a True Story drops March 28. TWO WEEKS!! Hit that presave. Been working on this project for a minute and I’m itchin’ to get it out to y’all.” The anticipation had been building since January, when Smith dropped “Beautiful Scars,” signaling his return to rap with a mix of introspection and swagger.

For fans and critics alike, Based on a True Story represents more than just a musical comeback—it’s a cultural reckoning. Smith, who first gained fame as a rapper on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air before becoming a global movie star with films like Men in Black and Independence Day, has long balanced his dual identities as an entertainer and artist. This album, however, feels like a turning point, offering a glimpse into the man behind the Hollywood facade.

As Based on a True Story climbs charts and sparks conversations, Smith’s collaboration with Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar underscores the power of mentorship in art. Their advice not only shaped the album but also reinforced Smith’s commitment to authenticity, making this project a poignant chapter in his storied career. Whether it’s addressing the Oscars controversy, reflecting on his personal growth, or celebrating his musical roots, Will Smith has delivered an album that lives up to its title—unapologetically true.