Will Smith Returns to Rap with Guidance from Jay-Z & Kendrick Lamar
After a two-decade break from music, Will Smith is making a major comeback with his upcoming album Based on a True Story, set to drop on March 28. Before stepping into the studio, Smith made two important calls – to Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar – to seek their advice on crafting an authentic and impactful album. In a live interview on Sway in the Morning from Philadelphia, Smith opened up about the wisdom he received from these rap legends and how it shaped his approach to music.
Jay-Z’s advice to Smith was simple but profound. “Don’t fake your story. You gotta say what’s true for you,” Smith recalled. Jay-Z emphasized that authenticity is key and warned him against chasing trends or trying to match the experiences of younger rappers. Instead, he urged Smith to embrace his own journey and be honest about where he is in life. That message resonated deeply, shaping the theme of Based on a True Story. Smith credited Jay-Z for the album title, explaining that his words became the foundation for the project. The legendary rapper’s guidance reinforced the idea that staying true to oneself is the only way to create meaningful music.
When Smith reached out to Kendrick Lamar, the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper had equally powerful advice. “Say the shit you’ve always been fucking scared to say,” Kendrick told him. Lamar encouraged Smith to push past any hesitation and be brutally honest, no matter how uncomfortable it might feel. His words urged Smith to dig deep and make the kind of music that reflects his real experiences rather than worrying about how people would react. “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,” Smith said, recalling Lamar’s advice. This conversation gave Smith the confidence to create a body of work that fully represents his journey.
Based on a True Story will be Smith’s first album since 2005’s Lost and Found and is set to feature 14 tracks that blend his signature storytelling with fresh, introspective themes. The album includes previously released singles such as “First Love,” “Beautiful Scars,” “TANTRUM,” “Work of Art,” and “You Can Make It.” Smith has also enlisted an impressive lineup of collaborators, including DJ Jazzy Jeff, his longtime musical partner, Teyana Taylor, a powerhouse vocalist, Jaden Smith, making the project a family affair, and Jac Ross, a rising R&B talent. Each artist brings their own unique style to the album, ensuring a diverse and dynamic sound.
Smith isn’t just dropping an album – he’s taking it on the road. The Based on a True Story Tour will hit Europe this summer, marking his first major tour in years. While exact dates and venues are yet to be announced, fans can expect energetic performances, storytelling, and a mix of old and new hits. His return to music is a full-circle moment. He first made a name for himself as The Fresh Prince, winning the first-ever Grammy for Best Rap Performance in 1989 with DJ Jazzy Jeff. After dominating the rap game, he transitioned into acting, becoming a global box-office superstar with films like Independence Day, Men in Black, and Ali. Now, nearly 40 years after his rap debut, he’s stepping back into the booth with a renewed purpose.
Smith’s decision to return to music isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s about reclaiming his voice. With Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar’s guidance, he’s bringing fans his most personal and honest album yet. His comeback proves that hip-hop is not just about youth or following trends but about storytelling, resilience, and staying true to oneself. His return to rap with Based on a True Story signals a new chapter in his artistic journey, one that fans old and new can appreciate. Do you think Will Smith’s return to music will make an impact? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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