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Will Smith Attempts Music Comeback After Oscar Controversy
Just over three years ago, few could have foreseen Will Smith re-entering the music scene. This seemed particularly improbable given his established career trajectory at the time.
From Actor to Musician Again
Having transitioned from his early days as a lighthearted rapper, Smith had solidified his status as a respected actor. In 2022, he was widely considered a frontrunner for the Best Actor Oscar – his third nomination – for his portrayal in “King Richard.”
However, the events that unfolded at the 2022 Academy Awards dramatically altered public perception. Shortly before receiving his Oscar statuette, Smith’s unexpected physical altercation with presenter Chris Rock overshadowed his career accomplishments. These achievements spanned from his television breakthrough in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to box office success in “Men in Black,” and recognition as a serious actor in “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
Addressing the Past in New Album “Based on a True Story”
Nearly three years after the globally publicized incident on March 27, 2022, Smith is attempting a significant comeback by returning to his musical origins. His new album, “Based on a True Story,” marks his first musical release since 2005’s “Lost and Found.”
The album immediately confronts the controversy in its opening track, “Int. Barbershop — Day.” The track features multiple voices, including DJ Jazzy Jeff, comedian B. Simone, and Smith himself, engaging in a fictionalized gossip session centered around him.
“Will Smith is canceled,” one voice declares, quickly followed by a counterpoint, “Oh you can’t cancel no icon.”
With a blend of playful and pointed commentary, the track directly addresses the Oscar incident, referencing the misconception, “I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back/ And you know they only made him do that s–t because he’s Black.” It is worth noting that, despite these lyrical assertions, Smith retained his Oscar.
Confrontational Tracks and Spiritual Reflection
The album further alludes to his controversial defense of Jada Pinkett Smith, incorporating the now-infamous warning, “You better keep his wife’s name out of your mouth.”
In “You Lookin’ at Me?”, Smith seemingly targets Rock, adopting the persona of a brash and ambitious young artist reminiscent of his Philadelphia beginnings. The lyrics convey aggression: “You decided to instigate it/And now you got me, I’m motivated/ITake a beat, I’m spittin’ heat, I’m on fire, incinerated/I’m way too calculated for me to ever get dominated/If I was you and I saw me, I’d see why you’d be aggravated.”
Smith continues to assert his resilience: “Took a lot, I’m back on top/ Y’all gon’ have to get acclimated/ Won’t stop, my s— still hot/ Even though I won’t get nominated/Personal life with my wife/Mind your business, it’s complicated.”
However, “Based on a True Story” transcends mere controversy. It delves into the introspective journey of a man seeking personal reflection and spiritual growth. Tracks such as “Rave in the Wasteland” explore themes at the intersection of rap and gospel. The album also includes three sermon-like interludes titled “The Reverend.”
In “You Can Make It,” Smith adopts a more inspirational tone, rapping, “The darker the hell you gotta endure/The brighter the heaven you get to enjoy/The harder the fall, the higher you soar/God opens a window when the devil closes the door.”
This uplifting spirit of overcoming challenges is evident in moments like “Hard Times (Smile),” a soulful track featuring Teyana Taylor.
Is This Comeback Necessary?
After two decades, the question arises: is this the musical comeback the public anticipated? This question gains further weight considering his recent cinematic success with “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” which demonstrated his continued box-office appeal. Some may perceive this musical endeavor as somewhat unnecessary or even lacking self-awareness.
Perhaps this introspective musical direction is not what resonates with audiences currently.
Legacy and Musical Context
Even during his musical peak, both as half of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, responsible for hits like “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and “Summertime,” and as a solo artist with successes such as “Men in Black” and “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” Smith was not considered a rap icon in the traditional sense.
His four Grammy wins, including the inaugural Best Rap Performance Grammy in 1989 for “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” occurred during a period when mainstream rap recognition often favored pop-oriented and generally safe musical choices.
Therefore, this unexpected pivot back to music, particularly at a time when Smith may feel marginalized by the film industry – evidenced by his resignation from the Academy and ineligibility to attend the Oscars until 2032 – is arguably unconventional.
Challenges of Relevancy in Music
At 56, Smith enters a music scene dominated by younger artists. Maintaining relevance in rap music, even for established figures, is a well-known challenge in middle age.
Even Jay-Z, 55 – whom Smith references as a benchmark for rap success – has not released a solo album since 2017.
Seeking Advice from Music Industry Leaders
Prior to his return to music, Smith consulted with Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar, a leading contemporary hip-hop artist.
“Before I started, you know, I made two phone calls,” Smith stated in an interview with SiriusXM’s Shade 45. “I talked to Jay and I talked to Kendrick, and I was like, ‘Hey, I want to get back in music.’ And it was like, ‘What’s the advice?’”
Jay-Z’s advice was to “Don’t fake your story,” emphasizing authenticity. “He was like, ‘You gotta say what’s true for you… Be true to your story. Tell your story.’ And that’s where I got the ‘Based on a True Story’ from Jay.’”
Lamar’s advice was more direct: “Man, just say that s—t you always been f—king scared to say.”
Redemption and Return to Roots
Smith’s current musical direction shifts away from the novelty of his past hits, embracing a more mature exploration of redemption and inner peace.
His re-emergence in music began with a guest appearance during J Balvin’s Coachella set last April, performing “Men in Black.”
This was followed by a performance at the BET Awards in June, where he debuted “You Can Make It.”
More recently, Smith led a tribute to Quincy Jones at the Grammys.
He also received support from rising rapper Doechii, who joined him and his “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” co-star Tatyana Ali in a TikTok video recreating a classic sitcom dance scene, suggesting a bridge between generations.
Adding a local touch, a street in West Philadelphia was officially named Will Smith Way, acknowledging his roots.
However, Smith’s long-term move from his Philadelphia neighborhood to Hollywood remains a defining aspect of his career, highlighting the complexities of returning to one’s origins after significant life changes.