Will Smith confronts Oscars controversy in new album "Based on a True Story"

Will Smith has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, and his latest album, "Based on a True Story," proves just that. The project, which dropped on Friday, marks Smith’s return to music after two decades—and he wastes no time addressing one of the most infamous moments of his career: the slap heard around the world at the 2022 Oscars.

The album’s opening track, "Int. Barbershop — Day," immediately dives into the controversy. The song features a freestyle-style dialogue where multiple voices exchange raw opinions about Smith, including, “Will Smith is canceled” and “I ain’t never going to forgive him for that.” Collaborating with DJ Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone, Smith uses the track to paint a picture of public perception and his own struggle with redemption.

The incident in question occurred when comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith during the live Academy Awards telecast. In response, Smith stormed the stage and slapped Rock, later shouting from his seat, "Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth!" The backlash was swift—despite winning the Best Actor Oscar for "King Richard" that same night, Smith faced significant consequences. He resigned from the Academy and was banned from attending its events for a decade.

Smith directly tackles this fallout in "Int. Barbershop — Day," rapping, “I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back/ And you know they only made him do that s*** because he’s Black.” While the Academy never revoked his award, the controversy overshadowed his achievement. He also references his infamous outburst with the line, “Him and Jada both crazy girl, what you talkin’ bout?/ You better keep his wife’s name out of your mouth.”

The album’s second track, "You Lookin’ for Me?" echoes the same defiant energy. Smith asserts his relevance despite the controversy, rapping, "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.” Though his ban doesn’t affect future Oscar eligibility, Smith acknowledges the unlikelihood of another nomination.

"Based on a True Story" is Smith’s first full-length solo project since 2005’s "Lost and Found." However, it’s not his only major endeavor post-Oscars. Shortly after the incident, he starred in Apple’s historical drama "Emancipation" and later returned to the big screen alongside Martin Lawrence in "Bad Boys: Ride or Die." The fourth installment in the franchise was a box office success, grossing over $400 million worldwide.

Through his latest album, Smith confronts his critics head-on, turning his personal turmoil into artistic expression. Whether the world is ready to embrace him again remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Will Smith is not done telling his story.