Will Smith is entering the “greatest artistic creative period” of his life. The multi-talented performer’s statement comes as he embarks on a significant musical comeback after focusing primarily on acting for many years.
The actor/rapper has been absent from the charts for two decades but he’s preparing for a big return as he released ‘Based on a True Story’ – his first new album since 2005’s ‘Lost and Found’ – on March 28 and Will has now declared the record’s launch marks a turning point in his career. His previous albums have earned him multiple Grammy Awards throughout his musical career.
“The past couple of years, I’ve been doing a very deep exploration of who and what I truly am,” he wrote in a video on Instagram. The post quickly garnered significant attention and sparked excitement among fans who have been waiting for his musical return.
“The process of this album is really allowing myself to be more honest with myself than I ever have about who and what I actually am,” Smith continued in his heartfelt message to fans. Industry experts note that this level of vulnerability marks a new direction for the typically upbeat and positive artist.
“This is about to be the greatest artistic creative period of my entire life.” This bold statement comes after a career spanning four decades that has included blockbuster films and multiple platinum albums.
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The album features the singles ‘First Love’, ‘Beautiful Scars’, ‘TANTRUM’, ‘Work of Art’ and ‘You Can Make It’ plus collaborations with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor and Jac Ross. The reunion with DJ Jazzy Jeff is particularly significant as the duo’s partnership dates back to 1985 when they formed “DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince” and released hits like “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and “Summertime.”
Will previously admitted he turned back to music again following the controversy of the 2022 Academy Awards when he stormed the stage and slapped host Chris Rock shortly before being awarded the Best Actor Oscar for his movie ‘King Richard’. The incident became a pivotal moment in Smith’s public life and career.
“A well opened up inside of me, a well of understanding of art and pain … all kinds of things that I didn’t even know were in there,” the rapper/actor told Billboard. Music critics have noted that this introspective approach represents a significant evolution from Smith’s earlier, more commercial sound.
“Then after the Oscars, that spiritual investigation continued and a whole world woke up inside that I didn’t even know was there,” Smith revealed about his creative process. This period of self-reflection followed a public apology and his withdrawal from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
“Dreams, visions; parts of my inner landscape that I had no awareness of prior to three years ago. And that opened up this bubbling to share what I’m seeing and experiencing, to explore,” he continued, describing his renewed creative inspiration. Smith’s candid discussion about personal growth has resonated with many fans who appreciate his willingness to address difficult periods in his life.
“A big part of my music now is about that: the ecstatic kind of joy I remember from church when I was growing up; the ability to try to make this place more bearable,” he explained, referencing his upbringing in West Philadelphia where gospel music played an important role in his early musical influences.
“You know, I’ve always had a wild imagination; that’s part of who I am. But there’s something new happening with me that’s demanding I explore musically.” Smith’s imagination has been evident throughout his career, from sci-fi blockbusters to his diverse musical catalog that spans rap, R&B, and pop genres.
In the interview, Will also hinted ‘Based on a True Story’ will be the first of a three-part album series, comparing it to “three seasons of a TV musical show”. This ambitious project suggests a significant commitment to his musical revival, with industry insiders speculating about the timeline for the complete trilogy.
The album arrives at a time when Smith is also balancing several film projects, including the upcoming “Bad Boys 4,” scheduled for release later this year, demonstrating his continued ability to maintain parallel careers in both music and film after more than three decades in the entertainment industry.
