Will Smith is officially back in music. After nearly two decades, the rapper and actor is releasing a brand-new album titled Based on a True Story, set to drop this Friday, March 28.
In a live interview with Sway in the Morning in his hometown of Philadelphia, Will shared that he reached out to two major voices in hip-hop for guidance before stepping back into the studio: JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar.
JAY-Z’s Advice Led to the Album Title
Will revealed that it was a conversation with JAY-Z that inspired the album’s name.
“Jay said, ‘Don’t fake your story. Say what’s true for you.’ He told me not to compare myself to younger artists and to stay authentic,” Will explained. “That’s where the title Based on a True Story came from.”
Kendrick Lamar Encouraged Total Honesty
Will also turned to Kendrick Lamar, who challenged him to be vulnerable.
“Kendrick said, ‘Just say that stuff you’ve always been scared to say.’ That was powerful. It pushed me to be more open and honest in my music than ever before.”
Will shared that stepping into that truth was intimidating, but essential to making a record that felt real.
Inside the Album: Based on a True Story
This marks Will Smith’s first album since Lost and Found in 2005. The new 14-track project includes collaborations with:
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DJ Jazzy Jeff
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Big Sean
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Teyana Taylor
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Jaden Smith
The album features singles like “Beautiful Scars,” “First Love,” and the gospel-inspired “You Can Make It.”
Will Smith Announces World Tour for Summer 2025
To support the album, Will is also launching his first-ever solo headline world tour. He’ll be visiting multiple countries, including:
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France, Spain, Italy
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UK cities like London, Manchester, Cardiff, Wolverhampton, and Scarborough
The Based on a True Story Tour begins June 25 in Morocco and wraps up September 2 in Paris.
Tickets are currently available.
