Will Smith returns to music: New album set for release after 20-year hiatus

After two decades away from the music scene, Will Smith is making a long-awaited return to hip-hop. The Oscar-winning actor, rapper, and producer announced that his new album, Based on a True Story, will drop on March 28. Smith shared the news with his 69.5 million Instagram followers, expressing his excitement for the project.

"It's OFFICIAL!! My new album, Based on a True Story, drops on March 28. TWO WEEKS!! Hit that presave. Been working on this project for a minute and I'm itchin’ to get it out to y’all," he posted.

The 14-track album will feature collaborations with longtime musical partner DJ Jazzy Jeff, as well as artists Teyana Taylor and Jac Ross. Fans got a taste of Smith’s latest work in January when he released the single Beautiful Scars, featuring Big Sean and Obangain.

Smith first gained recognition in the late 1980s as half of the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, creating hits like Parents Just Don’t Understand and Girls Ain’t Nothing but Trouble. His signature lighthearted, radio-friendly style made him a household name, with his music videos receiving heavy rotation on MTV.

The success of his rap career seamlessly transitioned into television with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the beloved 1990s sitcom that cemented Smith as a cultural icon. As his acting career soared, he continued to release music, often tying his songs to blockbuster films. Tracks like Men in Black and Wild Wild West became synonymous with their respective movies, while his 1997 album Big Willie Style brought massive hits like Gettin' Jiggy Wit It and Just the Two of Us.

However, after releasing Lost and Found in 2005, Smith stepped away from music to focus on acting and producing. Over the years, fans speculated about a possible musical comeback, and now, that moment has finally arrived.

Smith’s return to music comes as he continues to rebuild his public image following the infamous incident at the 2022 Academy Awards, when he slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage. The moment overshadowed his Oscar win for King Richard and led to a 10-year ban from the awards ceremony. Since then, Smith has largely stayed out of the spotlight, making strategic career moves to regain favor with audiences.

With Based on a True Story, Smith appears ready to remind the world of his talents beyond the headlines. The album’s themes and collaborations suggest a mix of nostalgia and contemporary hip-hop, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

As March 28 approaches, anticipation continues to build for what could be one of the most talked-about albums of the year. Whether Smith will reclaim his place in the music industry remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Big Willie is back.