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Based on a True Story (Will Smith album)

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Based on a True Story
Studio album by
Will Smith
ReleasedMarch 2025 (2025-03)
Producer
  • LeXo Skeleton
  • OmArr
Will Smith chronology
Lost and Found
(2005) 		Based on a True Story
(2025)
Singles from Based on a True Story
  1. "Beautiful Scars Will Smith & Big Sean song"
    Released: January 30, 2025

Based on a True Story is the upcoming fifth studio album by American actor and rapper Will Smith . It is scheduled for release on March 2025, through SLANG MUSIC.[1] This marks Smith's return to music after nearly two decades since his 2005 album, "Lost and Found."[2] The album will feature collaborations with Big Sean, Russ, Joyner Lucas, and Smith’s own son, Jaden Smith among others. Preceding its release are the singles "Beautiful Scars " (with Big Sean), Work of Art" includes contributions from both Russ and Jaden and "TANTRUM" (featuring Joyner Lucas).

Background and promotion

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Will Smith announced his fifth studio album, Based on a True Story , on Instagram, confirming its scheduled release for March 2025.[3][4] Ahead of the album’s launch, he introduced several singles, including the lead track, Beautiful Scars, featuring rapper Big Sean, which debuted in late January 2025. The song’s music video draws inspiration from the 1999 film The Matrix, with Smith portraying Neo—a role he previously turned down—while Big Sean appears as Morpheus.[5] The video incorporates iconic elements from the film, such as the red and blue pill choice, symbolizing themes of self-reflection and personal growth.[6]

In a July 2024 interview, Smith described the album as his most personal and impactful work, highlighting its central message of finding resilience in difficult times, encapsulated in the phrase “Dance in your darkest moments.”[7]

Based on a True Story is expected to feature multiple collaborations, though details on guest artists have not yet been disclosed. Smith’s return to music has generated considerable attention, particularly given his extended break from the industry following the 2022 Oscars incident.[8]

Smith also made an appearance at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, marking his first major awards show attendance since the Oscars controversy.[9][10]

Track listing

[edit]
Based on a True Story track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
9."Beautiful Scars" (with Big Sean)
  • LeXoskeleton
  • OmArr
3:46
15."TANTRUM" (featuring Joyner Lucas)
Leo Son3:04

References

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  1. ^ Mitchell, Gail (2025-01-31). "Will Smith Returns With 'Based on a True Story' Album: 'I'm on Fire About This Next Creative Phase'". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
  2. ^ Grove, Rashad (2025-01-31). "Will Smith Announces Upcoming Album, 'Based On A True Story'". HOT 97. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
  3. ^ "Will Smith announces Based On A True Story, his first album in 20 years". Sky News. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
  4. ^ Bennett, Jessica (2025-01-31). "Will Smith Announces Hip-Hop Return With Upcoming LP, 'Based On A True Story'". VIBE.com. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
  5. ^ "Will Smith teases new rap album with a 'Matrix'-themed music video". PhillyVoice. 2025-01-31. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
  6. ^ "Will Smith Transforms into Neo for Epic 'The Matrix'-Inspired Music Video Featuring Big Sean". People.com. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
  7. ^ Setaro, Shawn (2024-07-24). "Will Smith Confirms First New Album In Almost 20 Years". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
  8. ^ "How much did Will Smith's infamous 'Oscars slap' cost him? $1 Billion and a marriage on the brink". The Economic Times. 2025-02-03. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
  9. ^ "Will Smith To Make First Major Awards Show Appearance At The Grammys After 10-Year Oscars Ban For The Slap | Decider". 2025-01-31. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
  10. ^ "Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock on Oscars Stage After Comedian Makes Joke About Jada Pinkett-Smith". NBC New York. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
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