Will Smith is making an exhilarating return to the music scene.
The Pursuit of Happyness star revealed on Thursday that he’ll be dropping a new album, Based on a True Story, in March: his first full studio release since Lost and Found in 2005.
Smith has been teasing his comeback for nearly a year, releasing multiple singles in collaboration with high-profile artists. The album will feature previously released tracks like “You Can Make It”, “Work of Art,” and “Tantrum,” created with rappers Russ, Joyner Lucas, and his son Jaden.
Adding to the momentum, the Recording Academy announced Friday that Smith will be a presenter at this Sunday’s Grammys, solidifying his return to the music scene.
The last time Will Smith topped the charts was in 1997 with “Gettin’ Jiggy With It.”
His return to music has been building momentum through a series of memorable performances. At the 2024 BET Awards, he debuted a new track, adding to a growing list of live appearances that have marked his musical resurgence.
In April, Smith joined J Balvin onstage to perform as his iconic 1997 film character from Men In Black. A month later, he arrived at the Ride or Die premiere in a double-decker bus alongside Martin Lawrence, treating fans to a brief performance of his hit song “Miami”: a nod to his role as a Miami detective in the Bad Boys franchise. He wrapped up the year with a string of concerts at San Diego’s Observatory North Park.
To accompany his album announcement, Smith dropped “Beautiful Scars,” a collaboration with hip-hop heavyweight Big Sean. The introspective track blends sharp verses with an auto-tune-heavy hook, reflecting on personal growth and resilience. At times almost spiritual, Smith’s crisp delivery stands in contrast to the mumble rap trend that has dominated recent years.
His upcoming album is expected to follow a similar narrative-driven style, reintroducing Smith not just as the Fresh Prince or an Oscar-winning actor but as a serious musical artist reclaiming his place in hip-hop.
