Will Smith Finds Musical Redemption After Oscar Incident

Will Smith could have allowed his infamous Oscar slap to mark the end of his cinematic journey, leaving his career damaged, his marriage scrutinized, and his reputation in decline. Instead, he chose to embark on a journey of introspection.
During this process, Smith rediscovered a long-dormant creative outlet in music, using the microphone as a platform to articulate his thoughts after years of prioritizing his Hollywood success.
“I’ve devoted the past couple of years to deeply examining aspects of myself that may or may not have been fully resolved, and confronting those profound, internal questions,” said Smith, an Oscar and Grammy winner, who will release his fifth studio album, “Based on a True Story,” on Friday. This marks his first musical project in two decades since “Lost and Found.”
“It’s truly the outcome of my initial self-reflection,” he explained. “Each song delves into a facet of myself that I uncovered or wished to explore, something I desired to share. It’s the most comprehensive musical offering I’ve ever created.”
Smith’s new album features guest appearances from Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, DJ Jazzy Jeff, his son Jaden Smith, Jac Ross, and Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir. His album incorporates gospel melodies and themes, but he stops short of labeling it a full-fledged gospel project, despite the success of “You Can Make It,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart.