Will Smith Credits Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar for Shaping His First Album in 20 Years
Will Smith has revealed that Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar played a pivotal role in shaping his long-awaited return to music, offering words of wisdom that inspired his upcoming album, Based on a True Story.
During a live interview on Sway in the Morning in his hometown of Philadelphia, Smith shared that before embarking on the project – his first in two decades – he reached out to both rap icons for guidance.
Jay-Z’s advice proved so influential that it ultimately inspired the album’s title.
“I told Jay I wanted to get back into music, and he said, ‘Don’t fake your story. You have to say what’s true for you,’” Smith recalled. “He told me, ‘You’ll look at younger rappers and want that to be your reality, but it’s not. Be true to your story.’ That’s where the title Based on a True Story came from.”
Kendrick Lamar’s words carried a similar message, encouraging Smith to step outside his comfort zone.
“Kendrick paused for a moment, then said, ‘Man, just say that sh*t you’ve always been scared to say,’” Smith recounted. “It was the same sentiment – be honest, be real. That was scary at first, but it pushed me to make music that feels authentic, rather than what I think people want to hear.”
Set for release on March 28, Based on a True Story marks Smith’s first album since Lost and Found in 2005. The 14-track project features collaborations with longtime partner DJ Jazzy Jeff, Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, and his son Jaden, among others. Fans have already had a taste of the album through singles like Beautiful Scars, First Love, and the gospel-inspired You Can Make It.
In addition to dropping new music, Smith is hitting the road for his first-ever solo headline tour. The Based on a True Story Tour kicks off June 25 in Morocco and spans multiple countries, including France, Spain, and Italy. The UK leg will see Smith perform in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Wolverhampton, and Scarborough, before wrapping up in Paris on September 2.
For Smith, this album represents more than just a musical comeback – it’s a deeply personal chapter, shaped by the wisdom of hip-hop’s greats.
Tickets are available here.
https://willsmith.com/#tour
