Will Smith discusses altercation with Chris Rock at Oscars in new rap album
Will Smith has returned to the music scene with his latest album “Based on a True Story” after a two-decade break from releasing albums. The new album doesn’t shy away from addressing the infamous incident at the 2022 Oscars where Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock on live television.
One of the album’s tracks, titled “Int. Barbershop — Day,” features DJ Jazzy Jeff, B. Simone, and Smith engaging in barbershop banter about Smith’s tarnished reputation. The song opens with dialogue questioning Smith’s actions, with lines like, “Will Smith is canceled,” and “I ain’t never gone forgive him for that stuff he did.”
The song delves into the moment that resulted in Smith being banned from the Oscars for ten years after he slapped Chris Rock on the live broadcast. Lyrics in the song mention rumors of Smith having to give back an Oscar and suggest that the repercussions he faced were due to his race. The track also addresses Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, warning that her name should not be dragged into any discussions.
Following his resignation from the Academy a week after the incident, Smith no longer has voting privileges but remains eligible for nominations and wins, even though he is barred from attending the Oscars for a decade. Despite the ban, he has not been asked to return his Best Actor Oscar for his role in “King Richard.”
On another track named “You Lookin’ for Me?,” Smith highlights his comeback, expressing resilience despite not receiving nominations. This song reflects Smith’s determination to bounce back and continue creating music.
The album serves as a reflection on the incident that occurred three years ago at the Oscars, where Smith confronted Rock on stage for making a joke about Pinkett Smith’s hair. The altercation caused a stir, with Smith taking offense at Rock’s comment about his wife and physically confronting him during the ceremony.
Jada Pinkett Smith had previously revealed her alopecia diagnosis in 2018, which shed light on her decision to shave her head. The reference to “G.I. Jane 2” in Rock’s joke alludes to the 1997 action film starring Demi Moore, where the actress portrays a woman in the Navy who shaves her head during her military service.
Overall, Will Smith’s new album confronts the past and showcases his resilience as an artist. The tracks on “Based on a True Story” demonstrate Smith’s willingness to address controversial moments while continuing to create music that resonates with listeners. Smith’s return to the music scene after a long hiatus signals a new chapter in his career, one that tackles challenges head-on and allows for artistic growth and expression.