Chris Rock’s sibling criticizes Will Smith’s “garbage” latest album

Chris Rock’s brother, Tony Rock, recently shared his unfiltered thoughts on Will Smith’s new album, “Based on a True Story.” Tony did not mince words, calling the album “sh*t” and “trash” without even listening to it. In an interview with TMZ, he expressed his disinterest in the project, emphasizing his lack of intention to give it a chance. Despite not having heard the album, Tony boldly labeled it as “a piece of sh*t” where Smith uses the backdrop of the Oscars debacle involving Chris Rock.

Tony criticized Smith for mentioning the Oscars incident in the album, stating, “Everybody keeps telling me to stop talking about it but then he f*cking puts it on a song.” This decision evidently fueled Tony’s need to speak out against the album. He firmly believes that Smith only used the incident as a marketing gimmick to boost album sales. Tony’s harsh opinion on the album’s quality stems from the assumption that it is inherently flawed, concluding, “If that’s the only selling point, that’s a sh*tty album.”

Will Smith released “Based on a True Story” on March 28, 2025, marking his return to music after a decade-long hiatus. The album features collaborations with prominent artists like Big Sean, Russ, Joyner Lucas, and even his son, Jaden. Despite the buzz surrounding his return, tracklist, and the Oscars controversy references in the album, it failed to make an impact on the music charts. Moreover, “Based on a True Story” received negative reviews from critics at Rolling Stone and Pitchfork, failing to impress with its content.

Throughout the album, Will Smith revisits the Oscars controversy at various points, showcasing his perspective in tracks like “Int. Barbershop Day” and “You Lookin’ For Me?” Specifically, his lyrics address the challenges faced by Black artists in the entertainment industry, highlighting the adversity he has encountered. Despite Smith’s personal reflections and thematic depth, the album failed to resonate with listeners and critics alike, falling short of expectations in the competitive music landscape.

Will Smith’s attempt to incorporate personal and societal narratives in “Based on a True Story” did not translate into commercial or critical success. While his collaborations and thematic ties to real-life events grabbed attention, the album failed to achieve the acclaim he may have hoped for. Tony Rock’s scathing critique of the album further emphasizes its lack of substance and quality, leaving the audience to question the motivations behind Smith’s musical comeback and the necessary elements for a successful music project.