Introduction

Will Smith has wasted no time addressing the infamous incident where he slapped Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars in his newly released album, "Based on a True Story," which hit the streaming platforms on Friday. The album kicks off with a track titled “Int. Barbershop — Day,” boldly opening with the line: “Will Smith is canceled.”

Track Overview

In this first song, featuring contributions from Smith’s longtime collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff and artist B. Simone, various voices engage in a debate over Smith’s actions, which many are still discussing. One voice provocatively asks, “Who the heck does Will Smith think he is?” Another chimes in, insisting, “I ain’t never going to forgive him for that stuff he did,” reflecting the mixed perceptions surrounding the actor following the Oscars incident.

Background on the Incident

Recall that night at the Oscars; as Rock presented, he made a joke regarding Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, a result of her alopecia. Smith, in a shocking moment for the audience, walked onstage and slapped Rock, before returning to his seat to shout, “Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth!” This unexpected act of aggression has dominated headlines ever since.

Controversial Lyrics

The track "Int. Barbershop — Day" doesn’t shy away from the controversy, with lyrics suggesting, “I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back/ And you know they only made him do that shit because he’s Black.” It's important to clarify, though, that Smith did not have to return his Oscar; instead, the Academy imposed a 10-year ban on him from attending any related events. Smith subsequently resigned from his Academy membership and expressed deep remorse in a public apology.

Continuing Themes

The album continues to reference the slap with the line: “Him and Jada both crazy girl, what you talkin’ bout?/ You better keep his wife’s name out of your mouth.” The second track, “You Lookin’ for Me?” alludes to Smith’s journey back to the top, stating, “Took a lot, I’m back on top/ Y’all gon’ have to get acclimated/ Won’t stop, my shit still hot/ Even though I won’t get nominated.” While Smith's Academy ban doesn’t impact his eligibility for future nominations, it's certainly raised questions about whether he will receive any recognition following this controversy.

Significance of the Album

“Based on a True Story” marks a significant moment for Smith, as it's his first full-length solo music project in two decades, with his last being “Lost and Found” released in 2005. This album arrives shortly after he navigated a limited promotional cycle for his Apple TV+ film "Emancipation," and fans are eager to see how this new music will influence his future projects. Last summer, he returned to the big screen alongside Martin Lawrence in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” the latest installment in the beloved franchise, which grossed over $400 million worldwide.

Conclusion

As the world waits to see how Smith moves forward from this scandal, one thing is for sure: his music—and the conversation surrounding it—is still making waves. What do you think of Smith’s way of addressing the slap through his art?