LOS ANGELES (AP) — Will Smith, following the fallout of his infamous Oscar slap that marred his reputation, has taken steps toward personal and artistic redemption. Rather than fading into obscurity due to the controversy surrounding his actions at the Oscars in 2022, Smith chose to engage in self-reflection, turning inward to rediscover his passion for music after a two-decade hiatus.
Preparing for the release of his fifth studio album, "Based on a True Story," Smith expressed that this new music project is an exploration of his inner self. Introduced on Friday, the album marks his first musical endeavor since "Lost and Found." Smith described it as a full representation of his self-examination, where each song delves into aspects of his life and experiences. He stated, "It’s the most full musical offering that I’ve ever created."
The album features collaborations with notable artists such as Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, DJ Jazzy Jeff, his son Jaden Smith, Jac Ross, and Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir. While incorporating gospel melodies and themes, Smith refrains from labeling the project as a gospel album, despite the success of the song "You Can Make It," which topped the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart.
Smith’s renewed faith heavily influences his creative direction, leading him to plan a trilogy of albums, referred to as "seasons." The first season, dubbed "Rave in the Wasteland," encompasses the 14 tracks of "Based on a True Story," symbolizing his willingness to embrace life's lessons. He remarked, "I’ve come to some really beautiful answers for myself, regarding my perception of God and reality."
Despite still being a prominent figure in Hollywood, Smith acknowledges that rebuilding trust and momentum in his career has been challenging. The backlash from slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars and the subsequent 10-year ban from the ceremony have tested his resolve. Criticism from fellow entertainers like Zoë Kravitz, Wanda Sykes, and Rob Reiner has also compounded the difficulties as he navigates public opinion.
In acknowledging the criticism, Smith emphasized the necessity of stepping back to gain greater self-understanding. He noted, "There’s a small self that... can get to the end of his bandwidth," implying that true personal growth allows for a broader perception of oneself. He cites influences from his late grandmother, Nelson Mandela, and Tibetan Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön, whose teachings on navigating adversity fuel his creative output.
Smith describes his challenges as "divine curriculum," suggesting that learning to accept and celebrate difficulties ultimately informs his artistic journey. His previous hits, including "Summertime," "Men in Black," "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It," and "Parents Just Don't Understand," showcased a lighter, laid-back style, while the new album conveys a more serious tone, wrapping his life lessons into his music.
As he gears up for a summer tour, set to be his first-ever headline tour, Smith aims to showcase different phases of his life and career during the performances. The tour kicks off on June 25 at the Mawazine Festival in Morocco, culminating in early September in Paris. Fans can expect a mix of classic hits and fresh tracks from the new album during the shows across England, France, and Germany.
Concurrent with his music pursuits, Smith is focusing on several films in pre-production, including potential sequels like "Hancock 2" and "I Am Legend 2." Expressing excitement for the future, he remarked, "This is about to be the greatest creative run of my entire career." With renewed vigor, Smith embraces artistic exploration across both music and cinema, positioning himself for an invigorating next chapter.
