Will Smith is breaking his silence through music—and he’s not holding back. The actor and rapper directly addresses the infamous 2022 Oscars incident with Chris Rock in his new album, Based on a True Story, which dropped Friday. The opening track wastes no time confronting the controversy head-on, beginning with a jarring phrase: “Will Smith is canceled.”
The song, titled “Int. Barbershop—Day,” sets the tone for the album. Featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff and comedian B. Simone, the track uses a barbershop-style back-and-forth, with various voices offering their unfiltered takes on Smith’s fall from grace.
One voice asks, “Who the f**k Will Smith think he is?” while another retorts, “I ain’t never going to forgive him for that sh*t he did.” The incident in question—when Smith slapped Chris Rock live on stage during the 2022 Academy Awards—stunned audiences worldwide.
Rock, presenting an award, made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, prompting the actor to walk on stage and hit the comedian across the face. Back in his seat, Smith shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth!” The moment overshadowed what would have otherwise been a career-defining night: Smith later won Best Actor for King Richard.
In “Int. Barbershop—Day,” Smith raps, “I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back / And you know they only made him do that sh*t because he’s Black.” While the line reflects public speculation, it’s not factually accurate — Smith was not required to return his Oscar. However, the Academy banned him from attending any of its events for 10 years. Smith also resigned his Academy membership and issued a public apology, saying he was “deeply remorseful.”
The song also throws in a nod to Smith’s now-iconic outburst: “Him and Jada both crazy girl, what you talkin’ bout? / You better keep his wife’s name out of your mouth.”
The follow-up track, “You Lookin’ for Me?”, continues the theme of resilience and reputation. Smith raps, “Took a lot, I’m back on top / Y’all gon’ have to get acclimated / Won’t stop, my sh*t still hot / Even though I won’t get nominated.” While his ban doesn’t affect Oscar eligibility, his chances at future nominations remain unclear.
Based on a True Story marks Smith’s first solo album in nearly two decades — his last, Lost and Found, released in 2005. Despite the scandal, Smith hasn’t stayed out of the spotlight. He starred in Emancipation, followed by the summer blockbuster Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which raked in over $400 million globally.
Through raw lyrics and candid storytelling, Smith appears ready to reclaim his narrative—one verse at a time.
