Will Smith Reveals JAY-Z & Kendrick Lamar’s Advice That Inspired His New Album

Will Smith’s return to the music scene after a two-decade hiatus is shaping up to be a deeply personal and authentic endeavor, thanks in large part to the insightful counsel he received from hip-hop titans JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar. As he prepared to unleash his new album, “Based on a True Story,” Smith sought guidance from these influential artists, and their words resonated profoundly, ultimately shaping the very essence of his upcoming project.

The conversation with JAY-Z proved particularly impactful, directly inspiring the album’s title. The Roc Nation mogul emphasized the paramount importance of authenticity, urging Smith to “Don’t fake your story” and to “say what’s true for you.” He cautioned against the temptation to emulate the styles and experiences of younger rappers, stressing that Smith’s power lay in embracing his own unique narrative. “You’ll be looking at the younger rappers and you want that to be true for you, but you don’t live like that,” JAY-Z astutely observed. He encouraged Smith to delve into his own life experiences, to extract the raw, unfiltered truth, and to weave it into his music. This advice resonated deeply with Smith, solidifying his commitment to creating an album that reflected his genuine self.

Kendrick Lamar, known for his introspective and socially conscious lyrics, offered a similar, yet distinct, piece of wisdom. He urged Smith to “just say that shit you always been fucking scared to say,” pushing him to confront his fears and vulnerabilities head-on. Lamar’s advice underscored the importance of honesty and courage in artistic expression. He challenged Smith to dig deep, to explore the hidden corners of his psyche, and to translate those raw emotions into his music. Both artists, in their own unique ways, stressed the significance of authenticity, urging Smith to create a body of work that was true to his own experiences and perspectives.

Taking their advice to heart, Smith embarked on a creative journey, determined to craft an album that was both personal and relatable. He eschewed the temptation to chase fleeting trends or to cater to preconceived notions of what his music should sound like. Instead, he focused on creating a record that resonated with his own artistic vision, a collection of songs that reflected his genuine experiences, fears, and triumphs. The result is “Based on a True Story,” a 14-track album set for release on March 28th, featuring collaborations with a diverse array of artists, including his longtime collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff, as well as Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, and his son Jaden Smith.

To support the album’s release, Smith has announced a world tour, embarking on a journey that will take him to various corners of the globe. The “Based on a True Story Tour” kicks off on June 25th in Morocco and will traverse through countries such as France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom, culminating in a grand finale in Paris on September 2nd. This tour marks Smith’s first solo headlining tour, a testament to his renewed passion for music and his desire to connect with his fans on a global scale.

Adding to the excitement surrounding his musical comeback, Smith was recently honored with a street naming in his hometown of Philadelphia, a symbolic recognition of his enduring impact on the city and its culture. This honor serves as a reminder of Smith’s deep roots and his unwavering connection to his community. The combination of a new album, a world tour, and a hometown honor paints a picture of a man experiencing a powerful resurgence, fueled by authenticity and a renewed sense of purpose.