Will Smith raps about slapping Chris Rock in comebac

In recent developments, Will Smith has made a significant return to the music scene after a 20-year hiatus with the release of his new album, 'Based on a True Story', on March 28, 2025. The album features themes addressing personal struggles and public controversies, most notably the incident at the 2022 Oscars where Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock during the awards ceremony. This high-profile incident had previously led to considerable backlash against Smith, resulting in him receiving a 10-year ban from Academy events and having to resign from the Academy itself. The album marks a pivotal moment in Smith's career as he attempts to revitalize his image, which took a significant hit due to the Oscars incident. Despite being celebrated as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars with an impressive track record of box office successes, the incident has become a focal point of conversations about his public persona and artistic direction. In his new music, Smith expresses themes of redemption, introspection, and the complexities of human experiences, blending elements of hip-hop with a more serious tone than in his earlier work, which often featured catchy and light-hearted themes. Critics have noted that Smith’s approach in this album contrasts sharply with his previous hits that focused primarily on fun and relatable topics. Some have lauded him for taking this bold step to confront personal and societal issues through his music, while others are skeptical of the sincerity of his transformation and view it as an attempt at image rehabilitation following the controversy. Notably, the album includes tracks that directly reference the slap incident, with Smith using the platform to share his reflections on the consequences of his actions and the public's perception of him. The release of 'Based on a True Story' is viewed as an important comeback for Smith, who is seeking to navigate the dual pressures of rekindling his music career while addressing the ramifications of a very public fall from grace. As Smith embarks on this journey, fans eagerly await to see if he can successfully connect with listeners through more raw and honest storytelling, or if the skepticism surrounding his motives will overshadow his artistic efforts.