March 16, 2025: Fans of Will Smith are in for a treat as the actor and rapper has officially announced the release date of his highly anticipated album, Based on a True Story. This marks his return to the music scene after a 20-year hiatus since his last album, Lost and Found.
Will Smith took to Instagram to share the exciting news with his followers, expressing how eager he is to release the project. He posted a series of promotional photos along with the album’s full tracklist. “Been working on this project for a minute and I’m itchin’ to get it out to y’all,” Smith wrote alongside the post.
The album consists of 14 tracks, including previously released singles such as First Love, Beautiful Scars, TANTRUM, Work of Art, and You Can Make It. In addition, fans will be treated to collaborations with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, and Jac Ross. Smith also hinted that the album might be just the first part of a larger anthology, as the album art features the subtitle “Season 1: R.I.T.W.,” though the full meaning of the abbreviation remains a mystery for now.
Smith’s career in music began in the ’80s as part of the iconic rap duo, DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince. Their 1988 album He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper produced massive hits like Parents Just Don’t Understand and A Nightmare on My Street. Their biggest hit came with Summertime, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
After transitioning to acting with the hit NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1990, Will Smith went on to release a successful solo career. His debut solo album, Big Willie Style, released after his rise to fame in Independence Day, featured chart-topping singles like Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It and sold over 9 million copies in the U.S. alone. Smith continued his musical success with Willennium (1999) and Born to Reign (2002).
After a long wait, fans are excited for Will Smith’s return to music with Based on a True Story. The album’s release promises to be a thrilling chapter in his versatile career.