Will Smith recently opened up about his upcoming album Based on a True Story during an interview on Sway in the Morning, revealing the guidance he received from Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar before stepping back into music.
Discussing his creative process, Smith emphasized that this is the first time he has been able to devote full attention to every lyric, ensuring authenticity in his storytelling. Before starting the album, he sought advice from two rap icons. Jay-Z advised him to “be true to your story” rather than trying to emulate younger artists, inspiring the album’s title. Kendrick Lamar pushed him further, encouraging him to “say that shit you always been scared to say.”
Based on a True Story marks Smith’s deeply personal return to music.