Will Smith Addresses Oscars Slap Fallout on New Album 'Based on a True Story'

Will Smith confronts the aftermath of the 2022 Oscars slap on his new album, 'Based on a True Story,' his first solo project in 20 years. The opening track, 'Int. Barbershop - Day,' featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone, starts with the line, 'Will Smith is canceled.' The song includes lines riffing on the incident, such as 'Who the f*** Will Smith think he is?' and references the Chris Rock slap, 'I heard he down bad / I heard he won the Oscar but had to give it back.' It also nods to his outburst defending Jada Pinkett Smith. In another song, 'You Lookin' for Me?', Smith raps about his comeback, acknowledging he 'won't get nominated.' The album suggests the incident remains a significant topic for Smith.