Will Smith discusses incident with Chris Rock at the Oscars on his latest music release: ‘My Story’
Will Smith has not shied away from addressing the infamous incident at the Oscars involving Chris Rock. In his latest album, “Based on a True Story,” released on Friday, Smith opens the project with a track titled “Int. Barbershop — Day,” where the phrase “Will Smith is canceled” kicks off the song.
Featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone, the song delves into various viewpoints and rumors about Smith, with different voices expressing their opinions in a freestyle manner. The lyrics reflect the aftermath of the controversy that ensued after Smith slapped Rock onstage during the 2022 Oscars telecast in response to a joke made by the comedian about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The abrupt slap delivered by Smith followed by his expletive-laden outburst aimed at Rock garnered widespread attention.
Despite winning the Oscar for best actor for his role in “King Richard” that same night, Smith faced consequences from the Academy. Contrary to the song’s lyrics, he did not have to return his Oscar trophy. However, the Academy took action by banning him from participating in any of its activities for the next decade. Subsequently, Smith relinquished his membership in the Academy and issued a public apology, expressing deep remorse for his actions.
The album’s second track, “You Lookin’ for Me?,” continues to navigate the fallout from the Oscars slap incident. Smith’s lyrics suggest a sense of defiance and resilience with lines like “Won’t stop, my shit still hot/ Even though I won’t get nominated.” Despite the ban from future Academy events, Smith’s eligibility for Oscar nominations remains unaffected, even though the likelihood of receiving a nomination seems diminished.
“Based on a True Story” not only signifies Smith’s return to full-length solo music projects after a two-decade hiatus but also demonstrates his continued artistic output despite the controversy. Following the Oscars incident, Smith remained active in the entertainment industry, with notable appearances in projects like Apple’s “Emancipation” and Sony’s “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” underscoring his enduring popularity and box office appeal.
As Smith uses his music to grapple with the aftermath of the Oscars slap incident, “Based on a True Story” serves as a platform for the artist to address the controversy head-on and reclaim his narrative through the power of his lyrical storytelling and musical expression. Smith’s latest project not only showcases his artistic evolution but also underscores his resilience in the face of adversity, resonating with fans and critics alike.