Will Smith Reveals Details 'Based On A True Story,' His First Album In 20 Years

Will Smithismaking a comeback— not only to film, butto music. On Friday, March 14, theOscar winnerrevealed the cover art and release date to hisnew album,Based on a True Story. Though Smith began his career as a rapper under the alias, “The Fresh Prince,” he hasn’t put out an album since 2005’sLost and Found, which featured the hit single, “Switch.” WithBased on a Truestory marking his first album in 20 years, Smith hasn’t lost a beat, and he’s been keeping his ear to the streets.

Based on a True Storywill contain14 tracks. Smith has previously released the songs “First Love,” “Beautiful Scars,” “TANTRUM,” “Work of Art,” and “You Can Make It,” all of which are set to be featured on the album. Most recently, Smith released the single, “You Can Make It” featuringFridayandSunday Service Choir, which reached No. 1 onBillboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. Hepreviously debuted the song at the 2024 BET Awards, in a performance that saw him standing in a pit surrounded by fire.

Last month, Smithpresented a tribute at the Grammys to the late Quincy Jones— whom Smith considered his mentor, and often credited him for helping him land his role onThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. While will may have been away from the rap game for awhile, he hadn’t lost touch with his love of music.

What We Know About Will Smith’s New Album?

The cover art forBased on a True Storysees Smithdressed in a Philadelphia Phillies jacket and baseball cap. He appears to be channeling his younger “Fresh Prince” self, as the album is, evidently,television-themed. On the cover, we see Smith’s initials, the album’s title, and the subtitle “Season 1: R.I.T.W.” Perhaps this is short for “Rave in the Wasteland,” which is the fourth track on the album. As for the track listing, each song is labeled as an “episode” in this 14-episode season.

The album is also very collab-heavy. Ahead of the album, Smith has dropped collabs withBig Sean, Russ, Joyner Lucas, Fridayy, Sunday Service Choir, and his son,Jaden. The album will also feature collaborations withTeyana Taylor, as well as his day-one pal,DJ Jazzy Jeff.

And fans won’t have to wait that much longer for new music! You can see theBased on a True Storycover art and tracklist above.Based on a True Storyis outMarch 28via Twenty Nine Music Group.