Will Smith‘s Musical Comeback: Honesty and “Despicable Prisoners”
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Three years after the infamous Oscars incident, Will Smith is making a return to music, driven by a period of intense self-reflection. The actor describes his new album, “Based On A True Story,” as an exploration of personal truths and previously hidden aspects of himself, which he refers to as the “despicable prisoners.” This marks Smith’s frist album release in 20 years.
A Journey of Self-Finding
Smith shared with 1Xtra’s Remi Burgz that the past few years have been a time of profound introspection. Following the controversy at the Academy Awards,where he slapped comedian Chris Rock,Smith took a step back to engage in deep internal work.
“After the Oscars I shut it down for a minute and really went into the internal work and just taking a big, strong, honest look at myself,” Smith stated.
The incident resulted in a 10-year ban from the Oscars for Smith,following his reaction to a joke made about his wife’s alopecia,a condition causing hair loss. According to the national Alopecia Areata Foundation, alopecia affects as many as 6.8 million people in the U.S. alone. National Alopecia Areata Foundation
Unlocking creativity
Smith described his creative process as a breakthrough, likening it to removing a manhole cover from unexplored areas of his mind.
“it was just like there was a manhole cover over some unexplored areas and the manhole cover came off,” he said.”It was scary for a minute what was in there. But then all of a sudden, all these new thoughts, new energies, new creativity came through like a geyser and it started showing up as music.”
Seeking Guidance
Before diving back into the studio, Smith sought advice from fellow artists Jay Z and Kendrick Lamar.
“When I started writing, I called Jay Z and I called Kendrick,” he revealed.”Kendrick said you have to say those things you’ve always been scared to say and Jay Z said don’t even go near it if you’re not trying to tell the truth.”
Did You Know? Jay Z’s debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” was released in 1996 and is considered a classic in hip-hop history.
Critical Reception
Despite the personal meaning of the album, “Based On A True Story” has received mixed reviews from critics. Pitchfork called it “excruciatingly corny,” while Rolling Stone described it as “cringey… clunky and dated” in a two-and-a-half star review.
Despite the criticism, Smith maintains that the album was a way for him to express the “madness” within his mind.
“It is the exploration of what I call the ‘despicable prisoners’,” Smith explained.”It’s the parts of myself that have been banished, the parts of myself I’m not allowed to talk about on the radio, the part of myself I’m not even allowed to acknowledge is real.”
Smith emphasizes the importance of authenticity and honesty in his current artistic journey.
“Working in that space of authenticity, honesty and imperfection, allowing that to grow into a higher perfection than the imagery of Will Smith is where I am as an artist and as a human right now.”
Pro Tip: Embracing vulnerability in creative work can often lead to more profound and relatable art.
Key Album Details
| Album Title | Artist | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| Based On A True Story | Will Smith | 2024 |
The Evolution of Will Smith
Will Smith’s career has spanned decades, evolving from a charismatic rapper and television star in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to a global movie icon. His willingness to explore new creative avenues, even after achieving notable success, demonstrates a commitment to personal and artistic growth. This latest musical endeavor reflects a deeper, more introspective phase in his career, marked by a willingness to confront personal challenges and share them through his art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Will Smith to create new music after 20 years?
Will Smith was inspired to create new music after a period of deep self-reflection and a desire to express previously unexplored aspects of himself.
What advice did Will smith receive from Jay Z and Kendrick Lamar?
Jay Z advised Will Smith to only pursue the music if he was committed to telling the truth, while Kendrick Lamar encouraged him to express the things he had always been scared to say.
How have critics responded to Will Smith’s new album?
Critics have given Will Smith’s album mixed to negative reviews, with some describing it as “corny” and “dated.”
What are the main themes explored in Will Smith’s new music?
Will Smith’s new music explores themes of authenticity, honesty, and imperfection, focusing on the parts of himself that he has previously kept hidden.
Where can I find the full interview with Will Smith?
The full interview with Will Smith is available to stream on BBC Sounds.
What do you think about Will Smith’s return to music? do you believe artists shoudl always strive for complete honesty in their work?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
