(Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for WarnerMedia)
Will Smith has released his first album in 20 years! Social media has since been cuttin’ up with reactions to the project ‘Based On A True Story.’ Two tracks in particular, ‘Int. Barbershop – Day’ and ‘You Lookin’ For Me?’ went viral. The lyrics reference his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith and the fallout from slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars.
As previously reported, Smith has been banned from attending the Oscars for 10 years. He started that bid in 2022 after open-palm slapping Chris Rock on stage after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s baldness. Will previously addressed the incident that year, even offering an apology for his behavior. Still, the moment is heavily talked about and referenced in pop culture. Take, for example, Stephen A. Smith. He recently referenced the Oscars slap while addressing a viral courtside confrontation with LeBron James.
So, as much as Will Smith and Chris Rockmight want to move on, that could take some time, especially after the drop of ‘Based On A True Story.’ He mentions the slap a few times in the album, starting with the album’s first song. ‘Int. Barbershop – Day’ is like a monologue of gossip and rumors told by B. Simone and DJ Jazzy Jeff.
“Will Smith is canceled,” one voice says. Another adds, “I ain’t never going to forgive him for that sh*t he did,” which seemingly references another Stephen A. Smith comment about the Oscars slap.
Other lyrics combine the chatter about his relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith and what happened after the slap. If you’ve forgotten, after rocking Chris, Will Smith took his seat and yelled out, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth.” In ‘Int. Barbershop – Day,’ some of the lyrics said:
“Him and Jada both crazy, girl, what you talkin bout?/ You better keep his wifes name out of your mouth.”
The same night as the Oscars slap, Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor. He didn’t have to return the award for his ‘King Richard’ role, but as mentioned, he’s not welcome at any Academy Award events for a hot minute. Will also addressed rumors about his award on ‘Int. Barbershop – Day.’
“I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back/ And you know they only made him do that s— because hes Black,” the lyrics say.
‘Int. Barbershop – Day’ isn’t the only song on ‘Based On A True Story,’ to mention the Oscars slap. Will Smith also rapped about it in the song ‘You Lookin’ For Me.’
“Took a lot, Im back on top/ Yall gon have to get acclimated/ Wont stop, my sh*t still hot/ Even though I wont get nominated.”
Immediately after those bars, he spoke on his personal business with Jada Pinkett Smith.
“Personal life with my wife, mind your business it’s complicated/ All that matters is the fact that I’m still getting compensated.”
The couple have been married since 1997, and welcomed two kids, Jaden and Willow, during that time. Will also has a son named Trey from a previous relationship with Sheree Zampino. Though Wil and Jada are still married, she revealed in 2023 that they’ve been living separate lives since 2016. Still, they’ve appeared together at several events since then, and their status with each other remains murky. According to Will’s ‘You Lookin’ For Me’ lyrics, that might not change! Peep the full song below.
Speaking of Jada Pinkett, she was a HAWT topic on social media last month when Will and singer India Martnez joined their talents. The pair performed at the Premio Lo Nuestro Awards, and things got SPICY on stage as they seemingly kissed on the lips.
