Will Smith has found a new creative outlet in music after years of prioritizing his Hollywood dominance. His fifth studio album “Based on a True Story” is set to release on Friday, featuring guest appearances from Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, and Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir.
Smith credits his recent self-examination for the album’s creation, with every song addressing parts of himself he discovered or wanted to explore. The 14-track album, the first season in a three-part series, weaves gospel melodies and messages, showcasing Smith’s renewed faith as the driving force behind his creative direction.
The album marks a departure from Smith’s previous work, striking a more serious tone than his laid-back rap classics. Smith says he’s learning to accept and celebrate challenges, recognizing them as “divine curriculum.” He aims to build spiritual confidence inspired by Nelson Mandela and Tibetan Buddhist Pema Chödrön’s teachings.
Will Smith will kick off his first-ever headline tour this summer, with shows structured around different phases of his life and career. The tour includes festivals starting June 25 in Morocco and expected to wrap up early September in Paris. With several films in pre-production, including “Fast and Loose” and “I Am Legend 2,” Smith is embracing a new phase of his career with renewed energy.
Smith expresses excitement about the upcoming creative run, stating it will be the greatest of his entire career. The album and tour come after a tumultuous period for the actor, following the backlash from slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars in 2022. Despite criticism, Smith says he’s learned to lean into difficulty and cultivate spiritual confidence, leading him to create music that is both personal and meaningful.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/will-smith-based-on-true-story-interview-acff9d0c743df50da7110d7e4d9f143b