Will Smith isn’t one to let past events fade quietly. In a recent freestyle on Apple Music’s Fire in the Booth series, the actor and rapper took direct aim at comedian Chris Rock, reigniting conversations about the infamous 2022 Oscars incident.
Smith’s choice of words was unmistakable. Without explicitly naming Rock, he clearly referenced the slap heard around the world, rapping about those who ‘talk crazy on stage’ and ‘disrespect’ him. His lines further suggested that those who dish out jokes often can’t handle the backlash that follows.
This isn’t Smith’s first commentary on the Oscars fiasco. Earlier this year, he addressed the incident on his comeback album, Based on a True Story. Despite its personal content, the album struggled commercially and failed to make it onto the Billboard 200 chart.
In one of the album’s opening tracks, Smith captures a candid conversation reminiscent of a barbershop talk. He reflects on the consequences of his actions, touching on themes of race and fame. Lines like, ‘I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back because he’s Black,’ highlight the racial undertones that Smith perceives in the aftermath.
Smith’s personal life didn’t escape his lyrical exploration either. In another track, ‘You Lookin’ For Me?’, Smith mentions his wife Jada, affirming the complexity of their public life with the words, ‘Personal life with my wife – mind your business, it’s complicated.’
Smith is crafting his narrative with advice from industry giants. Before recording his latest album, he sought counsel from JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar. Their advice was pivotal in shaping his return to music. JAY-Z’s suggestion to ‘not fake your story’ resonated deeply with Smith, leading to the album’s title Based on a True Story.
Meanwhile, the freestyle and the album’s content suggest Smith’s attempt to reclaim his story. He appears unafraid to delve into the controversies and complexities of his life, offering listeners a raw, unfiltered perspective.
As the dust settles around Smith’s bold lyrical choices, Chris Rock’s silence leaves the world wondering if he’ll respond. For now, Smith seems focused on authenticity and storytelling, crafting his narrative with each powerful verse.
