After more than 20 years away from the music industry, Will Smith is making a grand return with his new album, Based on a True Story, set to release on March 28, 2025. The project marks his first full-length album since 2005’s Lost and Found and signals a new chapter in his artistic journey.

Smith, a GRAMMY-winning rapper, actor, and cultural icon, is bringing a fresh perspective to this album, blending nostalgia with new sounds. With 14 tracks, Based on a True Story features an exciting lineup of collaborators, including longtime partner DJ Jazzy Jeff, as well as Teyana Taylor, Big Sean, Jac Ross, Joyner Lucas, and his son Jaden.

A Taste of What’s to Come

Fans have already gotten a preview of the album through a series of released singles, including “First Love,” “Beautiful Scars,” “TANTRUM,” “Work of Art,” and “You Can Make It.” One track in particular, “You Can Make It” featuring Fridayy and the Sunday Service Choir, has been making headlines, recently hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart—Smith’s first No. 1 single since “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” in 1998.

Debuted at the 2024 BET Awards, “You Can Make It” has struck a chord with fans, blending motivational lyrics with gospel-infused melodies. The song reflects the overarching theme of Based on a True Story: overcoming adversity and staying resilient.

A Viral Moment on TikTok

Will Smith knows how to keep fans engaged, and his album rollout has been anything but ordinary. On March 14, he took to TikTok to recreate an iconic Fresh Prince of Bel-Air moment with his former co-star Tatyana Ali. The duo joined the popular “Anxiety” dance trend, a tribute to a classic scene where Ashley Banks dances with her headphones on, unaware that Smith’s character is copying her moves.

The video added a surprise twist when Doechii, the artist behind the song fueling the trend, jumped in on the fun. Smith captioned the post, “Waited 35 years for this dance to trend,” blending nostalgia with humor—something he’s always done best.

What to Expect from ‘Based on a True Story’

Based on a True Story promises a mix of storytelling, introspection, and celebration. The album is expected to showcase Smith’s signature charisma, lyrical wit, and motivational energy, with tracks that span across genres—from classic hip-hop to gospel and R&B.

Fans can pre-save the album now and get ready for its official March 28 release.

Full Tracklist for ‘Based on a True Story’
1. Int. Barbershop Day ft. DJ Jazzy Jeff & Simone
2. You Lookin’ for Me?
3. The Reverend (Rave Sermon)
4. Rave in the Wasteland
5. Bulletproof ft. Jac Ross
6. Hard Times (Smile) ft. Teyana Taylor
7. Beautiful Scars ft. Big Sean and OBanga
8. Tantrum ft. Joyner Lucas
9. First Love ft. India Martinez and Marcin
10. Make It Look Easy
11. The Reverend (YCMI Sermon)
12. You Can Make It ft. Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir
13. Work of Art ft. Russ and Jaden
14. The Reverend (WOA Sermon)

With Based on a True Story, Will Smith is proving once again that he’s more than just a Hollywood superstar—he’s an artist with a story to tell.