Key Points
Smith's new album tackles Oscars slapgate in opening track
Features DJ Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone in freestyle debate
References backlash and racial bias in lyrics
First solo album in 20 years
The project's first track, 'Int. Barbershop -- Day', opens with the phrase, "Will Smith is canceled", reports 'Variety'.
The song, which features Smith's Fresh Prince collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone, sees differently-pitched voices trade rumors and opinions about the actor and rapper in a freestyle manner.
"Who the f*** Will Smith think he is?", one voice asks, to which another replies, "I ain't never going to forgive him for that shit he did".
As per 'Variety', Will Smith became embroiled in controversy after slapping Rock onstage during the 2022 Oscars telecast.
The comedian was presenting when he made a joke about Will Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Will Smith reacted by walking up on stage and slapping Rock across the face. When the actor returned to his seat, he shouted, "Keep my wife's name out of your f****** mouth".
Later on in the show, the actor returned to the stage to accept the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in 'King Richard'.
'Int. Barbershop -- Day' tackles the Oscars controversy more directly with the lyrics, "I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back/ And you know they only made him do that shit because he's Black".
However, Smith did not have to return his Oscar, the Academy instead banned him from attending any event related to the organization for 10 years.
Will Smith also resigned his Academy membership and issued an apology, saying that he was "deeply remorseful" for his actions.
The song later references Will Smith's infamous response to Rock's joke with the line, "Him and Jada both crazy girl, what you talkin' bout?/ You better keep his wife's name out of your mouth".
'Based on a True Story' marks Smith's first full-length solo music project in 20 years.
