Will Smith has made an electrifying return to hip-hop, asserting his dominance with a hard-hitting freestyle titled “Lunch Break” on Lyrical Lemonade. The performance showcases his lyrical prowess, reminding fans of his influential presence in the genre, while confidently staking his claim among the best in the game.
In a bold move, Smith compares himself to soccer icons like Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldo, signaling his return to rap supremacy: “Hip Hop’s Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo / Goooal! Scored on these boys / I’ve won damn near every award on these boys / Sold-out movie theaters and even tours on these boys / Feelin’ like a mop, wipe the floor with these boys.” His confident delivery is perfectly matched with a trap beat, setting the tone for his assertion of greatness.
Smith’s freestyle is more than just bravado—it’s a reflection on his journey, filled with moments of resilience. The rapper even addresses his highly publicized 2022 Oscars altercation with Chris Rock, spitting: “I be overcoming shit that y’all be having trouble with / Let ’em run they mouths, I mean really, that’s what come with this / They built a wall but I’m jumping it and loving it / They want me to be done with it, but I’m still havin’ fun with it.”
Will Smith’s Return to Music: Based on a True Story Album
Alongside the freestyle, Will Smith drops his first album in two decades, Based on a True Story, which delves into personal themes of love, controversy, and redemption. The album’s 14 tracks reflect Smith’s complex life, including his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith and the fallout from the Oscars incident. On “You Lookin’ For Me?”, he candidly addresses the media scrutiny surrounding his personal life: “Personal life with my wife — mind your business, it’s complicated.”
In “Int. Barbershop – Day,” Smith delivers a spirited discussion, reflecting on the public backlash he faced after the Oscars controversy.
Guidance from JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar
As he embarked on this new chapter of his musical journey, Smith sought advice from industry legends JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar. In sharing their wisdom, Smith recalls: “Before I started [the album], I made two phone calls. I talked to Jay and I talked to Kendrick. I said, ‘Hey, I want to get back to music. What’s the advice?’” JAY-Z’s advice was simple but profound: “Don’t fake your story. You gotta say what’s true for you.” Kendrick Lamar’s guidance was just as impactful, urging Smith to let go of his fears: “Just say that shit you’ve always been fucking scared to say.”
With this return to hip-hop, Will Smith is carving out a new legacy, addressing both his past and future with authenticity and vigor. Fans are eagerly awaiting the full release of Based on a True Story, as the artist proves he’s still got a lot to say.
