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: âHip Hopâs Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo / Goooal! Scored on these boys / Iâve won damn near every award on these boys / Sold-out movie theaters and even tours on these boys / Feelinâ like a mop, wipe the floor with these boys.â 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 bravadoâitâs a reflection on his journey, filled with moments of resilience. The rapper even addresses his highly publicized 2022 Oscars altercation with Chris Rock, spitting: âI be overcoming shit that yâall be having trouble with / Let âem run they mouths, I mean really, thatâs what come with this / They built a wall but Iâm jumping it and loving it / They want me to be done with it, but Iâm still havinâ fun with it.â
Will Smithâs 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 albumâs 14 tracks reflect Smithâs complex life, including his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith and the fallout from the Oscars incident. On âYou Lookinâ For Me?â, he candidly addresses the media scrutiny surrounding his personal life: âPersonal life with my wife â mind your business, itâs complicated.â
In “Int. Barbershop â 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: âBefore I started [the album], I made two phone calls. I talked to Jay and I talked to Kendrick. I said, âHey, I want to get back to music. Whatâs the advice?ââ JAY-Zâs advice was simple but profound: âDonât fake your story. You gotta say whatâs true for you.â Kendrick Lamarâs guidance was just as impactful, urging Smith to let go of his fears: âJust say that shit youâve always been fucking scared to say.â
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.