SLANG X InfluenceWill Smith has addressed his Oscar controversy head-on at the start of new album ‘Based on a True Story,’ with multiple digs at the fallout from his decision to slap Chris Rock during the ceremony.
During the 94th Academy Awards in 2022, host Chris Rock made a joke at the expense of Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith. In response, Will stepped onstage, slapped Rock in the face, returned to his seat, and shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f*cking mouth.”
Smith won the Best Actor Oscar later that night for his performance in King Richard, but there were also consequences for his actions, with the star banned from attending any Academy event for 10 years. He also issued an apology, and resigned his Academy membership.
Now some three years on, Will Smith is addressing what he did and how it was received, on his first full-length solo album in two decades.
“Will Smith is canceled” at start of new album
The first track on the album ‘Based on a True Story’ is titled ‘Int. Barbershop – Day,’ and according to Variety, opens with the phrase “Will Smith is canceled.”
Random voices then state opinions about the artist, with one asking, “Who the f*ck Will Smith think he is,” and another saying, “I ain’t never going to forgive him for that sh*t he did.”
A direct reference comes in the line: “Him and Jada both crazy girl, what you talkin’ ’bout? You better keep his wife’s name out of your mouth.”
Later in the song, the lyrics go: “I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back. And you know they only made him do that sh*t because he’s Black.” A statement that isn’t true, as Smith kept his Academy Award.
SLANG X InfluenceTrack 1 isn’t the only song to address said incident, with Track 2 – titled ‘You Lookin’ For Me?’ – also acknowledging the slap via this Will Smith rap: “Took a lot, I’m back on top. Y’all gon’ have to get acclimated. Won’t stop, my sh*t still hot. Even though I won’t get nominated.”
Though there’s actually nothing stopping Will Smith from being nominated for an Academy Award, he just can’t attend the Oscars for the next few years.
‘Based on a True Story’ is out today, while to check out what we thought about his last movie – for which Will Smith didn’t receive a nomination – here’s our Bad Boys Ride or Die review. You can also check out our list of the best action movies of all-time.
