Will Smith has referenced the infamous slap incident with Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars in his new album “Based on a True Story”.
The incident occurred after Rock joked about Jada Pinkett, Smith’s wife.
In the first song off the 14-track album titled ‘Int. Barbershop Day,’ the US singer and actor incorporates unknown voices that mimic the 2022 incident.
The song features Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone. The intro opens with the line “Will Smith is cancelled”, followed by strange voices in the background.
One of the voices says,
“I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back, and you know they only made him do that s**t because he’s Black”.
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Another voice adds,
“Him and Jada both crazy girl, what you talkin’ bout? You better keep his wife’s name out of your mouth,”
echoing Smith’s outburst at Rock.
“In the past couple of years, I have been doing a very deep exploration of who and what I am truly am. The process for this album is really allowing myself to be honest with myself that I ever have about who and what I actually am,” said Smith while speaking about the project on Instagram.
“This is about to be the greatest, artistic, creative period of my entire life.”
The slap incident had a significant impact on both parties. In 2023, Rock said the incident still hurts, while Smith apologised several times to the comedian.
The Academy also imposed a 10-year ban on Smith as he resigned from the Oscars.
On the other hand, Rock declined to host the Golden Globes last year following the incident.
The project is Smith’s first album in 20 years. He has delivered five studio albums. His last project, ‘Lost and Found, ‘ was released on March 28, 2005.
