Will Smith Returns to Music After Two Decades with New Album

LOS ANGELES, March 17, 2025 — After a two-decade hiatus, Will Smith is set to release his fifth studio album, “Based on a True Story,” on March 28. The announcement comes as Smith aims to reinvigorate his music career, following the success of his previous album, “Lost and Found.”

The upcoming LP features over 14 tracks, including collaborations with notable artists such as Big Sean, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Russ, Teyana Taylor, and Smith’s son, Jaden. Singles already released from the album include the Big Sean-featured “Beautiful Scars,” “Work of Art” featuring Russ and Jaden, and “You Can Make It” with Fridayy and the Sunday Service Choir, the latter of which Smith performed at the 2024 BET Awards.

In a recent interview, Smith revealed the project will consist of 60 recorded songs, which he categorized into what he describes as “three seasons of a TV musical show.” Commenting on his creative process, he stated, “It was about just letting whatever come out in a really wild, colorful and varied way.” Each set of 10 tracks will be titled “episodes” instead of songs.

The first season is titled “Rave In the Wasteland,” with the second installment entitled “The Gift of Madness” set for a summer release in honor of the late Quincy Jones. The third project is currently untitled and is scheduled to debut before the end of 2025. In addition to his music, Smith is expected to perform at the Positiv Festival in France on July 31.