Marking a bold return to hip-hop, Will Smith stakes his claim among the greats with a blistering freestyle on Lyrical Lemonade. Titled “Lunch Break,” the performance underscores his sharp lyricism and reaffirms his lasting imprint on the genre.
With a brash comparison to soccer legends like Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldo, Smith boldly states his claim 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.” The confident delivery comes over a robust trap beat, setting the stage for his assertion of greatness.
Beyond mere bravado, Smith reflects on his journey of resilience, alluding to his highly publicized altercation with Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. In a candid moment, he raps: “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 Comeback Album Explores Love, Controversy, and Redemption
Accompanying the freestyle is the release of Smith’s first album in two decades, Based on a True Story, which delves into various facets of his life, including his complex marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith and the fallout from his infamous Oscars incident. The album, featuring 14 tracks, is a deeply personal exploration, with Smith candidly addressing his challenges. On the track “You Lookin’ For Me?”, he acknowledges the scrutiny surrounding his relationship: “Personal life with my wife — mind your business, it’s complicated.”
In “Int. Barbershop – Day,” Smith presents a lively discussion reminiscent of a barbershop debate, tackling themes of his controversial cancellation following the Oscars incident.
In preparation for this new musical chapter, Smith sought guidance from industry titans JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar. Reflecting on their advice, he shared, “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 emphasized authenticity, urging Smith to remain true to his narrative: “Don’t fake your story. You gotta say what’s true for you.” Kendrick echoed this sentiment, encouraging Smith to express his innermost thoughts: “Just say that shit you’ve always been fucking scared to say.”
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