Will Smith is best known for his acting career in Hollywood over the past 35 years, but what most folks forget is that he actually started off as a rapper in a hip-hop duo with DJ Jazzy Jeff — and he’s seemingly coming back to his roots.
The 56-year-old actor/rapper recently announced that he will be making his return to hip-hop with a new album set to be released later this month.
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Smith took to Instagram on Saturday, March 15, to share a few images along with the news that his latest album, Based On A True Story, will be released on March 28. The star shared the post with a caption that read, “It’s OFFICIAL!! My new album Based On A True Story drops March 28. TWO WEEKS!! Hit that presave. Been working on this project for a minute and I’m itchin’ to get it out to y’all
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The post also reveals the album artwork along with a tracklist for the upcoming release. The project will consist of 14 new songs and include features from his old pal DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, and his son Jaden Smith, among others. A clip of what appears to be a behind-the-scenes look at the photoshoot for the artwork was shared by the actor along with the images. The Philadelphia native was wearing sunglasses with a red Phillies baseball cap that matched the red letterman jacket he had on. He was also wearing a plain white T-shirt, baggy jeans with pockets on the sides, and white sneakers for the photoshoot.
A number of the I Am Legend actor’s fans took to the comment section of the post to share their reactions to the update.
“Let’s go! Lowkey my first album I ever begged my mom to buy me, which was on cassette tape, was Big Willie Style. And lowkey someone stole it from me, but that’s a whole different story.
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” shared one excited fan.
“Can’t wait to never hear it
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,” wrote a second fan who seemingly does not care for the release.
A third fan noted, “Fresh Prince back in his rapper bag!” before suggesting, “Gotta change your name to Fresh King now, OG.”
Whether his fans are excited or not, Smith’s return to hip-hop will be available on music streaming platforms on Friday, March 28.
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