Actor Will Smith just dropped his first studio album in 20 years, and he referenced the infamous moment at the 2022 Academy Awards when he slapped presenter Chris Rock across the face.
The rap artist included many collaborations on his new album, “Based On a True Story,” and the first song, “Int. Barbershop — Day,” begins with the line, “Will Smith is canceled,” as Variety noted.
The song’s credits say it’s a collaboration between DJ Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone. It includes several voices repeating rumors about Smith in a freestyle rap, such as “Who the f** Will Smith think he is?” and “I ain’t never going to forgive him for that sh** he did.”
One of the song lyrics says, “I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back/ And you know they only made him do that sh** because he’s black.”
The outlet notes that Smith did not have to return his Oscar, but he was banned from attending any Academy events for at least ten years.
The “Men in Black” star shocked the entertainment world by responding physically to Rock telling a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Will strode onto the stage and slapped Rock, then said, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth.”
Later in the telecast, Smith was awarded the Oscar for Best Actor for his film “King Richard.”
Another line in the song mentions the incident again: “Him and Jada both crazy girl, what you talkin’ bout?/ You better keep his wife’s name out of your mouth.”
The album’s second song, “You Lookin’ for Me?” also references the drama in his personal life. The lyrics say, “Took a lot, I’m back on top/ Y’all gon’ have to get acclimated/ Won’t stop, my sh** still hot/ Even though I won’t get nominated.”
Previously, Smith mentioned that he had received guidance from Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar for the new album. He said Jay-Z told him to “be true to your story,” which helped inspire the title. Lamar told Smith to “say that sh** you always been scared to say.”
