Will Smith Reveals the Advice He Got From Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar and How It Changed Everything

Will Smith has officially returned to music after nearly two decades, and he is not holding anything back. His latest album, Based On A True Story, is unlike anything fans have heard from him before. In a recent interview, the Hollywood icon and rapper opened up about the life-changing advice he received from Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar while working on the project.

Both music legends encouraged him to embrace honesty, drop the filter, and tell his story without hesitation. The result is an album that tackles his public scandals, personal struggles, and career evolution.

Jay-Z’s Advice Do Not Fake Your Story

When discussing the creative process behind his album, Will Smith shared that Jay-Z gave him some blunt but necessary guidance.

Jay-Z emphasized the importance of being authentic and true to his experiences.

Will Smith recalled, Jay said, Do not fake your story. You have to say what is true for you.

Jay-Z pointed out that Smith might be tempted to adopt the style of younger rappers, but that approach would not be genuine to who he is.

Be true to your story. Tell your truth, Jay-Z insisted.

This advice resonated deeply with Smith and ultimately influenced the direction of the album. Instead of attempting to fit into modern rap trends, he focused on delivering a project that reflected his personal journey.

Kendrick Lamar Encouraged Him to Be Fearless

While Jay-Z urged Will Smith to be authentic, Kendrick Lamar pushed him to go even further.

Smith revealed Kendrick told me to say the things I have always been afraid to say.

Kendrick Lamar’s advice was all about fearlessness.

Do not make the record you think people want. Make the record that speaks your truth, Kendrick advised.

This guidance gave Smith the confidence to address the topics he had avoided for years, from his controversial Oscar moment to the public scrutiny of his marriage.

For a long time, Will Smith had been known for his family-friendly image, but Kendrick Lamar encouraged him to let go of those expectations.

This was his chance to show the world who he really is without worrying about judgment.

Will Smith Returns to Music After Nearly Two Decades

On March 28, 2025, Will Smith made a major comeback with Based On A True Story, his first album in almost twenty years.

The 14-track project features Teyana Taylor, social media star B Simone, and his longtime collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff.

This album is not just about music. It is a statement.

It marks a new era for Will Smith, one where he is not afraid to confront his past and share his truth through music.

For years, people have speculated about his personal life, marriage, and public image. Now, he is setting the record straight on his own terms.

The Opening Track Barbershop Sets the Tone

The album’s first track, Barbershop, immediately dives into the controversies that have followed Will Smith throughout his career.

In this song, Smith does not hold back. He raps about the criticism he has faced, particularly about his marriage with Jada Pinkett Smith and his infamous Oscar incident with Chris Rock.

One of the standout lyrics from the track captures the public’s divided opinion about him.

Who does Will Smith think he is And that boy is crazy for how he is raising his kids

The lyrics reflect the conversations people have been having about him for years.

Instead of avoiding the discussion, Smith leans into it, addressing both supporters and critics.

This level of honesty is something that fans have rarely seen from him in his music.

Addressing His Marriage and the Jada Pinkett Smith Controversy

One of the most talked-about aspects of Will Smith’s life has been his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith.

For years, their relationship has been the subject of endless speculation.

Many believe that Smith was hesitant to discuss his marital struggles, but that is no longer the case.

In Barbershop, he finally opens up about the rumors and public perception surrounding their relationship.

He put all of Philly on his back Bottom line Will Smith is wack

I mean, he is rich, funny, and successful too You wish you had a Jada Pinkett next to you

Instead of ignoring the critics, Smith calls them out in his lyrics.

He knows that people have formed their own opinions about his marriage, but he is no longer interested in proving anyone wrong.

His goal with this album is to tell his story in his own words.

Fans React to Will Smith’s New Musical Direction

The release of Based On A True Story has sparked major reactions from fans and music critics.

Social media has been flooded with comments about Smith’s bold new approach.

Some of the most popular reactions include

• Did Will Smith just drop the most real album of his career

• This is not the Will Smith I expected but it is amazing

• Jay-Z and Kendrick really helped unlock something in him

Many are praising the raw honesty of his lyrics, while others are shocked by how much he is willing to reveal.

Regardless of opinion, one thing is clear: Will Smith is no longer holding back.

Is This the Start of a New Era for Will Smith

This album marks a turning point for Will Smith.

For years, he was known as the clean-cut rapper and family-friendly actor, but now he is stepping into a new chapter of his career.

With Jay-Z’s emphasis on authenticity and Kendrick Lamar’s push for boldness, Smith has created his most personal and revealing work to date.

The question now is, Will he continue down this path or is this a one-time experiment

If this album is any indication, Will Smith is ready to fully embrace his artistic voice without hesitation.

This may just be the beginning of a new era where he reclaims his identity as both a rapper and an artist unafraid of the truth.

Will Smith’s New Album Is Available Now

For those who want to hear Will Smith’s most honest and unfiltered music yet, Based On A True Story is now streaming on all major platforms.

This is not just an album. It is a statement, a confession, and a rebirth.

Listen now and decide for yourself Is this the best version of Will Smith we have ever seen