1968–present
Will Smith News: “Miami” Rapper Releases His First Album in Decades
After a 20-year hiatusWill Smith is back with new music. The actor and rapper released his latest studio albumBased on a True Storyon March 28. Smith announced the release date on Instagram just one week beforewriting“Been working on this project for a minute and I’m itchin’ to get it out to y’all.”
The album’s opening song“Int. Barbershop — Day,” addresses his 2022 Oscars controversyin which he slapped Chris Rock onstage for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia.
The 14-track record also includes the previously released singles “Beautiful Scars,” “First Love,” “Work of Art,” and “TANTRUM,” which feature artists like Big SeanJoyner Lucasand DJ Jazzy Jeffas well as Smith’s sonJaden. Based on a True Story marks Smith’s first album since his 2005 record Lost and Found.
In an interview with Billboard in Januarythe 56-year-old said he was inspired to make Based on a True Story following his experience with his 2022 film Emancipationabout a man who escapes slavery. Due to filming delays during the COVID-19 pandemicSmith spent nearly a year in the mindset of his characterwho was very spiritual and religious.
“A well opened up inside of mea well of understanding of art and pain,” he said. “And that opened up this bubbling to share what I’m seeing and experiencingto explore. A big part of my music now is about that: the ecstatic kind of joy I remember from church when I was growing up; the ability to try to make this place more bearable.”
To support the albumSmith will be going on his first headlining tour. “All these yearsI’ve NEVER done a headline tour and I can’t wait to see you guys!!,” Smith wrote on Instagram. In conjunction with several festival appearancesthe rapper will headline nine concerts. All 26 shows are in Europe.
Who Is Will Smith?
Award-winning entertainer Will Smith transitioned from successful rapper to Hollywood A-lister by starring in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the movies Independence DayMen in Blackand Ali. As a teenager in the 1980sthe Philadelphia native launched a Grammy-winning rap career with his friend Jeff Townes as DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Smith then starred on the popular sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air for six seasons before tackling film. Since the 1990sthe actor has headlined numerous blockbusters—including the Bad Boys franchiseI Am LegendHancockand Hitch—and earned Oscar nominations for his leading roles in Ali about boxer Muhammad Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness. Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his turn as Richard Williamsfather of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williamsin 2021’s King Richard. In March 2025Smith is set to release his first studio album in 20 years.
Quick Facts
FULL NAME: Willard Carroll Smith Jr.
BORN: September 251968
BIRTHPLACE: PhiladelphiaPennsylvania
SPOUSE: Sheree Zampino (1992–1995) and Jada Pinkett Smith (1997–present; separated)
CHILDREN: TreyJadenand Willow
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Libra
Early Life
Will Smith was born Willard Carroll Smith Jr. on September 251968in Philadelphia. His motherCarolinewas a school board employeeand his fatherWillard C. Smithwas a refrigeration company owner. His West Philadelphia neighborhood was a melting pot of cultures where Orthodox Jews co-existed with a large Muslim population. For their partthe Smith family observed the Baptist faith.
A middle-class upbringing saw Smith attend the strict Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. He went on to attend Overbrook High Schoola public school that also counts late NBA legend Wilt Chamberlin and former astronaut Guion Bluford as alumni. Smith was a good student whose charming personality and quick tongue were renowned for getting him out of troublea trait for which he soon gained the nickname “Prince.”
Smith began rapping at age 12emulating heroes like Grandmaster Flash but tingeing his rhymes with a comedic element that would later become his trademark. At 16Smith met his future collaborator Jeff Townes at a party. The pair became friends and soon formed a now-iconic duo.
Music Career
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
As teensSmith and his friend Jeff Townes began producing music as DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. The duo steered clear of the gangsta rap sound that was emerging from the West Coast by groups like N.W.A. Insteadas The Fresh PrinceSmith rapped about teenage preoccupations in a cleancurse-free that middle America found safe and entertaining. The pair’s first single“Girls Ain’t Nothing But Trouble,” was a hit in 1986. Their 1987 debut albumRock the Househit the Billboard 200 and made Smith a millionaire before age 18. The early success put any thoughts of attending college out of Smith’s mind.
Early onit was reported that Smith had turned down a scholarship to Boston’s elite Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)but Smith later dispelled the rumor when he told an interviewer: “My motherwho worked for the School Board of Philadelphiahad a friend who was the admissions officer at MIT. I had pretty high SAT scores and they needed Black kidsso I probably could have gotten in. But I had no intention of going to college.”
In 1988DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince continued their success with the album He’s The DJI’m The Rapper. It featured radio-friendly singles like “Brand New Funk” and “Nightmare on My Street.” Another hit “Parents Just Don’t Understand” won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989. That same yearthe pair’s star continued to rise with the Grammy-nominated album And In This Corner...
As Smith struck out into actinghe and Townes continued producing music. Their 1991 album Homebase produced the hits “Ring My Bell” and “Summertime,” which won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo the following year. Their final album together1993’s Code Redwas notable for “Boom! Shake the Room.”
Solo Career
Even after retiring his Fresh Prince personaSmith continued making music as a solo rapper. He has released four solo albumsstarting with 1997’s Big Willie Style that resulted in two consecutive Grammys for Best Rap Solo Performance. The first recognized the “Men In Black” theme song Smith performed and co-wrote. Then in 1999“Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” won the category after spending three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
His next effortWillennium (1999)featured another movie songthis time for 1999’s Wild Wild Westwhich Smith also starred in. The Grammy-nominated “Wild Wild West” was a certified chart-topper and helped propel the album to No. 5 on the Billboard 200—Smith’s highest career ranking.
His third albumBorn To Reignfollowed in 2002and three years laterSmith released his most recent album Lost and Found. The single “Switch” landed him his first top 10 hit in six years.
After a 20-year music hiatusSmith released his fifth studio albumBased on a True Storyon March 282025.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
In the early 1990sSmith began his crossover into acting. Drawing on his experiences with fledgling stardomNBC signed Smith to headline a sitcom about a street-smart kid from Philadelphia who moves in with stuffy relatives in the posh Los Angeles neighborhood of Bel-Air.
Playing on his rapper personaand at times featuring his friend and musical collaborator Jeff TownesThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was a huge success that ran for six seasons from 1990 to 1996. In addition to his starring rolewhich earned him two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor in a Comedy in 1993 and 1994Smith wrote and performed the show’s wildly popular theme song with Townes.
Movies
While still making The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirSmith started branching out into movies. Small roles in the drama Where The Day Takes You (1992) and the comedy Made In America (1993) were followed by a critically acclaimed lead in Six Degrees of Separation (1993). Holding his own alongside Donald SutherlandStockard Channingand Ian McKellenSmith played a street-wise gay hustler who cons his way through elite circles.
Bad Boys Franchise
Smith’s first steps into superstardom came with his next filmBad Boys (1995). The high-budget cop movie saw him team up with comic Martin Lawrencebreaking away from the Black-cop-white-cop formula that had been so successful for Beverly Hills Cop and the Lethal Weapon series. The two Black leads proved an instant successand Smith—playing the smooth lady killer to Lawrence’s clown—was established as leading man material.
Smith and Lawrence returned as cop buddies for Bad Boys II in 2003. The sequel was poorly received by critics but still performed well commercially. Earning more than $273 million globallyBad Boys II was the 10th highest-grossing movie of the year. After nearly two decadesthe duo expanded the franchise with the movies Bad Boys for Life (2020) and Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024).
Independence Day
After the original Bad BoysSmith next took on the epic sci-fi flick Independence Day (1996)a role that confirmed him as a major player in Hollywood and the go-to guy for summer blockbusters. He played a pilot leading the counterattack against invading alien forcesand his comedic talents effortlessly transformed into the pithy one-liners all action heroes need to be able to drop while dispatching their enemies. The action-packed thriller was a box-office hit and the highest-grossing movie of the yearaccording to Box Office Mojo.
Men in Black Trilogy
Smith fought aliens again in his 1997 blockbuster Men in Black. Playing opposite Tommy Lee JonesSmith chewed up the screen as the new recruit to Jones’ old hand in the comic sci-fi action movie. The multitalented actor also lent his musical talents to the movie by co-writing and performing the “Men In Black” theme song.
Smith and Jones went on to reprise their roles in the 2002 sequel Men in Black II and again in 2012 with the third installmentMen in Black3. Neither co-star took part in the later reboot Men in Black: International with Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth.
Enemy of the State
The slick conspiracy thriller Enemy of the State (1998) became Smith’s next blockbuster after Men in Black. The performance earned him an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture.
His string of hits came to an end in 1999 with Wild Wild Westa sci-fi cowboy Western co-starring Kevin Kline. Despite the film’s lackluster box-office performancethe track Smith cut for the movie became a hit on his 1999 albumWillennium. The golf movie The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000) was his next big filmwith Smith playing the caddie to Matt Damon’s out-of-sorts swinger.
Oscar Nomination for Ali
The 2001 biopic Alibased on boxing legend Muhammad Aligave Smith the opportunity to regain his big-screen swagger. His turn as the charismatic boxing great saw Smith put in the performance of his lifetraining and disciplining himself to extraordinary lengths to do justice to the athleticism—and ego—of the titular character. The film underwhelmed at the box office despite a record-breaking opening daybut Smith’s performance was strong enough to garner him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in 2002. He also earned a Golden Globe nomination in a similar category.
IRobot and Hitch
Smith moved on to IRobot in 2004. The Isaac Asimov adaptation featured Smith as a futuristic cop investigating a murder by a robot and then battling a robot insurgency. The movie performed wellgrossing more than $144 million domestically.
Smith’s smooth-talking charmer persona was put to use in the 2005 romantic comedy Hitch. He played a dating consultant helping luckless guys with their romantic moves whose methods are tested when he falls for a gossip columnistportrayed by Eva Mendes. Smith also penned the theme song and included it on his 2005 albumLost and Found. Hitch was a massive success at the box office and is now considered a modern classic in the genre.
Oscar nomination for The Pursuit of Happyness
Another critical and financial hit followed in 2006’s The Pursuit of Happyness. Starring alongside his real-life son JadenSmith captivated audiences with the story of a single father who has to build a life from scratch. The movie was based on a memoir written by Chris Gardnerabout his trying journey to ultimately become a successful stockbroker. Smith received his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for the performanceas well as another Golden Globe nod.
I Am Legend and Hancock
Again returning to action fareSmith starred in I Am Legenda 2007 remake of the Charlton Heston film Omega Man. The blockbuster saw its leading man battle bloodthirsty vampires and became a national and international hit.
Smith then took on the dual role of actor and producer for Hancock (2008)in which he played an alcoholic anti-superheroand for Seven Pounds (2008)about a man who sets out to change the lives of seven people. The A-lister also helped produce two other movies released that yearLakeview Terrace and The Secret Life of Bees.
After a hiatusSmith returned to the big screen in 2012 as a military commander in the critically panned M. Night Shyamalan sci-fi flick After Earthwhich co-starred his son Jaden. The Hollywood star then made a cameo as Lucifer in the film Winter’s Tale (2014).
FocusConcussionand Suicide Squad
Smith’s next leading role came with the 2015 heist caper Focusco-starring Margot Robbie. Later in the yearhe starred as Dr. Bennet Omalu in the sports drama Concussionearning a Best Actor Golden Globe nomination for his role as a doctor fighting to raise awareness about head trauma in NFL players.
In 2016Smith starred in the DC Comics blockbuster hit Suicide Squadwhich became his most successful film since 1996’s Independence Day. The same yearhe also took on a more somber role as a father who loses his young daughter in the drama Collateral Beauty. Although a follow-up endeavorBright (2017)was thoroughly panned by criticsaudiences responded more positively to the urban fantasy crime flick.
Aladdin and Gemini Man
Come 2019Smith had several projects debut. He was the wisecracking Genie in Guy Ritchie’s live-action adaptation of Disney’s Aladdinwhich topped $1 billion at the global box office. Next up was Ang Lee’s Gemini Man that had Smith pulling double duty—with help from digital technology—as a 50-year-old assassin assigned to kill a 23-year-old version of himself. The A-lister closed out the year by voicing super agent Lance Sterling in the animated Spies in Disguisealongside Tom Holland.
Oscar Win for King Richard
In 2021Smith portrayed Richard Williamsthe father and coach of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams in the biographical sports drama King Richard. The role won the actor his first Academy Award for Best Actor in 2022.
“I want to say thank you to Venus and Serena and the entire Williams family for entrusting me with your story,” Smith said in his emotional acceptance speech. “That’s what I want to do. I want to be an ambassador for that kind of love and care and concern.” His remarks came in contrast to his shocking slap of presenter Chris Rock earlier in the night.
Later in 2022Smith starred in the historical drama Emancipationabout a man who escapes slavery. The Apple TV+ movie inspired him to return to his rap career.
Slap at the 2022 Oscars
Before he accepted his first Oscar at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony in March 2022Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock across the face onstage. Now referred to as “the slap heard around the world,” the incident stemmed from a joke Rock made about Smith’s wifeJada Pinkett Smith.
Before presenting the award for Best Documentary FeatureRock said“JadaI love you. G.I. Jane 2can’t wait to see you.” Like the fictional character originally played by Demi MoorePinkett Smith sports a shaved headbut hers is due to an autoimmune disease known as alopecia. While she rolled her eyes at the commentSmith walked onstage and slapped Rockwhich made a distinct smacking sound. He then walked back to his seat and proceeded to shout“Keep my wife’s name out of your f––ing mouth.”
As punishment for the incidentSmith was banned from attending the Academy Awards for 10 years. He addresses the slap in “Int. Barbershop — Day,” the opening track of his latest album.
Marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith and Children
Smith has been married twice. His first marriageto Sheree Zampino in 1992lasted only three years but produced a son. Willard Smith IIIwho goes by Treywas born the same year the former couple got married.
In 1997Smith married fellow actor Jada Pinkett Smith. The couple’s sonJadenwas born in 1998and their daughterWillowwas born in 2000. After years of speculationJada revealed in 2023 that she and Will have been separated since 2016. While they remain legally marriedthey are living in separate homes. Despite thisthe two are reportedly still working on their relationshipwhich Jada has described as a “relationship of transparency.”
Beyond his family and his workSmith leans politically liberal and has made donations to the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama. The entertainer is a fan of chess and video games and is known to take his mother on vacation every yearusually to the Canyon Ranch spa in TucsonArizona.
Net Worth
As of February 2025Smith has an estimated net worth of $350 millionaccording to Celebrity Net Worth. The actor typically earns anywhere from $20 to $60 million per filmbut managed to get paid a whopping $100 million for Men in Black3.
Quotes
- I want to represent the idea that you really can make what you want... I believe I can create whatever I want to create.
- I want to do good. I want the world to be better because I was here.
- I have a great time with my lifeand I want to share it. I love living. I think that’s infectious. It’s something that you can’t fake.
- Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity. Why would you be realistic?
- There’s no easy way round it. Your talent is going to fail if you’re not skilled.
- I’ve never really viewed myself as particularly talented. Where I excel is ridiculoussickening work ethic. While the other guys sleepingI’m working. While the other guy is eatingI’m working.
- The first step before anybody else in the world believes it is you have to believe it.
- There’s no reason to have a plan B because it distracts from plan A.
- Don’t chase people. Be yourselfdo your own thingand work hard.
- I’m a student of patternsat heart I’m a physicist.
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