Will Smith Shares JAY-Z & Kendrick Lamar's Impactful Advice For Album

Will Smith Shares JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar’s Impactful Advice for His First Album in 20 Years

Will Smith has opened up about the invaluable guidance he received from JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar that inspired his return to music with his upcoming album, Based on a True Story.

During a live interview on Sway in the Morning in his hometown of Philadelphia, the rapper and actor revealed that he reached out to both Hov and Kendrick for words of wisdom before beginning work on his first album in nearly two decades.

Reflecting on his conversation with JAY-Z, Smith shared how the advice he received ultimately influenced the title of his project.

“I told Jay, ‘Hey, I want to get back into music.’ He said, ‘Don’t fake your story. You gotta say what’s true for you,’” Smith recalled. “He also reminded me that trying to emulate the lives of younger rappers wouldn’t be authentic. That’s when I knew my album had to be called Based on a True Story.”

“Don’t fake your story.”

Will Smith reveals he called Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar for advice before making his return to music.

(🎥 SiriusXM/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/Ctrs9jz4HA

— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) March 27, 2025

Smith also revealed the profound advice he received from Kendrick Lamar, which further reinforced his artistic direction.

“Kendrick took a pause and said, ‘Man, just say the stuff you’ve always been scared to say.’ It was all about being honest and vulnerable,” Smith said. “That pushed me to confront my truths and pour them into my music.”

The legendary entertainer emphasized that both conversations encouraged him to make music that resonates personally, rather than chasing trends.

Based on a True Story is set for release this Friday (March 28) and marks Will Smith’s first album since 2005’s Lost and Found. The 14-track project includes collaborations with longtime partner DJ Jazzy Jeff, Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, and his son Jaden, among others.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the album, with many excited to hear the results of Smith’s introspective journey and his return to the music scene with a renewed sense of authenticity.