Will Smith to release new album after 20 years

Will Smith, known for his acting career, is making a comeback in music twenty years after his last album. Before he became a Hollywood superstar, Smith was a hip-hop pioneer. He helped to bring rap into mainstream culture, starting his career with DJ Jazzy Jeff in the 1980s. Smith began rapping at the age of 12 and developed a unique style that avoided profanity. This choice was influenced by his grandmother, who encouraged him to use language that showcased his intelligence. After teaming up with DJ Jazzy Jeff, they released their first single, "Girls Ain’t Nothing But Trouble," which quickly gained popularity. In the late 1980s, the duo released successful albums and made history by winning the first Grammy Award for a hip-hop song. They were recognized for their fun and non-offensive music, contrasting with more hardcore rap artists at the time. However, they faced skepticism from some in the hip-hop community who questioned their authenticity. After achieving success in music, Smith transitioned to acting with "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," which further popularized hip-hop culture. Although he focused on his film career, he continued to release music. His song "Gettin' Jiggy wit It" and tracks from movies like "Men in Black" became major hits. In recent years, Smith has been gradually returning to music. He has released new songs and is set to release a personal album titled "Based On A True Story" on March 28. Smith describes the album's theme as resilience through tough times. He has also planned a world tour to promote this album, marking his first tour as a solo artist. Despite his long absence from the music scene, expectations for his new work are mixed. Some fans are hopeful, while others are skeptical that he can recapture the magic of his earlier hip-hop days. Still, Smith remains a legendary figure in both music and film.