Will Smith is diving back into the music world with a brand new project. To start things off, he’s collaborated with rapper Big Sean on the song Beautiful Scars, featuring OBanga. In addition to the track, a sleek, Matrix-inspired music video accompanied it sure to generate more buzz for the upcoming album. Meanwhile, the Grammy Award-winning rapper is planning for a major comeback, given the announcement of his new solo album.
Will Smith Recalls Turning Down The Matrix
Notably, Will Smith’s upcoming project, Based on a True Story, will mark his first full-length album in over 20 years. Promising to be an exciting new milestone in Smith’s musical journey, fans can look forward to the album’s release in March 2025. The song Beautiful Scars sees the actor delve into the darker side of fame and the valuable lessons learned from past mistakes. Taking a moment to listen to the actual lyrics opens up all kinds of insight.
Produced by QmArr and LeXoskeleton, the track ultimately sets the tone for an innovative music video where Will Smith takes on the iconic role of Neo. Originally made famous by Keanu Reeves, the character was central to the groundbreaking 1999 sci-fi film The Matrix. Meanwhile, the memorable Morpheus, portrayed by renowned actor Laurance Fishburne in the classic movie, will have Big Sean filling those shoes. Interestingly, Smith and Big Sean add more depth and symbolism to the music video by embracing these legendary characters.
Cryptic Instagram Post Reignites Matrix Rumors
Earlier this month, Will Smith took to Instagram to share a cryptic message. In the post, Smith reflects on a pivotal decision that altered the course of his career. Specifically, he recalled being offered the chance to play the heroic Neo in Wachowski’s The Matrix. At the time, he decided to turn down the opportunity to star in Wild Wild West, which he believed was the better choice between the two.
Sparking curiosity among fans, many cannot help but wonder how this choice would have unfolded with Will Smith in the lead road. Lastly, the Instagram video ended with a thought-provoking message, hinting at the Oscar winner’s decision as a potential turning point in his journey. As a result, fans continue to debate the what-ifs of Smith’s career after seeing the text “Wake Up, Will. The Matrix has you.”
Failed Pitch Prevents Will Smith-led Matrix
In 2019, Will Smith shed light on his decision to turn the iconic Neo role in The Matrix in a YouTube video. According to Smith, Wachowski’s pitch didn’t capture his attention, leading to his lack of interest in the project. What’s more? He failed because the siblings focused too much on the innovative filmmaking style they planned to employ rather than the movie’s actual plot. In an attempt to convey their groundbreaking action sequences, the siblings described a scenario where the protagonist jumps, freezes in mid-air, and is surrounded by the signature 360-degree view.
Tribute at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
In preparation for his album’s release, Will Smith is set to make a grand appearance as a presenter at the 2025 Grammy Award on February 2. Nearly three years after the infamous Oscars incident, this occasion marks a significant comeback for the actor. He will introduce a special tribute to the late music legend Quincy Jones as part of a planned resurgence in the music place. Interestingly, Jones played a pivotal role in Smith’s early career as he produced the acclaimed ‘90s TV sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Notably, the show catapulted Smith to stardom as both a rapper and actor.
Will Smith’s Comeback From Oscar Incident
Ultimately, Will Smith’s new album series, Based on a True Story, will begin his return to the music industry. The first installment, Rave in the Wasteland, is Smith’s first album release since 2005’s Lost and Found. Over the past year, the actor has been gradually dropping new music, starting with the powerful gospel-rap track, You Can Make It. Performed with the Sunday Service Choir at the BET Awards, the song addressed Smith’s personal struggles following the Oscars controversy.
Due to the incident, he faced a 10-year ban from the Oscars, which was then followed by his resignation from the academy. Many people are unaware of this fact. Additionally, Will Smith collaborated with other artists, releasing Work of Art with Russ, featuring his son Jaden Smith, and Tantrum with Joyner Lucas. With these releases, Smith has generated plenty of buzz for his upcoming album series.
