Will Smith Addresses Controversy In New Freestyle, Calling Himself One Of The Greats

“I’ve won damn near every award on these boys, sold-out movie theaters and even tours on these boys.”

Will Smith is making it apparent that his purpose is not merely to return to the booth but to remind everyone of his rightful place among the greats. In his recent bar-heavy freestyle with Lyrical Lemonade, the Oscar-winning actor and hip-hop veteran boldly asserted that he is among the greatest to have ever done it.

Smith didn’t hold back in the unexpected “Lunch Break” freestyle, comparing himself to some of the greatest soccer stars and showcasing his dual nature in Hollywood and music. 

“Goooal/Hip Hop’s Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldo! I’ve scored on these boys and won almost all of their awards. Movie theaters were completely sold out, and these boys even went on tours. Over a thumping trap rhythm, he boastfully spat, “Wipe the floor with these boys, I feel like a mop.”

Beyond the boasting, however, the Fresh Prince sang on his fortitude and redemption after a string of personal and public setbacks in recent years. 

They built a wall, but I’m jumping it and loving it. They want me to be done with it, but I’m still having fun with it. Smith said, seemingly addressing the controversy surrounding his famous Oscars slap in 2022: “I be overcoming sh*t that y’all be having trouble with/ Let ’em run their mouths, I mean really, that’s what comes with this.”

Following Smith’s debut album in twenty years, Based on a True Story, came the freestyle. The 14-track album reveals details about his personal life, including his contentious marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith and his much-discussed fight with Chris Rock. He raps, “Personal life with my wife — mind your business, it’s complicated,” on the song “You Lookin’ For Me?” in reference to the way their relationship has been covered by the media and Jada’s previous “entanglement” with singer August Alsina.

In an interview with Sway in the Morning, the Bad Boys star discussed the album’s creative development and gave credit to JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar for encouraging him to start recording again.

He recalls, “I made two phone calls before I started [the album].” I spoke with both Jay and Kendrick. “Hey, I’d like to return to music,” I remarked. What is the recommendation? “Don’t fabricate your story,” Jay said. You must speak your own truth. Although you don’t live that way, you’ll be observing the younger rappers and you want it to be the case for you. “Be true to your story,” he said. Share your story. And that’s how Jay gave me the Based on a True Story.

The GNX rhymer told him, “Man, just say that sh*t you’ve always been f**king scared to say,” Will remembered. In essence, it was the same thing. It was like, tell the truth.