Will Smith attempted to reintroduce himself to the world of music Jan. 30 with the release of a new single, “Beautiful Scars.”
The last time the actor and singer was in the spotlight was March 27, 2022, and it was for all the wrong reasons. He slapped Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards, then faced so much backlash that he withdrew from the spotlight almost entirely. Smith has already effectively been canceled, but he’s trying hard to make himself relevant again by inserting himself into the world of music, a landscape he hasn’t really existed in since 2005’s “Lost and Found” album. He featured Big Sean and Obanga in an attempt to garner more interest in his new tunes, but only time will tell if the world wants him back.
The former “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is releasing an entire album, “Based On A True Story,” expected to drop March 2025.
Smith’s new track is a reflective single that touches on the highs and lows of his fame, as well as the lessons he has learned along the way. He exchanges verses with Big Sean while touching on topics of resilience and spirituality in the video that is structured around Smith’s “missed opportunity” to star as Neo in “The Matrix” franchise. The video kicked off with Smith declaring that he passed on the opportunity for the role of a lifetime, but as he reflected on his decision, he noted that he was very happy with his life. The clip mimicked “The Matrix” as Big Sean offered Smith the legendary Blue Pill or Red Pill and asked him to make his choice.
In an unexpected move, Smith took both pills and swallowed them, which triggered an action-packed video that included martial arts, gunfights and some behind-the-scenes clips.
His lyrics, “I wrote the code, I’m Mr. Smith,” and, “I rise up the gate closer to God,” reflected Smith’s confidence in his place in Hollywood. He made references to both his acting career and his deep roots in music. (RELATED: Morgan Wallen Announces North American Tour)
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 02: Will Smith poses in the portrait studio during the Red Sea International Film Festival 2023 on December 02, 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival)
Feedback in the YouTube comments as well as Smith’s Instagram has been largely favorable to his return, but the charts will tell the real story.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
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