Will Smith releases “Based on a True Story”, announces global summer tour, and lands gospel chart No.1.
Will Smith makes a powerful return to music with the release of Based on a True Story, his first studio album in two decades. Released via RITW/SLANG Recordings, the 14-track collection is deeply personal, reflecting his journey with honesty and range.
The album includes contributions from DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, and Jac Ross, and features previously released singles “First Love,” “Beautiful Scars,” “TANTRUM,” “Work of Art,” and the breakout hit “You Can Make It,” which recently hit No.1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart.
To celebrate the release, Smith also announced his first-ever headlining tour—the Based on a True Story Summer Tour. Starting July 13 in Hamburg, Germany, the run includes performances across Europe, the UK, and North Africa, with appearances at Mawazine Festival (Morocco), Dreambeach (Spain), POSITIV Festival (France), and BIG ART Festival (Italy). 
This era marks a personal milestone for the multi-hyphenate star. Earlier this week, the city of Philadelphia honored him by renaming the street outside his former high school, Overbrook, to Will Smith Way.
“You Can Make It,” featuring Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir, was premiered live at the 2024 BET Awards in a striking performance with Smith surrounded by real flames in a fire pit—a moment that mirrored the emotional gravity of the track.
From rap charts to gospel airplay, and from screen to stage, Based on a True Story is a full-circle moment for Will Smith—one rooted in transformation, truth, and timeless energy.
