Will Smith, a name synonymous with ‘90s hip-hop and blockbuster Hollywood success, is once again stepping into the music industry with his latest album, Based on a True Story. Smith, who began his career as a rapper under the moniker The Fresh Prince, found success with radio-friendly hits like “Summertime” and “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It.” But in an era where hip-hop is dominated by trap beats, melodic rap, and hyper-personal storytelling, is there still room for legacy acts like Smith?

Hip-hop, often defined by its constant evolution, has historically been a young person’s game. However, veteran artists like Nas, Jay-Z, and Eminem have managed to sustain their relevance, proving that older emcees can still command attention. The question remains: Can Will Smith, known for his clean, upbeat rap style, find a place in today’s more lyrically raw and sonically experimental landscape?

Will Smith’s challenge of staying relevant

One of the biggest obstacles legacy artists face in hip-hop is adapting to changing tastes while staying true to their artistic identity. Will Smith’s music, once celebrated for its wholesome themes and family-friendly appeal, starkly contrasts with today’s hip-hop scene, which often leans into themes of struggle, material success, and social commentary.

Artists like Jay-Z have managed to stay relevant by evolving their sound and message to reflect their personal growth and business acumen. Nas, through projects like King’s Disease, has successfully bridged the generational gap by collaborating with younger artists while maintaining his classic storytelling approach. Smith, on the other hand, has not been consistently present in the rap game, making his re-entry a challenging one.

Additionally, hip-hop’s audience has shifted. Younger fans gravitate toward artists who reflect their own realities, and the streaming era has favored acts who constantly produce new content. With Smith absent from music for nearly two decades, re-establishing a fanbase could prove difficult.

Compounding this challenge is the public scrutiny surrounding his personal life, particularly his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith and the widely publicized 2022 Oscars incident. For years, Smith’s personal relationships and public controversies have frequently dominated headlines, sometimes overshadowing his artistic contributions. His new album addresses these events, but whether audiences are willing to separate the artist from the headlines remains uncertain.

Can hip-hop legacy artists still thrive?

Despite the challenges, some legacy hip-hop artists have found ways to thrive by embracing their unique position in the genre. Will Smith’s best path forward may not be in chasing trends but in embracing his legacy while updating his sound for a modern audience. His brand has always been built on positivity, charisma, and storytelling—qualities that could resonate with fans tired of the often repetitive themes in contemporary hip-hop.

Collaborations with artists who respect his legacy, much like Nas working with Hit-Boy or LL Cool J partnering with Q-Tip for a comeback album, could help Smith bridge the gap between old and new. Based on a True Story features contributions from Teyana Taylor, Big Sean, and Jaden Smith.

Additionally, Will Smith’s global fame and cross-generational appeal could make him a prime candidate for festivals and nostalgia-driven tours that cater to both longtime fans and younger audiences discovering classic hip-hop.

‘Based on a True Story’ reviews respond to Smith’s comeback

Ultimately, while breaking into today’s hip-hop mainstream may be a tall order for Smith, carving out a space in the industry isn’t impossible. If approached strategically, his return could serve as a blueprint for other legacy acts looking to reintroduce themselves to a genre that never stops evolving.

Of course, the biggest deciding factor will be the quality of Smith’s music. Based on a True Story reviews suggest the rapper doesn’t quite connect with audiences on some of his more grandious themes.

The Times noted that while Smith’s attempt at a comeback is “full of defiance and self-validation,” the album “lacks charm” and carries an “overly serious tone.” The review suggests that, instead of recapturing the lightheartedness of his Fresh Prince era, Smith delves into themes of spirituality and personal trauma, which come across as “preachy and heavy-handed.”

Vulture commented on Smith’s single “You Can Make It,” noting that despite his efforts to project spiritual and psychological growth, the song’s “motivational yet indistinct nature” exemplifies his attempt to reconcile with fans and regain public favor. The review suggests that his charm campaign to overcome the backlash might not yield the desired acceptance.

These critiques underscore the challenges legacy artists like Will Smith face when re-entering the hip-hop scene, especially when addressing personal controversies through their music.