The New Oldies: #8 Album of the Year 2025: Will Smith – Based on a True Story

Something seems to be missing these days. It seems that record companies, radio stations, and streaming services are pushing some the great established musicians to the background. As a result these veteran artists are not getting the attention they deserve. Enter the Top 10 Album Countdown: The New Oldies. The main point is simple – to make this list you must have at least 20 years of producing established music. The album by the artist must have been released between November 1st, 2024 and October 31st, 2025.

#8: Will Smith – Based on a True Story

It’s almost three decades ago, when Will Smith was on top of the world. He had parlayed a music career with DJ Jazzy Jeff into a film career. In 1997, he had a monster debut solo album with Big Willie Style. By 2005, the music pretty much went silent, and for 20 years we would not have a new album from Smith. This all changed this year, when Smith would release Based on a True Story.

The title of the album is exactly what it is – it is an album of music based on Smith’s story. His story has not been easy during this period. His marriage has crumbled with Jada Pinkett, and then there was the infamous incident at the 2022 Oscar Awards when Smith walked on stage and slapped Chris Rock for making a joke about Pinkett. This is going to make its way into Based on a True Story.

I find Hip Hop to be an effective tool in storytelling and this is what Smith does with Based on a True Story. He incorporates those challenges he has gone through in recent years with this album. What I like is how Smith doesn’t make this a Hip Hop album, but incorporates other elements such as Gospel, R&B, and touches of the Minneapolis sound. The stories are good, and the music is equally as good. I found this album worth the wait, and it’s one that I enjoy listening to over and over again.