Will Smith to drop new album on March 28, returns to music after 20 years: 'Been working on this...'

The 56-year-old rapper-actor took to Instagram on Saturday to share the exciting news with his fans, generating a wave of anticipation for his musical comeback.

Hollywood star Will Smith has officially announced the release date of his upcoming music album, Based On A True Story, which is set to drop on March 28.

Smith, widely recognized for his roles in The Pursuit of Happyness, King Richard, and the Men in Black franchise, is making a long-awaited return to music after nearly two decades. His last album, Lost and Found, was released in 2005, marking his temporary departure from the music scene.

The 56-year-old rapper-actor took to Instagram on Saturday to share the exciting news with his fans, generating a wave of anticipation for his musical comeback.  "It’s OFFICIAL!! My new album ’Based On A True Story’ drops March 28. TWO WEEKS!! Hit that presave. Been working on this project for a minute and I’m itchin’ to get it out to y’all," read the caption.

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Will Smith's upcoming album, Based On A True Story, will feature a total of 14 tracks, including previously released singles such as Beautiful Scars, First Love, TANTRUM, You Can Make It, and Work of Art.

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One fan took to the comment section and expressed their excitement along with the comment, "Legend! Can’t wait to hear something refreshing for culture." Another fan wrote, "This is major! Will Smith did the unthinkable in 2025 - reviving his relevance in the music industry after a 20-year hiatus, something no major label could accomplish." A comment also read, "Mannnnn the last cd I ever bought as a shorty was “WILLennium” … of course I gotta get this."

Smith first entered the music scene in the late 1980s as part of the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. He later embarked on a solo music career in 1997 with the release of the Men in Black theme song, which became a major hit.