Will Smith said he called Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar before returning to music.
Jay-Z told him to stay authentic, while Kendrick Lamar advised him to speak more openly in his lyrics. Their advice helped shape his album Based on a True Story.
Will Smith made two key phone calls before returning to music after about 20 years away from releasing a full album. He reached out to Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar to ask how he should approach his comeback.
The advice he received shaped the direction of his new project, Based on a True Story, which focuses on personal honesty and storytelling.
Why did Will Smith call Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar?
Will Smith wanted guidance before stepping back into music. He asked both artists a simple question about how to approach his return.
His focus was not on trends or sound. He wanted direction on how personal his music should be and how to speak honestly through his lyrics.
What advice did Jay-Z give Will Smith?
Jay-Z told Will Smith to stay true to his real life experiences and avoid trying to imitate younger rappers.
- “Don’t fake your story”
- Stay true to your personal experiences
- Avoid copying the lifestyle of younger artists
- Tell your story exactly as it is
Jay-Z’s message pushed Smith toward reflecting on his own journey instead of adjusting his image to match current music trends.
What did Kendrick Lamar say to Will Smith?
Kendrick Lamar gave more direct advice focused on emotional honesty and expression.
- “Man, just say that shit you’ve always been scared to say”
- Be open about uncomfortable experiences
- Stop holding back in your writing
Kendrick encouraged Will Smith to express the parts of his story he had been avoiding publicly.
Related: Will Smith’s Love for Jada Pinkett: Why He Took Her Back Despite Everything
What is Will Smith’s new album about?
His upcoming album, Based on a True Story, centers on real-life experiences and personal reflection.
The project focuses on:
- Personal growth and mistakes
- Honest storytelling
- Life experiences without filters
- Returning to music with authenticity
Where did Will Smith share this story?
The story was shared during an interview on Sway in the Morning on SiriusXM radio.
He explained that both conversations happened before he began working on the album and influenced his creative direction.
Why this story matters in hip-hop and entertainment
This moment highlights how even global stars still seek guidance from other artists before major career moves.
Search interest around this topic includes:
- Why Will Smith returned to music
- What Jay-Z told Will Smith
- Kendrick Lamar’s advice to Will Smith
- Details about Based on a True Story
The story connects strongly with themes of honesty, growth, and personal storytelling in modern music.
Reported by Anything Celebrity – Nigeria’s hub for entertainment gist and celebrity updates.
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