Tag: Will Smith

audio review : Based On A True Story [ Season 1 ] ( album ) … Will Smith

audio review : Based On A True Story [ Season 1 ] ( album ) ... Will Smith

Will Smith had what one might call a squeaky-clean image for a long time. It wasn’t until the slap heard around the world that he became somewhat infamous. Instead of ignoring the scandal, he addresses it at the very start of this album; his first in twenty years; which is a bold move. That he handles it with comedy, in the style he became popular for in the first place, makes it a smart one.

He should’ve stuck with humor for the rest of the set. It’s his most admirable trait. When he’s just rapping or trying to be a positive role model; he actually takes on the role of a church Reverend here, oddly enough; things aren’t as interesting. He’s not “wack”; never was; but some of these songs come close. The best include Work Of Art with Jaden Smith and Tantrum with Joyner Lucas.

my rating : 3 of 5

2025

audio review : Summertime ( song ) … Will Smith

It would be hard to go wrong over a sample of Kool And The Gang’s Summer Madness; a song that, in contrary to its title, could induce even the purest of grammarians to use “chill” as an adjective; in any case. Still The Fresh Prince deserves props for updating the scene from a general sense of summer to a hot day on the streets of urban America. “Girls out hunting and guys doing likewise,” he observes, “honking at the honey in front you with the light eyes.”

It’s “a groove that soothes and moves romance,” which for most of the college crowd is code for sex. Others are satisfied simply showing their fashion and beauty; “fresh from the barbershop, fly from the beauty salon”; playing basketball, eating barbeque or just partying and having fun. Will Smith and the gang; his background boys provide a fitting soundscape; cover it all, but it’s the girl singing; for her, it’s “time to sit back and unwind”; that keeps you hooked.

my rating : 4 of 5

1991