Will Smith, “Based on a True Story.”

It doesn’t take so much as one bar to get a sense of direction for Will Smith’s return to music with Based on a True Story, the rapper’s first release in more than two decades. The opening track reunites Smith with DJ Jazzy Jeff on “Int. Barbershop-Day,” which recreates a barbershop conversation about Smith’s career trajectory. Is he canceled? Is he even cool anymore? What’s the last big movie he did? Oh, and what about that slap?

If nothing else, the 56-year-old star is self-aware. He responds in song with the feisty “You Lookin’ For Me?” on which Smith defends his credentials and star status.

“I’ve been on my grind for a very long time/ I’ve been on your mind for a very long time/ Yeah you got your life but your life ain’t like mine,” Smith raps.

The song reflects the album’s conundrum. One one hand, the introspective material finds Smith soul-searching. On the other, it just feels too serious. “Rave in the Wasteland” has a dramatic sermon interlude as a lead-in. The bouncy instrumental is surprisingly ferocious, pulsing with aggressive energy; not really one of Will Smith’s calling cards. His raw and intense delivery doesn’t quite match up.

Big Willie finds his footing on “Bulletproof,” with verses full of bravado and a heck of an infectious chorus by Jac Ross.

“Been through it all/ Now I’m ready to teach,” Smith spits.

“Hard Times (Smile)” takes on a more of a causal personality with a light and spacious sound in the same neighborhood as “American Boy.” The playful track is easy to nod along to, locking into smooth R&B. Some unexpected sounds and solid contributions by Big Sean and Obanga on “Beautiful Scars” take the song in different directions, but this song also falls into its own pit of despair. The heaviness continues with “Tantrum,” which otherwise has some of Smith’s best verses on the record

“I done took my punches, they was stand-in over/ Devil want my soul, I couldn’t hand it over,” Smith declares.

“First Love” is reflective of the album as a whole, fusing a compelling instrumental, interesting verses… and an underwhelming chorus. The ingredients are there, but it doesn’t bake. Smith was at his best when he was the life of the party on songs like “Miami,” “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” and “Wild Wild West.” Those tunes offered joyful and timeless appeal. The biggest challenge on Based On a True Story is much of the material begs the question: Who is this for? Who wants to see Will Smith battling these demons at this point in his life?

The gospel-tinged “You Can Make It” combines an uplifting message with Smith delivering a warmer and subdued verse. It’s a tone that suits him better and paints him more as fatherly figure. That role he plays quite literally on “Work Art,” with a feature from his son Jaden. Smith’s more introspective and mature lyrical perspective is commendable but creates existential challenges.

Follow writer Mike DeWald at mikedewald.bsky.social.