Will Smith Returns to Music with 'Based on a True Story' and Announces European Tour
Will Smith, aka “The Fresh Prince,” returns to music after 20 years with his new album Based on a True Story, featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, and Big Sean, along with a European tour kicking off this summer. We discuss it here!
Will Smith at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' held at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, USA on May 30, 2024.
Photo cred: Tinseltown
By: Joshua Martin
Will Smith aka “The Fresh Prince” is making his grand return to this music game with his latest release after a 20-year hiatus for the superstar. The 14-track album will reunite the Fresh Prince with his longtime friend and collaborator on the 1991 hit “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and features collaborations with Teyana Taylor and Jack Ross. Smith released the single “Beautiful Scars” with Big Sean and Obangain earlier this year.
Will Smith & Big Sean - Beautiful Scars feat. OBanga (Official Video)
Filled with excitement, the iconic actor, rapper, and producer took to Instagram to share that his new project 'Based on a True Story' will be released in the next two weeks.
“It’s OFFICIAL!! My new album, Based on a True Story, drops on 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”
Shortly after the video's release, Smith spoke about how the new music is a bit different from previous work.
“There’s a thing, there’s a brand that is Will Smith, you know, and the brand is slightly different from the man. The brand is just a really narrow slice of what the man is, and the man has expanded in a way that the brand can almost feel like a prison.”
The album release date news came the same weekend he and his “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” costar Tatyana Ali recreated an iconic scene from their series, accompanied by an assist from Grammy-winning female rapper, Doechii. Their TikTok performance was done to Doechii’s viral hit “Anxiety.”
You can catch Will Smith on the road this summer as well as a European tour is set to follow the album. The 26-date run will kick off on June 25th at the Moroccan music festival in Mawazine.
Tickets will go on sale Friday, March 21st. Early access is available via the official Will Smith website.
“I’M GOING ON TOUR THIS SUMMER!! We’re hitting up UK & Europe to bring U all the hits, some new joints, and a few surprises ;-). All these years, I’ve NEVER done a headline tour and I can’t wait to see you guys!! … Tag a friend, tag all ur friends, tag ya auntie and em, bring errbody! We’re gonna have some fun.”
Check out the list of tour dates below:
Will Smith Based on a True Story Tour
June 25 — Rabat, MA @ Mawazine
June 28 — Le Barcarès, FR @ Les Déferlantes Festival
July 3 — Gran Canaria, ES @ Granca Live Fest
July 12 — Wolfsburg, DE @ Sommerfestival der Autostadt
July 13 — Hamburg, DE @ Stadtpark Open Air*
July 15 — Hannover, DE @ Gilde Parkbühne*
July 18 — Frankfurt, DE @ Festhalle*
July 19 — Berne, CH @ Gurtenfestival
July 23 — Nyon, CH @ Paléo Festival
July 25 — Massa, IT @ BIG ART Festival
July 26 — Marbella, ES @ Starlite Occident
July 31 — Orange, FR @ POSITIV Festival
Aug. 01 — Orange, FR @ POSITIV Festival
Aug. 02 — Monte Carlo @ Salle des Étoiles
Aug. 05 — Braine -le-Comte, BE @ Ronquières Festival
Aug. 07 — Skanderborg, DK @ Smukfest
Aug. 09 — Almeria, ES @ Dreambeach Festival
Aug. 15 — St. Pölten, AT @ Frequency Festival
Aug. 17 — Charleville-Mézières, FR @ Cabaret Vert
Aug. 22 — Drammen, NO @ Ypsilon Festival
Aug. 24 — Scarborough, UK @ Scarborough Open Air Theatre*
Aug. 25 — Cardiff, UK @ Bute Park*
Aug. 27 — Manchester, UK @ Victoria Warehouse*
Aug. 28 — London, UK @ Brixton Academy*
Aug. 30 — Wolverhampton, UK @ The Halls*
Sept. 02 — Paris, FR @ Zénith*
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Leimert Park Music Series Returns for Its Second Show: 5 Rising Artists Set to Light Up The Stage
The Leimert Park Music Series returns for its second showcase on March 31, bringing together five rising Hip-Hop and R&B artists for an electrifying night of live music, culture, and community at The World Stage. We discuss it here!
By: Omar Cook
Los Angeles, CA – Following an electrifying debut in February, the Leimert Park Music Series is back on Monday, March 31, for another unforgettable night of live Hip-Hop, and R&B at The World Stage in Leimert Park. This cultural movement presented by 247 Live Culture, continues to uplift rising Black artists while honoring the rich musical legacy of Los Angeles’ most historic Black arts district.
Doors open at 7:30 PM, with the show running until 10 PM. Tickets are $20 and available now.
This month’s lineup features five dynamic artists set to take the stage including rapper Ac Wolf, R&B singer NURD, rapper Pookie Blow, R&B singer Zani Vie, and rapper Deuceworld.
Adding to the experience, Sweet Candy Radio will be spinning the vibes throughout the night, while 247LC Media Correspondent Eboné Chatman will host the evening, bringing energy and charisma to the stage.
The Leimert Park Music Series was founded to provide a consistent platform for emerging Black artists, showcasing authentic talent in a space deeply rooted in the history of jazz, hip-hop, soul, and spoken word. The World Stage, founded in 1989, has long been a hub for cultural expression and continues to serve as a home for creative excellence.
Click For Ticket Sales
This series is about building a movement that amplifies voices, fosters community, and ensures that Black music continues to thrive in Los Angeles and beyond.
Get Your Tickets Now
Join us for a night of unapologetic artistry, cultural celebration, and pure musical excellence at The World Stage.
📍 Event Details:
📅 Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
📍 Location: The World Stage, Leimert Park, CA
⏰ Doors Open: 7:30 PM | Showtime: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎟 Tickets: $20 (Available on 247LiveCulture.com & Eventbrite)
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Kendrick Lamar Breaks Michael Jackson’s Record for Most Watched Super Bowl Halftime show
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show breaks records with 133.5 million viewers, surpassing Michael Jackson’s legendary 1993 performance. We discuss it here!
Kendrick Lamar performs at Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester, Tennessee in 2023.
Photo Cred: L Paul Mann
By: Joshua Martin
Less than two months into 2025 and Kemdrick Lamar has secured another huge achievement. His Super Bowl LIX halftime show is now the most watched half time show of all time. Surpassing Michael Jackson’s iconic Super Bowl XXVII halftime performance over 30 years ago.
Roc Nation, Apple Music and the NFL announced the feat on Tuesday (Feb. 11). The record performance had 133.5 million viewers glued to the screen, which outdrew the game’s 126 million, according to reports. Despite the history and narratives going into the game, more than seven million people were more invested in seeing the Compton rapper set the stage on fire.
“We’ve broken the record again! The most watched Apple Music Halftime show EVER, with 133.5 Million viewers.”
Michael Jackson’s legendary 1993 performance drew 133.4 million viewers, meaning the 37 year old only edged out MJ by 100,000 people. The gap was a little wider in comparison to Usher’s instant classic performance last year that drew in a massive 123.4 million viewers. Nonetheless, the three most watched halftime shows of all time are from African American artists, a huge win for Black History Month.
Lamar’s halftime set featured spoken portions by Samuel L. Jackson, SZA, who he is set to tour alongside this summer, on their collaboration track “Luther” and “All The Stars” with special appearances by Mustard and tennis legend Serena Williams. As the world eagerly anticipated his GRAMMY Award winning hit “Not Like Us,” the Pulitzer Prize winner stared directly into the camera and smirked when he rapped the line “Say Drake.” Seconds later the camera cut to Williams as she crip walked to the track.
To watch the entire performance, click the link below
Kendrick Lamar's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Big JD Talks New EP 'Turning Back Time' and Promises His Best Work Yet
Jackson, Mississippi native Big JD returns after a year-long hiatus with his new EP Turning Back Time, promising a deeper connection with fans and showcasing his most personal and polished work to date. We discuss it here!
Big JD's new EP ‘Turning Back Time’ is slated for release on November 13, 2024.
Photo Cred: BIG JD
By: Joshua Martin
After nearly a year-long hiatus from the music scene, BIG JD returns with his latest project Turning Back Time in what he promises is his best work yet. The Jackson-born artist, known for his sharp lyricism, took a break to recalibrate both personally and artistically. Now, he’s back with a project that he promises will solidify his place in the local hip-hop scene.
“This project is something like my “welcome back” from nearly a year long break I took from releasing music. In the music itself, I reflected on a lot of the experiences I went through and lessons I learned in the past year.”
Scheduled for release on November 13th, Turning Back Time is a deeply personal exploration of the artist’s journey, while pushing the boundaries of the genre. The new project also explores themes that resonate deeply with his fanbase, such as resilience, mental health, and the ups and downs of everyday life. Each track seems to be meticulously crafted and is both raw and poetic.
“Expect the unexpected. Over that year I took off from dropping, I was still in the studio heavy recording new music and experimenting with new sounds. I’m learning to open up a bit more than I already have in my songwriting and making music that connects with my audience on a deeper level than before.”
Showcasing a more mature sound that reflects his growth over the past year, his break from the music scene, allowed him to find clarity and inspiration for the project.
“I can humbly say this is some of my best work yet. It’s always my goal to progress and be better than last time. I feel like the music was good before but it just had potential. In my time off from releasing, I learned new strategies of creating art and visuals that attract the right crowd and marketing and promoting the music so that it gets to as many of those people who need to hear it as possible.”
With his unique blend of vulnerability and energy, BIG JD is already gaining momentum across the South. Fans can expect live performances and appearances around the state soon, where he’ll share these new tracks that are sure to become anthems for Mississippi’s hip-hop community.
Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com