Will Smith Drops First Album in 20 Years with Matrix-Inspired Music Video Featuring Big Sean
Credit: Pixabay
Will Smith makes a dramatic return to music with a Matrix-inspired video and new album announcement
Will Smith has officially made his return to music, and it’s been well worth the wait. After a 20-year hiatus, the actor-turned-rapper has announced his upcoming album Based on a True Story, set for release in March. To get fans excited for the new project, Smith unveiled his first single, “Beautiful Scars,” along with a visually stunning Matrix-themed music video featuring rapper Big Sean.
The video, which dropped Wednesday, finds Smith stepping into the iconic world of The Matrix, a universe that he famously passed on back in the late ’90s. Smith, who was offered the role of Neo (a part that ultimately went to Keanu Reeves), channels the world of the Wachowskis’ classic sci-fi film while wearing futuristic sunglasses and delivering some signature Smith charisma.
Will Smith Feat Big Sean – Beautiful Scars 🔥🔥
Out Today!!🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/fUxnnYX2rk
— Shawn K The King (@SKTheKingYT) January 30, 2025
Big Sean joins him, taking on the role of Morpheus, the wise mentor originally portrayed by Laurence Fishburne. In one pivotal moment, Big Sean presents Smith with the ultimate choice: “Blue pill: Everything remains the same and you get to move on with your life. Red pill: You get to go back and star in that movie that got away. The choice is yours.”
Smith, however, refuses to pick just one. Instead, he takes both pills, leading to a reality-bending moment of chaos as the video plays out like a dream for fans of both Smith and The Matrix.
Will Smith & Big Sean team up for a The Matrix-inspired music video for Big Sean's new song, Beautiful Scars feat. OBanga pic.twitter.com/rR0JOKA1cf
— IGN (@IGN) February 1, 2025
The moment is a playful nod to Smith’s earlier career decisions, and the video even references his infamous Oscars slap in a lighthearted manner, with Big Sean teasing, “Well, maybe two regrets, but we’re not going to focus on that one.”
Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the duo behind Bad Boys For Life and Ms. Marvel, the video not only captures the essence of The Matrix but also highlights the range and humor that Smith has become known for over his legendary career.
Fans who have followed Smith’s career know that while he’s become a household name thanks to his acting, his roots are in music. After years of focusing on film, Smith began teasing a return to his music career in 2022. His surprise performance of “You Can Make It” at the BET Awards caught fans by surprise, and his collaboration with Sean Paul, “Light Em Up,” was featured on the Bad Boys: Ride or Die soundtrack. Most recently, Smith joined forces with Russ and his son, Jaden Smith, on “Work of Art.”
With Based on a True Story set to drop in March, fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next from the man who gave us The Fresh Prince and so many unforgettable film roles. Could this album be the start of a full-fledged music comeback?
For now, “Beautiful Scars” and its mind-bending video serve as the perfect teaser for what’s to come. It’s clear Will Smith has found a way to blend his unique career choices into an exciting new chapter—one that even Neo might approve of.
