Will Smith is stepping back into the music scene—and he’s doing it on his own terms. The West Philadelphia legend sat down with Gillie and Wallo on Million Dollaz Worth of Game to discuss his upcoming album, Based on a True Story, marking his return to hip-hop after years of dominating Hollywood and social media.
In an insightful and candid conversation, Smith reflected on his career evolution, personal growth, and the creative breakthroughs that led him back to the mic.
Embracing Change: From Movie Star to Social Media Icon
Smith opened up about his ability to pivot throughout his career, a skill he considers essential to longevity in entertainment. From his early days rapping alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff on tracks like “Girls Ain’t Nothing But Trouble” and “Brand New Funk” to becoming a global movie star, he emphasized the importance of adaptability.
“The old-school movie star model was all about being mysterious, staying out of reach,” Smith explained. “But the game changed. Social media made accessibility the new currency, and I had to adjust.”
Personal Growth & Creative Breakthroughs After the Oscars
Reflecting on the aftermath of the Oscars incident, Smith admitted he took a step back from the spotlight to do some deep introspection. He described this period as a time of self-discovery, where he confronted parts of himself he had previously ignored.
“I had to shut it all down and just sit with myself,” he shared. “There were things I had buried for years, and when I finally faced them, it unlocked something new in me creatively.”
Fear as a Driving Force
One of the most powerful moments of the conversation came when Smith opened up about fear. He revealed that much of his life and career had been shaped by a fear of failure, stemming from childhood experiences of witnessing domestic violence. Instead of running from that fear, he’s now using it as fuel.
“When I stopped pretending fear wasn’t there, it actually gave me more freedom,” he said. “It’s crazy how much we limit ourselves by trying to avoid discomfort.”
New Music: A Reflection of His Journey
With Based on a True Story, Smith is ready to bring his personal and artistic evolution into his music. He teased a new track, “Work of Art,” which explores the idea of embracing both the light and dark sides of oneself.
“I’ve spent so much of my life trying to be perfect, to be what people expected,” he said. “But now, I’m leaning into all of it—the good, the bad, the messy. That’s what this music is about.”
Balancing Music, Movies & a Possible Men in Black Return
Beyond music, Smith revealed that he’s been weighing multiple career opportunities, including a potential Men in Black sequel. However, his focus remains on reconnecting with his musical roots and even planning a tour.
“I got an offer for another Men in Black, and I love that franchise,” he said. “But right now, I’m excited about this tour. I want to be back on stage, performing, connecting with people in a way I haven’t in years.”
Philly Pride & The Power of Mindset
Smith also took a moment to reflect on his Philadelphia roots, encouraging young people to believe in themselves regardless of their circumstances.
“Where you come from doesn’t define where you can go,” he emphasized. “The only thing that limits you is your mindset.”
Business Spotlight: Dion’s Credit Empowerment Journey
The episode also featured a business spotlight segment with entrepreneur Dion, who shared his journey from financial struggles to building a multi-million-dollar business. He detailed how he leveraged credit strategically, using Metro2 compliance software to help others repair their credit scores.
Dion, who once took out loans just to pay his mortgage, now helps people transform their financial lives through his service, Metro2Phenom.com. He also offers free resources, including ebooks on business credit and financial literacy.
“Credit isn’t just for emergencies—it’s an opportunity fund,” Dion explained. “If you learn how to use it, you can change your life.”
Final Thoughts
Will Smith’s conversation with Gillie and Wallo was a powerful reminder that growth never stops. Whether he’s making music, starring in blockbuster films, or sharing life lessons, one thing is clear—Big Willy is back, and he’s doing it his way.
