Hold onto your headphones, folks—Will Smith just shocked the world by announcing his first music album in two decades is dropping this week! The Hollywood superstar, who’s been teasing a return to his rap roots for years, finally revealed the release date in a chaotic, laugh-out-loud Instagram video that’s already racked up 10 million views.
“Y’all thought I forgot how to spit bars? Think again,” Smith joked in the clip, beatboxing while dodging flying water balloons thrown by his co-star (and son) Jaden. The caption? A simple “New Era. New Vibes. FRIDAY.” Fans immediately flooded the comments, with one user screaming, “FRESH PRINCE IS BACK—THIS IS NOT A DRILL!”
The album, titled REBIRTH, marks Smith’s first full-length project since 2005’s Lost & Found. Sources close to the actor-rapper claim the record blends nostalgic ’90s hip-hop beats with modern collaborations, including rumored features from Megan Thee Stallion, Anderson .Paak, and even a surprise Justin Timberlake collab. Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, hinted at the project last month, cryptically tweeting, “The King is returning to his throne 👑.”
But why now? Insiders say Smith’s been secretly working on the album since his infamous 2022 Oscars slap, channeling his “personal growth” into music. “This isn’t just an album—it’s his therapy,” a producer revealed. “He’s addressing everything: fame, family, and… yeah, that slap.”
Fans of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air will recognize Smith’s signature playful lyrics but with a twist. Early leaks from the tracklist include songs like “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and “Redemption Arc,” alongside a heartfelt tribute to the late DJ Jazzy Jeff.
With Smith’s Bad Boys 4 also hitting theaters this summer, 2024 is shaping up to be the Year of Will. Will REBIRTH dominate the charts like his ’90s megahits? We’ll find out Friday—pre-save the album now, or risk missing the comeback of the century!