Will Smith is turning controversy into bars. The actor and musician, 56, took to the mic for a fiery freestyle during DJ Charlie Sloth’s Fire in the Booth session in London on June 22, boldly referencing his infamous 2022 Oscars altercation with Chris Rock.
In a verse aimed at setting the record straight, Smith rapped: “I’m not the type of man to move in malicious ways, and I am too grown to play childish games. But if you talking crazy out your face up on the stage, and disrespect me on the stage — expect me on the stage.”
The verse marks another moment of musical self-reflection for the Fresh Prince star, who also addressed the incident in his March album Based on a True Story.
The slap, which followed Rock’s joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head (due to alopecia), sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Though Smith issued a formal apology months later, both he and Rock have publicly alluded to the incident since — Rock via stand-up, Smith through song.
Smith’s latest performance suggests he’s not shying away from his mistakes — he’s owning them, rhyme by rhyme.
—
Photo Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com