*Will Smith’s new album, “Based On A True Story,” has underperformed commercially, with only 268 physical copies sold in the UK and no entry on the US Billboard 200, The Blast reports.
Despite featuring collaborations with artists like Big Sean, Jaden Smith, and Teyana Taylor, and addressing personal events like the 2022 Oscars incident, the album, his first since 2005, hasn’t resonated with audiences. Released on March 28 via RITW/SLANG Recordings, the 14-track collection features previously released singles like “First Love,” “Beautiful Scars,” “TANTRUM,” “Work of Art,” and “You Can Make It.” To celebrate the album’s release, Smith is hitting the road for his first-ever headlining tour, the Based on a True Story Summer Tour. Kicking off on July 13 in Hamburg, Germany, the tour will take him to major cities across Europe, the UK, and Morocco.
He’s also set to perform at top international festivals, including: Mawazine Festival (Morocco), POSITIV Festival (France), Dreambeach Festival (Spain) and the BIG ART Festival (Italy). Tickets are available at willsmith.com.
Before embarking on his tour, Smith returned to his hometown of Philadelphia, where the street outside his former high school, Overbrook High, was officially renamed “Will Smith Way” in his honor. The emotional moment marked a full-circle moment for the artist, who has always credited Philly for shaping his journey.
“When I thought about the ‘Will Smith Way,’ I thought about my mother, my father, and my grandmother,” he said. The Hollywood icon credited his parents and grandparents for instilling important life lessons that he carries with him. “The ‘Will Smith Way’ is encompassed in the lessons that I got from my father, my mother, and my grandfather,” Smith added.
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In a recent Instagram Post, Smith announced his upcoming summer tour, writing, “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!!”
Smith’s gospel-rap track “You Can Make It,” featuring Fridayy and the Sunday Service Choir, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart. This marks his first chart-topping single since “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It.” The track’s debut at the 2024 BET Awards was nothing short of cinematic, with Smith delivering a powerful performance inside a blazing fire pit surrounded by real flames. Watch below.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Will Smith Receives Street Renaming Ceremony in His Hometown | Video
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