Will Smith's first album since 2005, 'Based on a True Story,' is full of self-help talk and a cocky sense of self-forgiveness, but not enough fun.

Why it matters: This isn't just Smith returning to rap after 20 years. It's a public reckoning — pain, shame and spiritual recalibration — set to gospel chords, booming drums and a hunger that recalls his rap roots and evolution as a man.

Among the topics mentioned on Smith's new album is his first Oscar win in 2022 and the now-infamous incident in which he slapped Chris Rock during that awards ceremony, leading to his 10-year ban from the event and rumors the award would be rescinded. In the end, Smith was not asked to return the award.