NEWS
Will Smith is a hip hop legend. His presence within the genre is so outsized its hard to believe it's been two decades since he last dropped an album. The dry spell of the Fresh Prince will be coming to an end, however. Smith has confirmed that his comeback album, Based on a True Story, is not only complete but will be releasing much sooner than fans expected. To make matters even more exciting, the rapper put out the tracklist and the guest features who will be appearing on the album.
Will Smith's comeback album will be dropping on Friday, March 28. The rapper is going for symmetry with this date, since his last album, Lost and Found, was released March 29, 2005. We see you, Will. It would take to long to recount all of the different rap trends and styles that have come and gone in this time span, but it's obvious from the features that Smith is caught up. He will be partnering with friends new and old for Based on a True Story, which feels like a fitting summation of his career up to this point. Yes, before you ask, there will be a DJ Jazzy Jeff reunion.
The legendary DJ will link up with his former partner on the album opener, "Barbershop Day." Simone will also be featured on the song. Big Sean and OBanga were already touted as a features, since they spit on the lead single "Beautiful Scars." But we now have confirmation that the artists (and the song) will appear on the final tracklist. India Martinez and Marcin will team up on the song "First Love." Teyana Taylor will bring her talents to the duet "Hard Times (Smile)." Joyner Lucas enlisted Will Smith for his 2020 tribute, "Will," so it makes sense the latter would return the favor by inviting him on "Tantrum." Will Smith's son Jaden will also appear Based on a True Story.
As you'll notice from the back cover art, Based on a True Story follows a unique structure. The songs are billed as "episodes," playing into Will Smith's theme of the album being season a TV. "I'm releasing it in seasons," he told Power 105.1. "So I have three seasons. I'm not calling it an album. I'm calling it season one of Based on a True Story. Season one is called Rave In the Wasteland and season two is a Quincy Jones quote. Season two is called The Gift of Madness." Sounds like we have a trilogy on our hands.
NEWS
Panic! At The Disco are preparing to release a special deluxe anniversary edition of A Fever You Can't Sweat Out.
The I Write Sins Not Tragedies icons marked the 20th anniversary of their groundbreaking 2005 debut album during their performance at When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas over the weekend, and have now confirmed the new edition.
On January 23, the group — originally formed by Brendon Urie, Spencer Smith, Ryan Ross and Brent Wilson — will unveil a limited edition box set that features a remastered version of the record.
The package, priced at £164.99 and available for pre-order, includes 11 unreleased demos and a vinyl pressing of 2006’s Live In Denver. The full live set has also been uploaded to YouTube.
On the band’s UK store, they shared a message:
“To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Panic! At The Disco’s seminal debut album, this limited edition box set brings together a comprehensive time capsule celebrating the record's impact.
This release includes the original album remastered for the first time ever, 11 unreleased demos, plus the legendary 2006 Live In Denver performance — never before released on vinyl or CD.
The box set also includes a 12-page zine with never before seen photos from the era, a sticker set, a door hanger, and a paper doll set.”
By 2023, the band had essentially become a solo project for Urie. Their final show was held in Manchester, UK, where the frontman said: “Sometimes a journey must end for a new one to begin.
“We’ve been trying to keep it to ourselves, though some of you may have heard… Sarah and I are expecting a baby very soon!
The prospect of being a father and getting to watch my wife become a mother is both humbling and exciting. I look forward to this next adventure.”
Panic! returned to the stage at WWWY over the weekend, performing A Fever You Can't Sweat Out in full alongside fan favorites like This Is Gospel and Nine in the Afternoon.
To end the night, they performed I Write Sins Not Tragedies once again, as Smith reunited with Urie for the emotional closing moment.
