Smith sneaks in an Oscars slap joke in the silly cinematic visual
Will Smith is taking on his music career in full throttle, and channeling Matrix to kick it off. On Thursday, the actor-rapper released the video for “Beautiful Scars” with Big Sean, and announced a new album, Based on True Story, his first in 20 years.
”Mr. Anderson and Mr. Smith welcome you back to the simulation,” Smith captioned a post with clips of the video, which sees Big Sean as the Morpheus character (played by Laurence Fishburne in the franchise) and Smith as Neo.
At the beginning of the year, Smith seemed to tease his addition to The Matrix franchise, but turns out it was the theme for the new video. The visual opens with Big Sean interrogating Smith, before offering him a red pill to continue his life as is or to go back and star as Neo in the Matrix.
“You’ve made some awesome career choices you’ve made your whole life. There’s only one you truly regret… Well, maybe two,” Sean says, referencing the infamous Oscars slap. “But we’re not gonna focus on that one.”
“That’s messed up,” replies Smith, before nervously taking both red and blue pills at once. The video then flashes to Smith rapping the lyrics of the track, as he goes through scenes to prepare for the Matrix role.
“I rebuild with the broken pieces that are shattered on the floor,” Smith raps. “I am healed by the deepest teachings that were given by remorse.”
Smith preceded the new single with “Work of Art” featuring his son Jaden and “You Can Make It” with Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir. The track will be featured on his March album, Based on True Story, his first full-length LP since 2005’s Lost and Found.
