Will Smith is once again reflecting on the infamous 2022 Oscars moment that shocked millions worldwide, this time, through music. The actor and rapper made a veiled reference to the incident during a recent freestyle on British DJ Charlie Sloth’s show, Fire in the Booth.
Smith, 55, appeared on the platform to showcase his lyrical skills, and fans were quick to point out a verse that seemed to allude to the night he slapped comedian Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards ceremony. “If you talking crazy out your face up on the stage and disrespect me on the stage, expect me on the stage,” Smith rapped, drawing clear parallels to the Oscar moment that saw him storm the stage in response to Rock’s joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.
The original incident occurred during Rock’s hosting duties, where he made a joke referencing Pinkett Smith’s alopecia — a medical condition that causes hair loss. In a moment that quickly went viral, Smith walked onto the stage and slapped Rock across the face before returning to his seat and shouting, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f—ing mouth.”
While Smith has addressed the moment before, including in his March album Based on a True Story, this freestyle added a new, unapologetic tone to his reflection. Throughout the performance, Smith repeatedly declared, “I am the illest,” weaving in references to his rise from humble beginnings in West Philadelphia to global superstardom.
He touched on his journey through fame, fatherhood, and success, rapping, “Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and when I stare at ’em, I’m hearing ’em whisper, ‘You’ve got every right to be arrogant.'” Smith’s verses paint a portrait of an artist reclaiming his narrative, one who has weathered controversy but remains confident in his legacy.
This isn’t the first time Smith has used his music to unpack the complexities of his life. His recent album also explored personal themes, including his two marriages, his relationship with his children, and his ongoing bond with Pinkett Smith.
Though the Academy Awards incident resulted in widespread backlash and a 10-year ban from attending the Oscars, Smith’s latest performance suggests he is far from done making his voice heard — and he’s doing it on his own terms.