Will Smith appears to take veiled shots at comedian Chris Rock, more than three years after their clash at the 2022 Oscars. The actor’s recent freestyle rap references being disrespected on stage. Delivered during an appearance on Apple Music’s Fire in the Booth, the verses have garnered significant attention.
So, how does Smith’s rap mention his past altercation with Rock? Here’s what we’ve gathered about the same.
Will Smith disses Chris Rock in new rap
The Bad Boys: Ride or Die star seems to have taken a jab at the 60-year-old comedian while appearing on Fire in the Booth.
During his performance with DJ Charlie Sloth, Will Smith appeared to address the infamous Oscars incident. However, he didn’t directly name Chris Rock. He rapped, “If you talking crazy out your face up on the stage and disrespect me on the stage, expect me on the stage.”
Smith continued, “Jokers dish it out, cry foul when it’s time to take it/ City full of real ones, wasn’t raised to fake it.” Now, many have interpreted these lines as a reference to the moment he slapped Rock on stage at the 2022 Academy Awards.
During the 94th Academy Awards, the Everybody Hates Chris actor made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. Will Smith retaliated by storming the stage and slapping him in front of a stunned live audience. “Keep my wife’s name out your f—ing mouth!” he yelled after returning to his seat. The Hancock actor later apologized publicly to Rock.
Meanwhile, this week’s freestyle isn’t the only time Smith has referenced the moment. His 2025 album, Based on a True Story, also touches upon the Oscars incident more explicitly. The album’s opening track, featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone, seems to reference public criticisms Smith faced following the slap.
On a separate track from the album, titled “You Lookin’ For Me?”, Smith brings his wife into the conversation. He raps, “Personal life with my wife – mind your business, it’s complicated.”
While Chris Rock has not commented on the rap, Will Smith’s lyrics have garnered widespread discussion online.
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.net.
