Will Smith warned us. During a recent interview, the rapper stated that his upcoming album will be his most serious and personal to date. "Work of Art," the anticipated single featuring Russ and Jaden, fits that bill. It sees all three artists reflect on personal demons and setbacks. Crucially, though, it arrives at the conclusion that every person is, as the title suggest, an imperfect "work of art." Cheesy? Of course. But what else were we really expecting from Will Smith? Sonically, "Work of Art" is much bolder than its subject matter.
The production is moody and contemplative. The backing vocals do a lot to add to the dramatic tension of the song. Smith kicks the song off with a rhyme scheme that emphasizes the contradictory aspects of his personality. "I am a Libra but, I identify as a cancer I am the tongue, truth and the lie, both in tandem," he raps. "I am the Sun, and I'm the rain, and I'm the wind." Maintaining this scheme would have made the song a slog, but thankfully things change up on the back end. Russ provides an impassioned verse, while Jaden provides his woozy faux-profundity to the chorus. It all comes together in a surprisingly effective way. Especially when the beat switches up, and Will Smith is rapping over a very 2024 sounding drum pattern. He pulls it off, giving us hope for what the upcoming album will sound like.
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Will Smith Sounds Good Over Modern Production
Quotable Lyrics:
My soul feels trapped, like I'm ridin' the Bryson Tiller beats
On the road to inner peace
Takin' unfamiliar streets (Yeah)
Trying to kill the beast
Just made it grow more