Time may dull the sting of controversy, but for Will Smith, some moments still linger in the public spotlight.In a newly released “Fire in the Booth” freestyle with Charlie Sloth, uploaded Thursday, Smith seemingly revisits his infamous 2022 Oscars altercation with comedian Chris Rock. The moment, which shocked the world, saw Smith slap Rock onstage after a joke was made about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Though Smith never directly names Rock in the freestyle, the implications feel clear.

"If you talking crazy out your face up on the stage and disrespect me on the stage, expect me on the stage," the actor and rapper declares. His tone sharpens as he continues, "Jokers dish it out, cry foul when it's time to take it. City full of real ones, wasn't raised to fake it."

Though subtle, the lyrics reflect a continuing sense of unrest surrounding the moment, which still resonates across Hollywood and pop culture. As of now, Chris Rock has not issued a response to the new track.

Not the First Time Smith Has Addressed the Incident

This isn’t Smith’s first lyrical nod to the Oscars controversy. In his recent album Based on a True Story, the incident is again seemingly referenced, most notably in the intro track titled “Int. Barbershop – Day,” which features appearances by DJ Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone.

The situation has continued to ripple through the entertainment world. In April, Chris Rock’s brother, Tony Rock, harshly criticized Smith’s album, calling it “a piece of shit” — despite admitting he hadn’t actually listened to it. Speaking to paparazzi at LAX, Tony referenced the infamous night and added, “It’s a great time to be a comic.”

Clearly, while time has passed, the conversation is far from over.