• Summary

  • In the US, hip hop reigns as the genre that influences every aspect of our culture. From fashion to film, the dominance of this prolific sound can be traced back to one year - 1988. From Public Enemy to The Fresh Prince, these twelve months gave rise to the superstars and styles that still resonate in songs released today. Through the unique perspective and personal experiences of Will Smith, Class of ’88 reveals the milestone moments, albums and artists that inspired a sonic evolution and secured 1988 as hip hop’s most important year. Rich with archival material, new interviews with hip hop’s biggest stars, and personal recollections from Will himself, Class of ’88 delivers fresh untold stories from the year that hip hop overcame the forces that were hell bent on blocking its rise.

    This series features interviews and stories from the revolutionary Artists that impacted that year and many more afterwards, including: Queen Latifah, Jazzy Jeff, DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, Chuck D, Fab Five Freddy, Rakim, Slick Rick, DJ Red Alert, and Rick Rubin.

    Listen to Class of '88 wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge the entire series, right now, on the Amazon Music App or Audible.
    © 2023 Wondery, LLC. All rights reserved.
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Introducing: Class of '88 with Will Smith

    Introducing: Class of '88 with Will Smith
    Sep 21 2023

    Hip hop reigns as the genre that influences every aspect of our culture. From fashion to film, the origins of this prolific sound can be traced back to one year - 1988. Through the unique perspective and personal experiences of host Will Smith, Class of ’88 reveals the milestone moments, albums and artists that inspired a sonic evolution and secured 1988 as hip hop’s most important year.



    Listen to Class of '88 wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge the entire series, right now, on the Amazon Music App or Audible.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Show more Show less
    2 mins
  • The Battle for World Supremacy, with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince | 1

    The Battle for World Supremacy, with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince | 1
    Oct 26 2023

    In January of 1988, the music industry was treating hip hop like a fad. But that was all about to change – along with the lives of two kids from Philly. Host Will Smith brings us straight into the most pivotal year in hip hop history. It started at the Battle for World Supremacy, the world’s largest DJ competition in NYC. Featured voices: Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff.

    Listen to Class of 88 wherever you get your podcasts, or you can binge the entire series ad-free on the Amazon Music, Audible, or Wondery App.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • Kings of Rock, with DMC and Rick Rubin | 2

    Kings of Rock, with DMC and Rick Rubin | 2
    Feb 12 2024

    Run-DMC were the kings of hip hop. But in 1988, they faced new competition from a generation of artists they had helped inspire. Featured voices: Run-DMC and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels.

    Listen to Class of 88 wherever you get your podcasts, or you can binge the entire series ad-free on the Amazon Music, Audible, or Wondery App.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Show more Show less
    30 mins
Music Social Sciences
Show more Show less
activate_proofit_target_DT_control

What listeners say about Class of '88 with Will Smith

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available