As one half of the rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Will Smith was a star way before he hit the big screen, and the actor has decided to go back to his roots with the launch of his new podcast.
Named Class Of ’88, the Philadelphia native will focus on the rap music of the 1980s. The podcast will feature acts such as Public Enemy, Salt-N-Pepa, and Fab Five Freddy, to name a few.
Smith will also host a range of other rap luminaries, including Queen Latifah, Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels, and Rakim. Furthermore, the actor will invite acts influenced by 1980s rap music, including the likes of Eminem, to feature on the show.
When asked by Billboard magazine why he decided to launch the podcast, Smith stated, “Hip Hop has been a central part of my life for over four decades. I’m hyped to share my first-hand experiences and those of some of hip-hop’s greatest legends as we delve into the origins of one of the most influential genres of music in history.”
Smith will also be delving into his own story concerning hip-hop. More specifically, his own success as part of DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Smith and his DJ released five albums and were the first act to win a Grammy Award in the rap category in 1989.
Seamlessly transitioning from rapping to acting with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Smith became one of the world’s most prevalent young black actors with roles in films such as Independence Day and Men In Black. However, it seems the former rapper is keen to reflect.
Class Of ’88 will be produced by Wondery, Audible, Westbrook and Awfully Nice. It will premiere on both Amazon and Audible on October 26th. You can hear the trailer of the podcast below.
