Will Smith is back in the spotlight with a new project: a podcast called Class of ’88. The show, which is produced by Wondery and Audible, will feature interviews and stories from the revolutionary Artists that impacted that year and many more afterwards, including Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Chuck D, Rakim, and Fab 5 Freddy.
Smith announced the podcast on Instagram on October 25, 2023, with a post that read:
“Class of ’88 drops tomorrow 🙂 @wonderymedia @audible”
He also shared a behind-the-scenes video of himself in the recording booth.
The first episode of Class of ’88 was released on October 27, 2023, and features DJ Jazzy Jeff. Smith takes on through the journey 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.
In an statement, Smith said that he was inspired to start the podcast after realizing that there wasn’t a definitive story about the class of ’88. “Hip-hop has been a central part of my life for over four decades,” added Will Smith. “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 also said that he was excited to interview his peers and learn more about their stories. “I’ve known these people for decades,” he said. “But I’ve never had a chance to sit down with them and really talk about their lives and careers. I’m excited to learn more about their journeys and to share those stories with the world.”
Smith’s excitement is evident. In a recent In a recent clip promoting his new podcast, Class of ’88, Will Smith recalls a date that he went on with Pepa from Salt-N-Pepa. You can see Smith & Pepa struggle to share the moment.
“We went on a date one time” Smith says in the clip. “Do you remember that?”
“I know exactly what happened!” responds Pepa.
The cute clip ends with Smith and Pepa laughing about the date and reminiscing about the good old days. It also has social media curious about what took place on their date.
Why Will Smith’s New Podcast, Class of ’88 is a Must-Listen
Will Smith’s new podcast, Class of ’88, is a must-listen for anyone who loves hip hop or is interested in the culture of the 1980s. The show features Smith interviewing some of the biggest names in hip hop from their graduating class, including Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Chuck D, Rakim, and Fab 5 Freddy.
These artists were at the forefront of the hip hop movement in the late 1980s, and their music and influence helped to shape the genre into what it is today. In the podcast, they share their stories about their early careers, the challenges they faced, and the impact that hip hop has had on their lives.
Class of ’88 is also a great way to learn more about the culture of the 1980s. Hip hop was more than just a genre of music; it was a cultural movement that had a major impact on fashion, art, and language. In the podcast, Smith and his guests talk about the atmosphere of the time and how hip hop helped to shape their generation.