Will Smith is set to host Wondery and Audible’s new limited series podcast, Class of ’88.
The podcast collaboration takes a look back at the year that helped launch the global cultural phenomenon of hip-hop. During each episode, Smith will sit down with some of the era’s most influential artists, including Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels, Rakim, Fab 5 Freddy, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Chuck D, J.J. Fad and DJ Red Alert, to celebrate the landmark year for music.
Though hip-hop had its place in music before 1988, that year was a defining 12 months for the genre. From music, fashion and film, that year gave rise to artists and creatives that left their mark on the music industry and are still remembered today. It also saw at least a dozen albums released that became influential classics.
Smith, who has a personal perspective on the industry from being a member of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince as well as starring in the ’90s hit show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, shares with listeners the milestone moments, albums and artists that inspired the genre. Episodes will also feature archival material, untold stories and personal recollections from Smith himself.
“Hip-hop has been a central part of my life for over four decades,” Smith said. “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.”
Class of ‘88 is produced by Wondery, Audible, Westbrook and Awfully Nice.
All eight episodes of the limited series podcast are set to be released Oct. 26, exclusively on Amazon Music and Audible.
