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Class of '88 By cover art

Class of '88

By: Westbrook Media
Narrated by: Will Smith
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Episodes
  • Trailer

    Trailer
    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.
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    1 min
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  • Episode 1: The Battle for World Supremacy, with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

    Episode 1: The Battle for World Supremacy, with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
    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.
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    31 mins
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  • Episode 2: Kings of Rock, with DMC and Rick Rubin

    Episode 2: Kings of Rock, with DMC and Rick Rubin
    Oct 26 2023
    Run-DMC were the kings of hip hop. But in 1988, they faced new competition from a generation of artists they had helped inspire.
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    29 mins
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About the Host - Will Smith

About the Host

Will Smith is an actor, producer, and musician, and an Academy Award, Grammy Award, SAG Award, BAFTA Award, and NAACP Image Award winner who has enjoyed a diverse career encompassing films, television, and multiplatinum records. Will and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s single "Parents Just Don’t Understand" won the first Rap Grammy. As a solo artist, Will released two singles as part of the Men in Black soundtrack, both of which charted globally and were added to his debut solo album Big Willie Style. He became a #1 New York Times bestselling author with his memoir Will and co-founded Westbrook Inc., a media company that empowers artists to tell stories that connect the world.
After starting his career as a rapper, Smith won over audiences across the world with his performances in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, I Am Legend, the Bad Boys and Men in Black film series, Hitch, and Aladdin. His vast filmography also includes transformative portrayals of true-life icons in Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness, both of which garnered him Academy Award nominations, as did his role in Concussion. In 2021, Smith produced and starred as Richard Williams, the infamous father of American icons Venus and Serena Williams, in Warner Brothers’ King Richard. The movie was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Motion Picture and Best Actor in a Leading Role—the latter making Smith a first-time Academy Award winner. His performance as Richard Williams also made him a first-time SAG Award and BAFTA Award winner.

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What listeners say about Class of '88

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Profile Image for Leah Page

Please keep this going

I love listening to Will catch up with rappers from 88... even though I wasn't a big rap fan I do love hearing the history of artists I recognize; please do other years or more current artists.. it's just great to hear Will's voice again & laughing with his friends

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Profile Image for ValTrenda

Genius and educational

Will Smith is my absolute favorite person in the world. So anything he does will always be great at 100%. But this is absolutely genius and educational they.

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Profile Image for MalikM

That explains a lot

it's good to learn why some things happened when they did. loved every episode. Ten more words to meet required minimum for review submission.

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Profile Image for Madame Butterflyy

Will Smith is a great story teller

I like how I was able to listen in like I was there. Will Smith is a great storyteller. I liked how they had the artist till their accounts of that time it felt very nostalgic. It was a great listen. I advise anyone that has a love for hip-hop culture to listen in.

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Profile Image for QG
  • QG
  • 10-30-23

WOW!! So much history in one year!

Great stories, narration and authenticity! I couldn't stop listening. Hip-Hop history is so captivating.

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Profile Image for carl madison

Loved this!

An exceptional podcast on Hip Hop history! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Worth my time and kept my attention. I loved how the overall story flowed and the chapter titles.

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Profile Image for B Diddy

Great show to celebrate Hip Hop 50!

Well produced, researched, and executed recollection of one of the most important years in Hip Hop history. With legends like Will and DJ Jazzy Jeff tag teaming facilitating the conversation/story each episode and producing, it can't get any better.

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Profile Image for Sheila Jefferson

EXCELLENT JOB !!!! Stories of the true hip hop heads, I looove this!

I am a REAL, true hip hop head from waaaaay back so this was like food to my soul!!!! LOVE THIS! And Will narrating was soooo excellent!

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

Authentic Hip Hop

This is a great retelling of the origins of some of our greatest Hip Hop icons. It was refreshing to hear their perspectives of hip Hop at the time. As a child/kid growing up in the 80's this was/is a walk down memory lane.

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Profile Image for JAMEELA EPPS

Magnificent!

This journey through 88 appeased my 13 year old inner child!! (I was 13 in 88). All of this music was like my coming of age soundtrack! Will Smith did the lord’s work with this journey, his storytelling along with all of my favorite rappers from the 80’s was perfect!!

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