Class of '88 Podcast with Will Smith cover art

Class of '88

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Class of '88

By: Westbrook Media
Narrated by: Will Smith
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About this listen

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.

©2023 Westbrook Media, LLC (P)2023 Audible Originals LLC Entertainment & Celebrities
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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Most relevant  
a must listen for music fans of any genres
can we get another class of....

brilliant

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This is just a joyful and innocent story. No ego, before money was everything. You can feel the love

The Joy coming from the participants

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This is a pleasure listening to not only because I get to learn and get a glimpse of hip hop history by its original makers but with the added bonus of hearing the familiar narrator's voice. Will's class of 88 is an exciting and educational must listen 👂 to every music lover out there. Hoping there'll be more to come...

Perfectly delivered.

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In my younger days I was a hiphop promoter for 10 years and a hiphop DJ for nearly 15. This was just an amazingly interesting and pitch-perfect exploration of that seminal year in HipHop (I was 14 at the time). All the bases are covered; JJ Fad even get a look in! Brilliant stuff. Will Smith is the perfect host and Jazzy Jeff (one of my favourite producers and DJs) is a great foil to Will's inimitable bragadocio.

Perfect.

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