Will Smith Launching Hip Hop Podcast ‘Class of ’88’ Featuring Rakim, Queen Latifah and More

Multi-talented entertainer Will Smith is set to delve back into the world of Hip-Hop with his upcoming podcast titled “Class Of ’88.” The podcast will take a deep dive into the pivotal year of 1988, a time that witnessed the rise of iconic Hip-Hop figures such as Public Enemy, Salt-N-Pepa, and Fab Five Freddy.

Billboard reports that Smith will engage in conversations with other rap luminaries, including Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels, and Rakim. Together, they will explore the origins of one of the most influential music genres in history.

Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “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.”

Additionally, Smith will reminisce about his own success as part of DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. The duo released five full-length albums and made history as the first act to win a Grammy Award in a rap category in 1989.

Class Of ’88 is a collaborative production by Wondery, Audible, Westbrook, and Awfully Nice. It is scheduled to premiere on Amazon and Audible on October 26.

Meanwhile, Queen Latifah recently had the honour of performing the National Anthem at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, during a game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys. This performance served as a tribute to the victims of 9/11.

Queen Latifah’s illustrious career reached another milestone in June when she became the first female rapper to receive a Kennedy Center nomination. She is set to be honoured at the Kennedy Center Awards on December 3 alongside other distinguished artists, including Billy Crystal, opera singer Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb of The Bee Gees, and singer Dionne Warwick.

Deborah F. Rutter, president of the Kennedy Center, emphasized the significance of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary in the world of American culture, stating, “Hip Hop has been an important, thriving art form here at the Center for a number of years; what a privilege it is to bestow an Honor to the First Lady of Hip-Hop [Queen Latifah] who has inspired us along the way.”

In response, Queen Latifah expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m humbled to be included in this incredible list of artists honored by the Kennedy Center. To now be recognized amongst so many multi-hyphenates feels unbelievable.”