Music · Audible | Wondery
by Audible | Wondery
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. You can binge all episodes of Class of ‘88 exclusively and ad-free right now by joining Audible or Wondery+ in the Wondery App.
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I was in 8th grade, growing up on the Southside of Chicago, when hip hop was making itself known to the masses, and it shaped my early adolescence into a tapestry of music, culture, and history that had a huge impact on my life as a young Black male. I'll never forget when I first heard joints like PE's Don't Believe the Hype and Queen Latifah's Wrath of My Madness. Class of '88 is seminal in its entirety because it takes you back to a dope time that would set the bar for what hip hop forever will be lyrically, sonically, and artistically.
You better take me back to my JHS/ HS days! Love this podcast and all of the guests thus far. What a time to be alive. I enjoy hearing about it from ppl who were there in the midst of all the action. And most of my favs have been featured, so all the stars to all of you on every level of production. 🫶🏾
You don’t even have to like hip-hop to enjoy with great storytelling… really fun I am totally hooked. Will is an amazing host. More please!
Love the story telling and the behind the scenes of this pivotal point in hip hop. There is no better story teller than Will!
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