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. Featured voices: Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff.

 

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The Battle for World Supremacy, with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince | 1

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. Listen to Class of '88 wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge the entire series, right now, on the Amazon Music App or Audible. 


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By late 1988, hip hop was more popular than ever. But a tragedy at a concert fueled a different narrative: that rap music was dangerous. Enter Slick Rick, an artist well-aware of the power of storytelling. Featured voices: Slick Rick, MC Lyte, and DJ Red Alert.

 

Listen to Class of 88 wherever you get your podcasts, or you can binge the entire series ad-free on the Amazon Music, Audible, or Wondery App.

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The Storyteller, with Slick Rick | 8

NWA’s landmark album Straight Outta Compton might never have happened without the help of of three teenage girls from Rialto. This is the story of JJ Fad. 

Featured voices: JJ Fad and Arabian Prince.

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Brothers and Sisters, with J.J. Fad | 7

In 1988, Salt-N-Pepa found that they had “crossed over” with their hit song Push It. But success came with its own set of problems, especially for female rappers. 

Featured voices: Salt-N-Pepa and Roxanne Shante.

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The Showstoppers, with Salt-N-Pepa | 6

For years, rap music was mostly absent from MTV. But the debut of Yo! MTV Raps changed everything. For better, and for worse. 

Featured voices: Fab 5 Freddy and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. 

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Yo! MTV Raps, Finally, with Fab 5 Freddy | 5

In the summer of 1988, Public Enemy dropped an album that would take them to the top of the charts, to front page news, and even to a stage in New York’s most notorious jail – Rikers Island. Featured voices: Public Enemy and Chuck D.

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The Battle for World Supremacy, with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince | 1

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