• 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.
  • 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 Min.
  • 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 Min.
  • Episode 3: Follow the Leader, with Rakim and Queen Latifah
    Oct 26 2023
    Hip-hop started as a DJ-led medium. But with the rise of rappers like Rakim and Queen Latifah, MC’s were moving to center stage.
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    29 Min.
  • Episode 4: Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos, with Chuck D
    Oct 26 2023
    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.
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    32 Min.
  • Episode 5: Yo! MTV Raps, Finally, with Fab 5 Freddy
    Oct 26 2023
    For years, rap music was mostly absent from MTV. But the debut of Yo! MTV Raps changed everything. For better, and for worse.
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    29 Min.
  • Episode 6: The Showstoppers, with Salt-N-Pepa
    Oct 26 2023
    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.
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    31 Min.
  • Episode 7: Brothers and Sisters, with J.J. Fad
    Oct 26 2023
    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.
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    28 Min.