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,

Brothers and Sisters, with J.J. Fad

Mar 4th, 2024 29m 1s

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privac

The Showstoppers, with Salt-N-Pepa

Feb 26th, 2024 31m 28s

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art

Yo! MTV Raps, Finally, with Fab 5 Freddy

Feb 19th, 2024 29m 27s

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californ

Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos, with Chuck D

Feb 19th, 2024 32m 42s

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.See Privacy

Follow the Leader, with Rakim and Queen Latifah

Feb 12th, 2024 29m 45s

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. Featured voices: Queen Latifah, Rakim, and DJ Red Alert.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califor

Kings of Rock, with DMC and Rick Rubin

Feb 12th, 2024 29m 59s

Run-DMC were the kings of hip hop. But in 1988, they faced new competition from a generation of artists they had helped inspire. Featured voices: Run-DMC and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. Listen to Class of 88 wherever you get your podcasts, or you

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

Oct 26th, 2023 31m 16s

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 starte

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Introducing: Class of '88 with Will Smith

Sep 21st, 2023 1m 59s

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,

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