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OK, here’s the situation: Will Smith is set to host a new Audible podcast about a landmark year in hip-hop. The erstwhile Fresh Prince will be the main voice for Class of ’88, an eight-episode series that will feature Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Queen Latifah, Run-D.M.C.’s Darryl McDaniels, Salt-N-Pepa, Rakim and Smith’s rap partner DJ […]

OK, here’s the situation: Will Smith is set to host a new Audible podcast about a landmark year in hip-hop. The erstwhile Fresh Prince will be the main voice for Class of ’88 , an eight-episode series that will feature Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Queen Latifah, Run-D.M.C.’s Darryl McDaniels, Salt-N-Pepa, Rakim and Smith’s rap partner DJ Jazzy Jeff. Related Stories Breaking News LL Cool J On Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary, Looking For That “Santana Moment” & Celebrating The Culture On His Mash-Up Tour With The Roots Breaking News Vice President Kamala Harris Hosts Common, Jeezy And Other Artists At Event Marking 50th Anniversary Of Hip Hop Timed to coincide with last month’s 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the eight-episode series produced by Wondery, Audible, Westbrook and Awfully Nice will launch October 26 on Audible and Amazon Music. “Hip-hop has been a central part of my life for over four decades,” Smith told Deadline’s sister publication Billboard . “I’m hyped to share my firsthand 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.” RELATED: Will Smith Calls SAG-AFTRA Strike “Pivotal Moment” For Actors The hip-hop Class of 1988 included not only the debut of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince — whose first single “Parents Just Don’t Understand” knocked on the pop Top 10 and won the genre’s inaugural Grammy — but also the emergence of N.W.A, EPMD, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane and others. Among the acts who made key records that year are Public Enemy ( It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back ), Eric B. & Rakim ( Follow the Leader ), Run-D.M.C. ( Tougher Than Leather ) and many more. RELATED: Deadline’s Doc Talk Podcast: Unpacking Troubled Documentary Market, And What Does Academy Branch Have Against Popular Filmmakers? Read more