Will Smith is set to embark on a captivating solo venture: a podcast series named Class of '88.
This comes as a fresh chapter in his illustrious career, noticeably independent of the recent whirlwind surrounding his relationship with his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith.
The past few weeks have seen Will's private life unveiled like never before. Jada, his wife of many years, recently stunned fans by disclosing their secret seven-year separation, despite tying the knot back in 1997.
Their union, which has always seemed unshakeable in the public eye, was further thrust into the limelight at last year's Oscars.
In a highly-discussed incident, Will defended Jada against a comedic remark made by Chris Rock about her shaved head, a result of her struggle with alopecia.
Yet amidst personal turbulence, the couple's bond has remained evident. Only last week, while attending the Baltimore segment of Jada's book tour promoting her memoir, Worthy, Will affectionately termed her the "best friend he's ever had on this planet."
However, Will's next professional pursuit is a solo flight. The Class of '88 podcast, set to premiere on October 26, is an independent endeavor produced in collaboration with Wondery, Audible, Westbrook, and Awfully Nice.
While Amazon Music and Audible offer exclusive access to the complete series, weekly episodic releases will cater to Spotify and Apple Podcasts listeners.
The podcast aims to journey back to hip-hop's seminal year, 1988. Providing more than just a host's voice, Will intends to share personal stories, memories, and insights from an era that redefined musical landscapes.
1988 isn't just significant for the hip-hop community; it was a transformative period for Will. His collaboration with Jazzy Jeff resulted in the iconic track Parents Just Don't Understand, making considerable waves during this pivotal year.
Although he's now a dominant force in Hollywood with credits like Independence Day,"Men in Black, iRobot, Seven Pounds, and 2022's Emancipation, this podcast sees Will revisit his musical roots. DJ Jazzy Jeff, his one-time musical partner, continues to make strides in the industry, recognized by the Los Angeles Times for his 'transformer scratch' innovation.
Class of '88 is poised to offer listeners a rich tapestry of hip-hop history. Alongside archival material, the podcast promises fresh interviews with pioneering icons such as Queen Latifah, Jazzy Jeff, DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, Fab Five Freddy, Rakim, and DJ Red Alert.
Speaking to Billboard, an enthusiastic Will shared: "Hip hop has been a profound influence on my life for over four decades." He emphasized his eagerness to "delve deep into the origins and evolution of one of the most impactful music genres."