Will Smith embarks on an exciting new venture without his wife Jada, as music industry superstars join the actor for a trip down memory lane

Will Smith will star in an exciting new podcast series from Wondery and Audible this week.

The Emancipation actor, 55, was shocked this month when his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, 52, revealed that the couple, who tied the knot in 1997, had been secretly divorced for the past seven years.

Despite being separated, the couple attended the Oscars together last year when Will punched comedian Chris Rock in a burst of anger over a joke made about his wife’s shaved hairdo, prompted by the effects of alopecia.

The estranged couple still appears to present a united front, as Will called Jada his “best friend he ever had on this planet” last Friday, during the Baltimore stop of the actress’ book tour for her newly published memoir, Worthy .

Will’s latest venture will be solo, however, as he’s lined up to star as host of the Class of ’88 podcast series, out October 26.

Shocking divorce: The Emancipation actor, 55, and his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, 52, revealed they have been secretly separated for the past seven years (pictured, at the 2022 Oscars)

Produced by Wondery, Audible, Westbrook and Awfully Nice, the entire eight-part limited series will be available exclusively on Amazon Music and Audible, while each episode will be available weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

According to Spotifythe Class of ’88 podcast explores the influences of hip-hop in the US through the decades, as it dates back to its conception in 1988.

Host Smith will provide his own unique perspective and personal experiences throughout the series, as Class of ’88 reveals the milestone moments, albums and artists that inspired a sonic evolution.

From fashion to film, from Public Enemy to The Fresh Prince, the twelve months of 1988 produced the superstars and styles that still resonate in the songs released today.

For The Fresh Prince star, hip-hop’s biggest year was pivotal, as he and Jazzy Jeff’s single Parents Just Don’t Understand became a standout track from the duo’s second LP, He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper.

Fast forward to the present, Smith is one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, with roles in blockbusters like Independence Day, Men in Black, iRobot, Seven Pounds and his most recent 2022 film, the historical thriller Emancipation.

DJ Jazzy Jeff continues to spin records and produce innovative melodies all over the world. He, along with DJs Spinbad and Cash Money, are seen as the innovators of ‘transformer scratch’, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Rich with archival footage, new interviews with hip-hop’s biggest stars, and personal recollections from Will himself, Class of ’88 delivers unprecedented stories from the year that saw hip-hop conquer the forces determined to block its rise.

Birth of Hip Hop: The Class of ’88 podcast explores the influences of hip hop in the US through the decades, as it dates back to its conception in 1988

Central: In 1988, Smith (pictured, right, in 1986) and Jazzy Jeff’s (left) single Parents Just Don’t Understand became a standout track from the duo’s LP, He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper

The series features interviews and stories from revolutionary artists who impacted the birth of hip-hop and many more since, including: Queen Latifah, Jazzy Jeff, DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, Fab Five Freddy, Rakim and DJ Red Warn .

Speak with Billboard Ahead of his new venture in September, Smith said, “Hip-hop has been a central part of my life for over four decades.”

He added, “I’m excited 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 music genres in history.”

Listen to episode 1 of Class of ’88 on October 26 on all podcast platforms, or binge the entire series the same day via the Amazon Music app or Audible.

LP success: Following the massive success of their debut LP, the duo won Favorite Rap Artist and Favorite Rap Duo at the 1989 American Music Awards in California (pictured)