De La Soul Reveals They Almost Starred In ‘Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air’

De La Soul revealed they were initially approached with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air show before Will Smith. The rap group discussed the fun fact on their new Apple Music show Art Official Intelligence Radio. Queen Latifah joined the iconic group for the conversation as they took a trip down memory lane. Posdnuos explained why the group didn’t go forward with the television series, stating they were “scared.” 

“A lot of people don’t know, yo, the Fresh Prince thing was offered to us,” Posdnuos said, recalling the early stages of the hit show. “They want us to do this? Russell [Simmons] was like, ‘Yo, y’all need to try out. Go out there.’ We was like, ‘Nah. We do rap and stuff.’ Honestly, we were scared. Seriously, we were scared. And sh*t, I could have been Will Smith. I could have got married to Jada. Damn.” 

Queen Latifah reassured the emcee, expressing to him that his life still turned out just fine. “You definitely could have. But I think you good where you at right now. I think you good,” she said.

Art Official Intelligence Radio with De La Soul debuted on Tuesday (Mar. 5) on Apple Music 1. The show is a limited five-episode series honoring the magical 35th anniversary of their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising.

The show, hosted by Posdnuos and Maseo, will feature new interviews, never-before-heard De La lore, and more. Guests set to appear on the show are a wide range of artists and creatives who have been influenced by or worked with the group. 

Fans can expect appearances from Tyler, The Creator, Common, Questlove of The Roots, Queen Latifah, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, DJ Prince Paul, Rapsody, and Dave Chappelle. 

The show will also feature a segment called “DemoListen,” where “De La rarities, demos, and early versions of signature hits will be shared with fans for the first time,” according to the official press release. The show is also dedicated to their childhood friend, band member and brother, the late Trugoy the Dove.

“Having this show means us being able to connect into every ear listening to serve up our Art soaked in Official Intelligence,” Posdnuos said about the show. “We’ve been blessed to do this since 88 up to 2024 and god willing beyond!”

“Having this show is an extension to a dream already fulfilled,” Maseo added. “So, from here on out everything is truly a blessing beyond our expectations.”