Which hip-hop duo performed the opening theme for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?

The hip-hop duo that performed the opening theme for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince.

The “Fresh Prince” was Will Smith’s rap persona, while DJ Jazzy Jeff was the stage name of Philadelphia DJ and producer Jeffrey Townes. The two had already established themselves as a successful hip-hop act before television made Smith a household name. Their 1988 hit “Parents Just Don’t Understand” won the first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance.

Smith wrote the sitcom theme’s lyrics after reading the pilot script. The song summarizes Will’s move from West Philadelphia to wealthy Bel-Air, turning the show’s premise into a comic story-song. It was first heard with the series premiere in 1990 and was later released as “Yo Home to Bel-Air.”

A common mix-up is crediting Will Smith alone, because he performs the vocals and became the show’s star. The official performance credit belongs to the duo, and DJ Jazzy Jeff also appeared on the series as Jazz, Will’s friend.