Smith started as the rapper The Fresh Prince. He created a group with DJ Jazzy Jeff, who was his childhood friend Jeffrey Townes. DJ Jazzy Jeff was the turntablist and producer. They also had Ready Rock C (Clarence Holmes) as the human beat box. The trio was known for performing humorous, radio-friendly songs.
Some of their best work was "Parents Just Don't Understand" and "Summertime". They gained tons of positive reviews from critics and won the first Grammy awarded in the Rap category in 1988. With his newly acclaimed fame, Smith spent money freely. Around 1988 and 1989, he underpaid his income taxes. The Internal Revenue Service eventually assessed a $2.8 million tax debt against Smith, took many of his possessions, and garnished his income.
	On August 19, 2011, it was announced that Smith had returned to the studio with producer La Mar Edwards to work on his fifth studio album.