Warning! SPOILERS for Bel-Air season 1.
The soundtrack for Bel-Air season 1 reflects the reboot’s modernization and tonal shifts from Fresh Prince, primarily through contemporary rap songs. The original Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was notable for its inclusion of popular hip-hop and R&B music of the 1990s, which Bel-Air repeats as it adjusts to the cultural changes in 2022. The sitcom even featured notable musicians of its day in the cast, including star Will Smith as himself and his collaborative music producer DJ Jazzy Jeff as Fresh Prince‘s Jazz. Similarly, Bel-Air’s cast and soundtrack are supported by modern musicians.
Bel-Air is a dramatic reimagining of the 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which was notable for its family themes and exploration of black culture and treatment in America. Since many complex conversations couldn’t be had in its original format, Peacock’s series Bel-Air is able to dive deeper into the biases, perspectives, and complicated journeys of the original show’s complex characters. Nearly every song in Bel-Air’s season 1 soundtrack reflects this tonal transition, with many of its songs commenting on the changes and experiences Will Smith faces in his adjustment from West Philadelphia to the mansions of Bel-Air.
Not only does the modern rap often pay homage to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s original series, but the lyrics also often directly tie into the scenes over which they play. Mixed into Bel-Air’s soundtrack are also older hits who still have a profound influence on today’s style of rap and R&B, which help support the various generational conflicts of the series. Featuring songs from Philadelphia-raised rappers like Meek Mill and SimxSantana, Bel-Air also keeps certain artists’ songs playing as a reminder of Will’s roots. Here’s every song featured on the soundtrack of Bel-Air season 1.
Bel-Air Season 1, Episode 1, “Dreams And Nightmares”
“No Role Modelz” by J. Cole: The first few seconds of Bel-Air features this 2015 rap song playing over the title cards before cutting to Will waking up in bed. The intro music until the first line “first things first” can be heard before abruptly cutting off the song. Had it continued, J. Cole’s song would have said “first things first rest in peace, Uncle Phil,” which was a tribute to the original Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s Uncle Phil and his late actor James Avery.
“What We Do (feat. JAY-Z and Beanie Sigel)” by Freeway: This song plays in Bel-Air’s opening scene as Will gets ready for school in the morning.
“Dreams and Nightmares (Intro)” by Meek Mill: When Will and his mom Vy are walking down the streets in West Philly, a short clip of this song plays on Bel-Air‘s soundtrack while a teenager rides by on his bike. Meek Mill, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, raps about Will Smith’s home city in this song.
“Basic” by SimxSantana: One of a few songs by SimxSantana in Bel-Air, this tune is heard when Darnell rides away on his ATV after confronting Bel-Air‘s Will Smith and Tray when they get food.
“Huntin” by SimxSantana: Throughout Will and Tray’s pick-up basketball game against Darnell, Bel-Air episode 1 cuts to different verses of the rap song.
“Deja Vu (feat. TYuS)” by Easy McCoy: While Will is sitting on the plane for his flight from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, Bel-Air begins to play this song before cutting to the show’s title card. Easy McCoy’s short tune is Bel-Air’s theme song, replacing the real Will Smith’s iconic Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme from the 1990s sitcom.
“Them Changes” by Thundercat: This song plays when Will first gets a ride to the Banks’ Bel-Air mansion from Jazz, which finishes just before the two get out of the car to look at the Los Angeles view. Considering Jazz’ swagger is one of the only reminders of home for Will, it makes sense that the song plays in Bel-Air‘s serious reboot to reflect Will’s worries about such a stark change from Philly to Bel-Air.
“Money Power Respect” by Childish Major: As Jazz and Will first pull up to Bel-Air’s Banks family mansion, the series fittingly plays a song about wealth, power, and respect – all of which describe the motivations and reputation of the Banks family (and Bel-Air in general).
“a lot” by 21 Savage: When Bel-Air’s new version of Fresh Prince’s Geoffrey first walks Will through the front door of the Banks’ mansion, this song appropriately plays over his slow-motion entrance as Will soaks in the excessive material wealth of his family.
“L.A.” by Amaru Son: As Will and his popular cousin Carlton drive in his expensive car to Bel-Air Academy, this song fittingly plays with Los Angeles scenery in the background.
“Hot N****” by Bobby Shmurda: When Will walks into the locker room to find Bel-Air‘s new Carlton, he sees his cousin and all of his white friends on the lacrosse team rapping to this song, which includes Connor ignorantly saying the N-word multiple times. The song cuts off when Will says he can’t say that word, which causes a quick rivalry between Bel-Air’s protagonist and Carlton’s best friend. To make it worse, Carlton defends his white friend’s use of the word when rapping to Bobby Shmurda’s song.
“MiNi VaN” by Amaru Son: When Will walks into Carlton’s room and catches him snorting Xanax in his closet, this rap song is playing for BEl.
“No Chill” by DUCKWRTH: Toward the end of episode 1 of Bel-Air‘s dramatic reboot when Will is first seen talking to Lisa by the pool at Connor’s house party, the DJ is playing this song. During this conversation, Lisa tells Will that she’s on scholarship to Bel-Air Academy for swimming, so she has to work harder than everyone else at school.
“Teleport 2 Me, Jamie (feat. Desire)” by WZRD: This song plays when Lisa and Will are dancing together by the pool at the party, which goes until Carlton spots them together and pushes Will into the pool out of jealousy.
“Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill: Another song by the Philadelphia-born rapper, which is the full version of the song heard earlier in episode 1, plays over Bel-Air’s closing credits. The song begins right after Carlton and Will get into a fight by the pool, with Bel-Air cutting to black right as Will punches Carlton.
Bel-Air Season 1, Episode 2, “Keep Ya Head Up”
“Infinity Flow” by Emmanuel Martin: This song plays as Will drives the car of Bel-Air’s Aunt Viv to school when Carlton leaves him behind.
“22 and Confused” by Johnny 2 Phones: When Will first walks into the gym to meet with the basketball coach about joining the team, Bel-Air episode 2 plays this catchy song.
“telly” by Amindi: About halfway through the episode, Hilary is cooking food for and serving her interviewers while this song plays.
“Rhythm (Devoted to the Art of Moving Butts)” by A Tribe Called Quest: This track is heard in Bel-Air episode 2 when Uncle Phil and Geoffrey have drinks together, with the two even discussing the importance of the hip hop group.
“Mudd” by Yung Major: Toward the end of the episode, this song plays as Bel-Air‘s Will Smith character FaceTimes Tray about the latter’s struggles in Philadelphia before he heads to school.
“Do My Thing” by Erika de Casier: This song plays as Hilary Banks does an Instagram live slamming the culinary company she interviewed with.
“Rookie of the Year” by Moneybagg Yo: When will has a shaky start to his basketball tryouts, Bel-Air episode 2 fittingly plays this song to reflect how he eventually gets out of his head and lands a spot on the team.
Bel-Air Season 1, Episode 3, “Yamacraw”
“I’m The One” by Tommy Will & Nathan Fields: As Will shows off his flashy inside-out blazer to Lisa at lunch, this song fittingly supports the Bel-Air protagonist’s confidence in himself.
“Electric Relaxation” by A Tribe Called Quest: This song plays while the new versions of Bel-Air‘s Will, Phil, and Carlton characters walk into his old fraternity’s crawfish boil and meet some of Phil’s old friends.
“Dkn the Hte” by Cady: Toward the end of Bel-Air episode 3, this song plays as Will looks through the shoes that his mom sent him from home.
“It’s About to Go Down” by That Kid CG: During Will’s basketball game and Carlton’s lacrosse game, Bel-Air episode 3 plays this song which supports their mindsets about giving their all in their sports.
Bel-Air Season 1, Episode 4, “Canvass”
“Hot Boy” by Lil Bam: This song plays at the very beginning of Bel-Air‘s episode as Carlton and Uncle Phil play an intense game of chess.
“Amazing” by Angelo Rosario Brillante, Jon Conciatori & Wesley Allen Williams: About halfway through the episode when cousins Will and Carlton first start canvassing neighborhoods, this song can be heard.
“Never Gonna Stop (feat. DEVMO)” by Two Hidden Labs: Bel-Air plays this song when first going into the montage of the rollerskating fundraiser scene, which is at about the 34-minute mark.
“Keep Up” by Matthew Bento: As Will and Lisa look at one another from across the rollerskating rink up until right before Carlton introduces Uncle Phil for questions at the event, Bel-Air plays this 2016 R&B song.
“NO MAN’S LAND” by Melvoni: Just after Will realizes Geoffrey may have been responsible for arranging Rashaad’s death, this song fittingly plays over Bel-Air episode 4’s closing credits.
Bel-Air Season 1, Episode 5, “PA to LA”
“We Gettin It” by KikBak & Rick Vega: This song plays during the opening scene of Bel-Air episode 5 when Jabari Banks’ Will Smith first picks up his friend Tray from the airport.
“Get On My Level” by KikBak & Enimeezy: When Will and Tray pull up to the Banks mansion at the beginning of Bel-Air episode 5, this song aptly plays.
“War & Wonders” by D Smoke: This song fittingly plays halfway through the episode when Will and Tray pull up to the D Smoke concert at Los Angeles’ formerly-named Staples Center. Grammy-nominated rapper D Smoke then cameos as himself when meeting Will, Uncle Phil, and Tray in Bel-Air.
“Get It Everytime” by SPKILLA, Julio Ceez & Antom: Bel-Air‘s season 1 soundtrack plays this song over the closing credits to episode 5 right after Will tells his mom that he wants to stay in Bel-Air rather than return to West Philly.
Bel-Air Season 1, Episode 6, “The Strength To Smile”
“Dead Presidents” by Charles Stephens III & Mayila Jones: This song opens episode 6 while Bel-Air‘s new Will Smith dribbles a basketball in his room.
“Fast (Motion)” by Saweetie: Before the singer is name-dropped in the episode, Bel-Air plays this song while Hilary sets up the video camera and lights in her kitchen.
“Made It On My Own” by Inside Tracks: About halfway through the episode, this song plays as Ashley and her friends play pinball.
“We Had Our Day” by Grand Marquis: The instrumentals to this song are covered by the band that plays at the memorial event for Lisa Wilkes’ mom. Bel-Air cuts to the band playing it about 30 minutes into the episode just after Uncle Phil bids on Aunt Viv’s painting and right as Will is carrying around wine glasses.
“Honesty” by Pink Sweat$: This song fittingly plays in Bel-Air‘s season 1 soundtrack while Will and Lisa have an honest talk by the pool at the end of episode 6, and continues into the closing credits.
Bel-Air Season 1, Episode 7, “Payback’s A B*itch”
“Ba Bumpin” by Kalisway: Bel-Air‘s song plays at the beginning of episode 7 after Will and Lisa secretly meet at school, and just as Hilary speaks with Monica at the influencer house.
“Wolf N Demon” by $loan x Skiano: After Carlton and Will chat in the hall at school about planning a party, Bel-Air‘s soundtrack plays this song.
“Pop That” by FNN Reallo: This Bel-Air season 1 title is played by the DJ at the very beginning of Will and Carlton’s party.
“Brown Skin” by Cam the Artisan: About 30 minutes into the episode, this song can be heard on the Bel-Air soundtrack as Carlton tells Will that he fears no one will let him be a new person.
“Friday Night” by Juju Moon: This song plays during the party in Bel-Air episode 7 while Lisa and Will chat by the pool, with Lisa discussing how she and Carlton had to learn to push down microaggressions.
“Like Really” by Oddisee: When Lisa and Will get intimate in his room, this song plays over Bel-Air‘s soundtrack.
“SuperStar” by Aaron O’Bryan Smith: This song plays toward the end of episode 7 of the Bel-Air season 1 reboot after Aunt Viv and Reed meet at the bar to talk about the art fellowship.
Bel-Air Season 1, Episode 8, “No One Wins When The Family Feuds”
“Groove” by Your Grandparents: This song kicks off Bel-Air episode 8, playing as Will and Aunt Viv pick up his mom, Vy, at the airport.
“Lemonhaze” by PawPaw Rod: Appearing about 5 minutes into the episode, Bel-Air‘s soundtrack plays this song while Kylo asks Hilary about making more of the “sexy chef videos.”
“watercolor.” by grouptherapy.: This song plays while Will and Lisa secretly meet and kiss in the Banks’ pool house.
“Body of Water” by Tierra Whack: During the photo montage of Will and Vy exploring Los Angeles, Bel-Air‘s season 1 soundtrack briefly plays this song.
“Pink Lemonade” by pinkcaravan!: This song plays as Hilary sets up her webcam and lights for a video, but stops when she remembers the words Bel-Air‘s new Aunt Viv said about if it reflects who she really is.
“High Beams (feat. Nafets)” by Magic City Hippies: Bel-Air plays this song at the beginning of Will’s birthday party while Hilary apologizes to Jazz for going off on him in the previous episode.
“Schuyler” by Ebony Tusks: This song plays at the end of Bel-Air episode 8 and into the closing credits after Will asks Geoffrey about finding his dad.
Bel-Air Season 1, Episode 9, “Can’t Knock The Hustle”
“This Side of Grace” by Phynix: When Will and Carlton are at the church talking about Will’s dad, Lou, Bel-Air episode 9 plays this song.
“Day ‘N’ Nite” by Kid Cudi: This song plays on Bel-Air‘s soundtrack when Will goes to talk to Carlton about his anxiety as he’s playing video games.
“Hopscotch” by OPAL: Bel-Air season 1 plays this song when Hilary and Jazz go back to Kylo’s house to sneak her belongings out.
“Go” by Love, Mae C.: About 38 minutes into Bel-Air episode 9, this song plays while Aunt Viv is painting and calls her art fellowship interviewers – played by Fresh Prince‘s original Vy and second Aunt Viv actresses – and tells them she may turn down the opportunity.
“Time Moves Slow” by BADBADNOTGOOD & Sam T. Herring: This song plays over Bel-Air episode 9’s closing credits after Uncle Phil drops out of the election for District Attorney.
Bel-Air Season 1, Episode 10, “Where To?”
“Shine (feat. D Smoke & Tiffany Gouché)” by Robert Glasper: This song kicks off the Bel-Air season 1 finale’s opening scene at the “Governor’s Reception” honoring Aunt Viv for the art fellowship.
“Rocket Science” by Joyce Wrice & Kay Franklin: About 8 minutes into the episode, Bel-Air‘s soundtrack plays this song as Will and Lisa talk at the gala about Will lying.
“Angelica Demons” by OPAL: When Hilary and Jazz wake up together in bed at the hotel, Bel-Air episode 10 plays this song.
“Mango Sweet” by Bran Movay: This song plays when Phil goes to the room of Bel-Air‘s Carlton to ask him about racing cars together.
“Electric” by Navé Monjo: Bel-Air season 1 plays this song about 15 minutes into episode 10 when Reed and Viv speak at his art gallery.
“Woah” by aroomfullofmirrors: When Carlton sneaks into Phil’s office to find the files on Lou, Bel-Air‘s soundtrack plays this song.
“Bubbles” by Amber Mark: This song plays as Hilary gives Ivy advice at her photoshoot.
“Starchild” by Elujay: When Lisa checks her phone alone at the coffee shop while waiting for Will, Bel-Air plays this song.
“Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill: This song aptly plays over the final scene of Bel-Air season 1 after it had also closed the premiere.