<P> In December 1989, NBC approached Will Smith, a popular rapper during the late 1980s . The pilot episode began taping on May 1, 1990 . Season 1 first aired in September 1990, and ended in May 1991 . The series finale was taped on Thursday, March 21, 1996 . </P> <P> The theme song "Yo Home to Bel Air" was written and performed by Smith under his stage name, The Fresh Prince . The music was composed by Quincy Jones, who is credited with Smith at the end of each episode . The music often used to bridge scenes together during the show is based on a similar chord structure . </P> <P> The theme song and opening sequence set the premise of the show . Will Smith is a street smart teenager, born and raised in West Philadelphia . While playing basketball, Will misses a shot and the ball hits a group of people, causing a confrontation that frightens his mother, who sends him to live with his aunt and uncle in the opulent neighborhood of Bel Air, Los Angeles . </P> <P> Will's working - class background ends up clashing in various humorous ways with the upper class world of the Banks family--Will's uncle Phil and aunt Vivian and their children, Will's cousins: Hilary, Carlton, and Ashley . </P>

Where does the prince of bel air take place