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Biography
Born on 22 January 1965 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Townes adopted the stage name DJ Jazzy Jeff, and gained an underground following for working as DJ at local parties and schools. He teamed up with Will Smith to become the duo known as DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Together the group received a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989 for their single, “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” They garnered a second Grammy Award for their single “Summertime,” which also peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 1986 DJ Jazzy Jeff won the world DJ competition, New Music Seminar DJ Battle.
As a solo artist, DJ Jazzy Jeff recorded his first album with Sony Music in 1998, but it was necer released. It wasn’t until 2002 when he released and album entitled “The Magnificent,” andfour albums later, he followed up in 2007 with “The Return of The Magnificent.” The album featured numerous collaborations with many different artists including CL Smooth, Big Daddy Kane, Pos from De La Soul, Method Man, Rhymefest, and Raheem DeVaughn. From 2009 to 2012 he released a number of mix tape albums.
In 1990 when Smith started to branch out with his acting career for the television show, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Jazzy Jeff played a recurring character named Jazz. After the duo broke up, DJ Jazzy Jeff went on to become a prominent R&B, soul, and neo soul record producer. He establised the A Touch of Jazz production company in his native Philadelphia, and helped develop artists such as Jill Scott and Musiq Soul Child, Eminem, The Roots, Jewel, Darius Rucker, Talib Kweli, Floetry, and Rhymefest. In 2013 he released a web series documenting his hundreds of shows from around the world entitled “Vinyl Destination.”
Live reviews
Unless you lived under a rock in the late 80s/early 90s, you definitely know DJ Jazzy Jeff, or just Jazz from The Fresh Prince of Bel Aire. The American hip hop and R&B disc jockey, record producer, turntablist and actor had a lot of success making music with The Fresh Prince (Will Smith) and once they parted ways, Jazzy Jeff continued to perform as a solo act. He still travels internationally to give his fans the show that they deserve.
Due to his long time popularity, he still draws a pretty large crowd of fans to his DJ sets. His table of equipment is very simple and straightforward, with his computer in the middle and two turntables on each side. Watching him do his thing is completely mesmerizing. His hands move so meticulously, and the concentration and flow of his connection with the music and knowing exactly when to scratch. He makes it look like absolutely no effort whatsoever, yet the music is multi-faceted. He plays a variable playlist of song types, which appeals to a large group of fans. It is pretty cool to watch one of your favorite television personalities and witness their first hand talent and artistry.
Ellinoinsta
Dope show - The line-up here is ridiculous and historic b/w him, Scratch, and DJ Koco (Just Blaze also was there but my party and I left before he hit the stage)...Scratch was the highlight last night - particularly when Jazz joined him to cut up Rock the Bells; but Scratch was also killing it with the breaks. Was dope to see Koco live here in the states - he consistently kills it in his Instagram posts and did last night as well - he's an authentic hip hopper. Last night was definitely one for the books.
mackfulleriii
The show was postponed due to Jazzy's sister passing. It was rescheduled to August. I planto roll my ticket forward and see him then. He and Will Smith have been in my top 5 DJs and MCs since the late 80's. Jazzy's creativity on the turntables and his openness for people release their creativity at his Playlist Retreats.
mark1988atl
DOPE!!!! Dope dope dope doped ope dope doped ope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope !!! Jazzy Jeff always rocks! Great venue. He needs to come back there when the weather breaks. Good show but weather was def a factor.
fminikon
Absolutely awesome! Just as expected, he came out and kept the party goin while adding some classic cuts and recent mixes into the mix. Overall amazing performance and I hope to see another show!
joseph-e-lamb-iii
Dope show! Good to know that DJs are still playing good music! DJs playing all the classics on 45 records was an unforgettable experience! And the pop-up shop was icing on the cake! -DJ Spoon
uncledjspoon
One of my Bucket List events! It was worth the wait. Jazzy Jeff showed me why is regarded as one of the best live show djs of all times. I plan to see him again overseas in the future.
mark1988atl
