Good Morning Hip Hop: DJ Jazzy Jeff (The Magnificent)
Good Morning Hip Hop,
Peace Morning All Happy Friday.
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This blog will be a special one about the big brother DJ Jazzy Jeff aka The Magnificent. Jeffrey Townsend was born on January 22nd in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where it all started his passion for music. At the age of ten, Jeff was fascinated with the local Disc Jockeys doing local block parties. He would sit in amazement as they set up the equipment for the party. He did this locally and in surrounding neighborhoods. They weren't always recognized, but they were the ones that made everyone dance.
South Bronx Park Jam, 1984. Photograph by Mr Henry Chalfant |
Jazzy Jeff is professionally known as part of the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Will Smith) also of Philadelphia. Receiving the first Grammy for Best Rap Performance in 1989 for the song "Parents Just Don't Understand." Their most successful song to date is "Summertime." Winning them a second Grammy award and topped at number 4 on the Billboard Charts in 1991. After Will Smith started doing The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Jazzy Jeff Joined him on the show as the character Jazz. You know the one that was always being thrown out the house by Uncle Phil.
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince |
Jeff is well known for being one of the leading producers of R&B and Neosoul working with top artists like Eric Roberson, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, The Roots, and Raheen DeVaughn just to name a few. The list of artists he has collaborated with goes on and on. His creative mix of Jazz, Funk, and Hip Hop makes him a sought out producer to work with. Not to mention releasing some classic albums of his own like "The Magnificent" and "The Return of the Magnificent."
The Magnificent Album |
The Return of the Magnificent |
Growing up there were certain DJs I looked up to coming up as a young DJ. Jazzy Jeff, DJ Cash Money, DJ Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Jam Master Jay, Kool Herc, DJ Grandmaster Flash, and countless others. These Disc Jockeys all possed a certain quality about how they performed music for crowds. Jazzy Jeff and Cash Money were innovators of the transformer scratch in Philidelphia. Some will argue and say it started in New York, but who knows styles were developed and borrowed by all DJs at that time. Taken back to your home and perfected. Jeff was the first DJ I got to see live in Union Square in 1986 I believe when they were doing live from Union Square for their first album. His timing was impeccable and clean. I had never seen a DJ do things he did so effortlessly.
The Magnificent House Party Live Show |
After a brush with being sick with the Coronavirus Jazzy Jeff is back stronger than ever doing his new "The Magnificent House Party" segments on Youtube and Facebook Live. Mixing some of the classics from the comfort of his home promoting to others to stay inside and vibe out with him and other listeners. Make sure you subscribe to his Youtube and Facebook to be sure you don't miss any of his live mixes trust you will not be disappointed. I have gotten to see this man DJ a few times in my lifetime, and it has always been an amazing show. Hands down one of the best Disc Jockeys in the world to ever touch the turntables.
I just wanted to pay homage to this living legend and King for all he has done for Hip Hop DJs and Music Producers all around the world. Thanks DJ Jazzy Jeff (The Magnificent).
Peace, Love, and Hip Hop.
PKSP
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