History
When he was growing up, he found that listening to his parents was unbearable. He got a job as a newspaper boy at age 7 to support his family. Once he grew up, he developed a reputation and following as a school and block party DJ extraordinaire, Jazzy Jeff was the feature of the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. As a duo, they had several gold and platinum-selling albums and singles in the late 1980s and early 1990s, earning them the first rap Grammy ever presented in 1989 for Parents Just Don't Understand. When Smith branched out into television with the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Jazzy Jeff played a recurring character named "Jazz", Smith's best friend on the show. The two characters always greeted each other with their signature handshake (swinging mid-five, point-back/snap with both characters saying "Pssh!").
Jazz' trademarks include being physically ejected from the house by Uncle Phil (James Avery), screaming as he went flying out the front door. This was referenced in the song "N.Y, N.Y." by Lloyd Banks from his second album Rotten Apple, with the lyric "I throw a bitch out the crib like Jazzy Jeff". [1]
DJ Jazzy Jeff is not to be confused with Jeffrey Myree from the earlier hip hop group Funky Four Plus One, which in fact filed and won a lawsuit over the name Jazzy Jeff against Jeff Townes and Jive records when they signed DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. After DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince broke up, Townes went on to become a prominent R&B, soul, and neo soul record producer, establishing the A Touch of Jazz production company in his native Philadelphia. Among the artists that Jazzy Jeff has helped develop are Jill Scott and Musiq. Even though he separated from Will Smith as music partners, they are still best friends and still occasionally work together. Some songs by Will Smith were produced by Jeff Townes (Ex. Here He Comes), and he has performed on some songs by Will Smith such as "So Fresh" and "Potnas". In addition, he appears in several of Smith's music videos such as "Will2K", "Freakin' It", and "Party Starter". On some occasions, he makes appearances with Smith on live concerts, producing DJ scratches.
He, along with DJ Cash Money, is credited with making the transform scratch famous.
On July 2, 2005, DJ Jazzy Jeff performed with Will Smith at the Live 8 concert in Philadelphia. In the past, Will has performed on concerts with DJ Jazzy Jeff for the scratches. Moreover, Will acknowledges him in his music like "Comin' To The Stage" from the album Lost & Found or "Potnas" in his album Willennium.
His 2007 release TROTM (The Return of the Magnificent) is a classic work which returns to the roots of hip-hop with a neo-soul mixture included. This album featured numerous collaborations with old school and new school artists including CL Smooth, Big Daddy Kane, Pos from De La Soul, Method Man, Peedi Crakk (a remake of Brand New Funk), Rhymefest, and Raheem DeVaughn.
In 2007, he appeared with Rhymefest in the video DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Fest directed by Konee Rok, in which he makes music in his home recording studio with Rhymefest and they reveal that they are working on an album together called "I'm the DJ, I'm the Rapper".
Discography
Solo work as DJ Jazzy Jeff
* Unreleased album from Sony Records (1998)
* One cut in Battle of DJs
* The Magnificent (2002)
* Soulheaven Presents Jazzy Jeff in the House (2004)
* The Soul Mixtape Groovin' Records USA (2005)
* Hip-Hop Forever II Rapster Records (2004)
* Hip-Hop Forever III BBE Records (2006)
* The Return of The Magnificent EP (2007)
* The Return of the Magnificent (2007)
* The Return of Hip Hop EP (2007)
As DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
* Rock the House (1987) #83 US (Gold)
* He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper (1988) #4 US (3x Platinum)
* And in This Corner… (1989) #39 US (Gold)
* Homebase (1991) #12 US (Platinum)
* Code Red (1993) #64 US (Gold)
* Greatest Hits (1998) #144 US, #20 UK
* Before The Willennium (1999)
* The Very Best of D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (2006)
Miscellaneous
* 1991 - Deep, Deep, Trouble with Bart Simpson and the remixes; from The Simpsons Sing the Blues
* 1997 - Jazzy Jeff's Theme; from the album Nuyorican Soul
* 1998 - "When To Stand Up" featuring Eminem
* 1998 - I Don't Know by Slum Village (scratches); from the album Fantastic, Vol. 2
* 1999 - The Next Movement by The Roots (scratches); from the album Things Fall Apart
* 2004 - Mirrorball (DJ Jazzy Jeff Full Sole Remix) by Everything But The Girl; from Adapt or Die: 10 Years of Remixes
* 2005 - Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (DJ Jazzy Jeff & Pete Kuzma Solefull Mix) by the Temptations; from Motown Remixed.
* 2005 - Lost & Found by Will Smith; produced intro song Here He Comes and several DJ scratches on several tracks
* 2005 - The Minstrel Show by Little Brother; Scratches on the song Watch Me.
* 2006 - Feel It (Jazzy Jeff Soulful Remix) by the Black Eyed Peas; from Renegotiations: The Remixes
* 2006 - Night in Tunisia (DJ Jazzy Jeff Remix) by Duke Jordan
* 2007 - Ear Drum by Talib Kweli; Scratches on song NY Weather Report.
* 2008 - Get Busy by The Roots (scratches); from the album Rising Down.
All I Know feat. C.L. Smooth
DJ Jazzy Jeff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
I make it move like I
Wanna move with them horns
Let 'em play with them strings
While I spit the life of kings
Put a could in it, stood with it, we at it
Fans wanna reach out and grab it
I'm just an ordinary man
With an unordinary lifestyle
Seen early, I would live as a child
I was conceived a mistake
But through God is really all it take
For me to be born and make the Earth shake
This was raised from the bottom
So before them plainclothes got 'em
Soak up the four square miles to pop 'em
It's me in the flesh
Here to put the rumors to rest
And let you celebrate hip hop's best
From the womb to the tomb
Hit the game real soon
With a tune that's gon' take son
Straight to the moon
Ta dow, see it's my turn now
All competitors bow, all you sayin' is, "Wow"
All I know, is the way it gotta go
And everything it take to hold me down
All I see, is the way it gotta be
If you came to see me hit the town
This is my vibe, the way I survive
And peoples can't play me out of bounds
Here's my point, on a Jazzy Jeff joint
Is why CL can wear the crown
When you think about the pedigree
To own the whole catalog
All I'm sayin' is, don't sleep on me dawg
I really waked them streets there
Schooled them young wolves
CL will slay anything in his way
Okay it's all about the aura I project
That ultimate connect
And how you see me as a man of respect
Right? So it's like a mutual agreement
All your feed is in the cement
Learn the rules, let you earn your pay sure
Nosy then you think of what it cost me
To how the world forced me
To kill 'em softly, baby
How the music sound from the basement
And how the work bless me
Who let you see the fame don't impress me
Dig it? Why it's cut from a different cloth
Blood to set it off
Keep a real nice piece in a loft, easy
Anytime you can hold ya head
Then you can hold some bread
And relate to what CL said, yes
All I know, is the way it gotta go
And everything it take to hold me down
All I see, is the way it gotta be
If you came to see me hit the town
This is my vibe, the way I survive
And peoples can't play me out of bounds
Here's my point, on a Jazzy Jeff joint
Is why CL can wear the crown
It's Jazzy Jeff on the turntables
CL on the M-IC philly on up to the NYC
And breakdances, God, tags in the trainyard
Wild style fat laced, thugs locked up
From a 1980's case
Goons with them grown kids
Used to them long bids
Meet you on the dance floor
Slash the visit did, a lot from the rep to
And see it all makes sense, if I'm the king
Then that should make you the fresh prince
Send for the driver
You lookin' at the real soul survivor
Like my man, JPeriod mixtape, the Man on Fire
Featurin' the guest that Jeff host
You marvel at the up close and personal
Meetin' of the minds
You should read the signs
This is what reclines
The thoughts in my lazy boy
Fit like a hand and glove
From the city of brotherly love
All I know, is the way it gotta go
And everything it take to hold me down
All I see, is the way it gotta be
If you came to see me hit the town
This is my vibe, the way I survive
And peoples can't play me out of bounds
Here's my point, on a Jazzy Jeff joint
Is why CL can wear the crown
In the song "All I Know" by DJ Jazzy Jeff featuring C.L. Smooth, the lyrics focus on The Fresh Prince's return to the rap scene after a long hiatus. The song starts with The Fresh Prince confessing that he's back with a strong rhyme after being off the radar for a while. He then brags about his skills as a rapper, his ability to make honey's yell, and how other rappers who doubted him can't match his flow. He also acknowledges the criticism he has received in the past for making people laugh and being called soft and wack. However, he is back and ready to prove everyone wrong with his new track, making it clear that he is all that.
The song is loaded with metaphors and comparisons that speak to the Fresh Prince's ability to craft witty, funny, and attention-grabbing rhymes. The lyrics "I'm the funky, funky, funky fresh Rhyme authority," "Do the daring, the king of the cut, Prince of poetry and all that stuff," and "Voice on radio, face on TV, Spankin' new funky rhymes on a CD" show that the Fresh Prince sees himself as the master of his craft, and he is not afraid to show it off. The song's chorus provides the perfect mantra to this declaration, as it states emphatically, "We all that."
Line by Line Meaning
I make it move like I
Wanna move with them horns
I bring energy and excitement to my music, like the way horns in a band bring movement and rhythm
Let 'em play with them strings
While I spit the life of kings
While the instrumentalists play their instruments, I express the lavish and luxurious lifestyle of kings through my lyrics
Put a could in it, stood with it, we at it
Dudes that was meant to have it
I confidently and decisively pursue success, even though some people believe it was destined for others and not for me
Fans wanna reach out and grab it
I'm just an ordinary man
With an unordinary lifestyle
My fans want to immerse themselves in my music and fame, but I want them to remember that despite my extraordinary lifestyle, I am still just a regular person
Seen early, I would live as a child
I was conceived a mistake
From an early age, I knew that my life would be different, as I was born as an unplanned child
But through God is really all it take
For me to be born and make the Earth shake
However, all it takes is God's intervention for me to be born and have a tremendous impact on the world
This was raised from the bottom
So before them plainclothes got 'em
Soak up the four square miles to pop 'em
I grew up in a disadvantaged background, so I made sure to learn and absorb everything within my surroundings before the police could catch me
It's me in the flesh
Here to put the rumors to rest
And let you celebrate hip hop's best
I am here, physically present, to debunk any rumors and allow everyone to acknowledge and celebrate me as one of the greatest in hip-hop
From the womb to the tomb
Hit the game real soon
With a tune that's gon' take son
Straight to the moon
Since birth until death, I will enter the music industry soon and with a song that will elevate and transport listeners to new heights, like reaching the moon
Ta dow, see it's my turn now
All competitors bow, all you sayin' is, "Wow"
It's finally my time to shine and succeed, causing all my competitors to recognize my talent and be in awe of my achievements
All I know, is the way it gotta go
And everything it take to hold me down
My knowledge is centered around the path I must take to succeed and overcome any obstacles that try to hinder my progress
All I see, is the way it gotta be
If you came to see me hit the town
I envision a specific way things should be, especially when it comes to my performances in various towns
This is my vibe, the way I survive
And peoples can't play me out of bounds
I thrive on this particular style and energy, which enables me to navigate life successfully without allowing anyone to outperform or outmaneuver me
Here's my point, on a Jazzy Jeff joint
Is why CL can wear the crown
My purpose and presence on a collaboration with Jazzy Jeff demonstrate why I deserve to be recognized as a king in the music industry
When you think about the pedigree
To own the whole catalog
All I'm sayin' is, don't sleep on me dawg
Considering my impressive background and ability to own and control my entire body of work, I'm advising people not to underestimate or overlook my talent
I really waked them streets there
Schooled them young wolves
CL will slay anything in his way
I truly walked the streets, experiencing the realities of life there, and taught and mentored young individuals who are now strong and unstoppable, just like me
Okay it's all about the aura I project
That ultimate connect
And how you see me as a man of respect
My success is attributed to the presence and impression I create, the deep connection I establish with my audience, and the way they perceive me as a highly respected man
So it's like a mutual agreement
All your feed is in the cement
Learn the rules, let you earn your pay sure
It's a mutually beneficial agreement between me and my fans, where their support is solidified and manifested. I emphasize the importance of learning the industry rules to guarantee financial success
Nosy then you think of what it cost me
To how the world forced me
To kill 'em softly, baby
If you're curious and take the time to reflect, you would realize the sacrifices I had to make and the pressure society exerted on me, leading to my ability to captivate and impact others effortlessly
How the music sound from the basement
And how the work bless me
Who let you see the fame don't impress me
I remember my humble beginnings, making music in basements, and how my hard work has rewarded me. I want you to know that fame doesn't impress or define me
Dig it? Why it's cut from a different cloth
Blood to set it off
Keep a real nice piece in a loft, easy
Do you understand? My approach to life and music is unique and distinct, similar to a rare and precious fabric. I come from a lineage that sparks excitement and keeps valuable belongings safely stored
Anytime you can hold ya head
Then you can hold some bread
And relate to what CL said, yes
If you can maintain composure and remain confident, you can achieve financial success. This is something you can connect with and understand, echoing the words and experiences of CL
It's Jazzy Jeff on the turntables
CL on the M-IC philly on up to the NYC
Jazzy Jeff showcases his skills on the turntables while CL takes over the microphone, representing Philadelphia and extending his influence to New York City
And breakdances, God, tags in the trainyard
Wild style fat laced, thugs locked up
From a 1980's case
We also engage in breakdancing, graffiti art, and tagging in trainyards, embodying the vibrant and expressive culture of the 1980s. Even though some of our peers have been imprisoned, their influence remains strong
Goons with them grown kids
Used to them long bids
Meet you on the dance floor
Slash the visit did, a lot from the rep to
We have associated ourselves with individuals known for their criminal activities, who have spent long periods in prison. However, we can still meet and entertain you on the dance floor, temporarily escaping our troubled history
And see it all makes sense, if I'm the king
Then that should make you the fresh prince
When you consider everything, it becomes apparent that if I am the king, then you, as my loyal follower and supporter, are the fresh prince, deserving of recognition and success as well
Send for the driver
You lookin' at the real soul survivor
Like my man, JPeriod mixtape, the Man on Fire
Summon the driver, as you are witnessing a genuine survivor of soulful music, just like my friend JPeriod's mixtape titled 'Man on Fire'
Featurin' the guest that Jeff host
You marvel at the up close and personal
Meetin' of the minds
You should read the signs
This track features Jazzy Jeff as the host, with me as the special guest. You are fascinated by the intimate and deep connection between our minds. Pay attention to the signs and understand the significance of this collaboration
This is what reclines
The thoughts in my lazy boy
Fit like a hand and glove
From the city of brotherly love
This relaxed and comfortable environment fuels the thoughts in my mind, just like sitting in a reclining chair. It fits perfectly, like a hand wearing a glove. This creative atmosphere stems from the city known for brotherly love, Philadelphia
Lyrics © DistroKid, Ultra Tunes, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PHALON ALEXANDER, THOMAS BURTON, GREG STREET, DARION CRAWFORD, SHAWN JOHNSON, SIDNEY JOHNSON, TONEY MOSLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Str8RapMuzik
NBA Live '08!!
@Jessica-lv7bt
knew i remembered this from somethin
@shawncapper
+Str8RapMuzik That is where I heard it first
@Doknot-tb9ey
My favorite song on the game.
@dominicr6843
R i p Kobe Bryant and Gigi
@dfoster004
RNS
@MoneyMizzle1993
This is beautiful hip hop smh right on nba live 2008... God bless 🙏 🙌 🎉
@dominicr6843
Somebody please put this track in a tribute video for Kobe Bryant..... when I hear this song all I can think of is the Black Mamba R.i.p.
@wutangrancanary
I dunno how I found this song but I used to listen this song basicallly everyday like 12 years ago. I was in Spain my original country by that time... and in 2015 I moved to London where Im still living now. For some reason this song came randomly to my mind today while I was driving, and as soon as I got home I rolled a spilff and I put this song..... damn the feelings.... not just the beat or the flow of CL hit me, this time I could understand the lyrics and now I think this is one of the best tracks, not just in Hip Hop, but in the history of music. Peace
@melodrama1401
Facts