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.
Drop
DJ Jazzy Jeff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me freak the funk,
Obsolete is the punk that talk more junk than Sanford sells
I jet propel at a rate that complice their mental state
As I invade their masquerade
They couldn't fade with a clipper blade
10 years in the trade is not enough, you can't cut it
I let you take a swing, and you bunted
Of exceeding, my name is Bottie Brown and I'm proceeding, leading,
They try to follow but they're shallow and hollow
I can see right through them like an empty 40 bottle, of O.E.
They have no key, or no clue
To the game at all, now they washed up
Hung out to dry
Standing looking stupid, wondering why
(why man?)
It was the fame, that they tried to get
Now they walking around talking about represent
And keep it real, but I got to appeal
Cause they existing in a fantasy when holding the steel
[Slim Kid 3:]
Rock a bye baby,
Listen to my heart pumping to a fine ravine
Of all things it's a vain of a shrine
All missions impossible are possible, cause I'm
Heading for a new sector 365 days from now, I'll
Wipe the sweat from my brow
And each and every true will stick, or fall from the sky of my cloud nine
From homies all the way to chics, no matter how fine
Controlling is a swollen way to wreck a proud mind
You hold it in your hands and watch a man start crying
Tear after tear in the puppet man's hands
Every time you take a stance you do the puppet man's dance
And the worlds at a stand-still
Deep in broken mansville, trapped in the moat with an anvil, still
Killing yourself, and dogging ya health
You ain't amphibious, so grab a hold of yourself
[Knumbskull #1:]
Shit is-shit is ill, my flow still will spill
Toxic slick to shock you sick like electrocute
When I execute, acutely over the rhythm
On those that pollute, extra dosages is what I gotta give em
Got em mad and trembling
Cause I been up in my lad assembling
Missiles, to bomb the enemy
Because they envy me, and the making of my mad currency
Currently I think we're in a state of an emergency
Cause niggas done sold their souls, and now their souls is hollow
And I think they can't follow
They can't swallow, the truth because it hurts
This is how I put it down, this is my earth, my turf
The worth of my birth is a billion, and you know what time it is
I'm going to make a million
The song Drop by DJ Jazzy Jeff is mainly focused on the issue of fake rappers trying to get fame and money. The song is divided into three verses where each rapper shares their perspective on the topic. The first verse, performed by Bootie Brown, describes how he is ready to outdo any fake rapper who talks more junk than they can handle. He refers to them as obsolete and reveals that they have no clue when it comes to the game. He proceeds to call them out on their fantasy lifestyle and their desire to keep it real. Bootie Brown talks about how he is in the business of exposing such fake rappers through his music.
The second verse, delivered by Slim Kid 3, concerns the consequences of following in the footsteps of fake rappers. He mentions how it can lead to losing control of one's mind and ultimately result in one's destruction because they try to fit in and be accepted by the fake rappers. Slim Kid 3 uses the puppet metaphor to explain how fake rappers control others, making them dance to their tune, and how it can be detrimental to one's progress. He talks about setting a goal and working hard towards it without being influenced by fake people.
The final verse, performed by Knumbskull #1, emphasizes the urgency of the problem. He is concerned that many rappers have sold their souls in the quest for money and fame. He reveals that he has been building missiles to bomb those who envy him and his wealth. Knumbskull calls out the fake rappers, reminding them that they cannot follow and cannot handle the truth. He contrasts his worth, which he believes is a billion that of fake rappers.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me freak the funk,
Allow me to express myself through funky music
Obsolete is the punk that talk more junk than Sanford sells
Those who talk more nonsense than the famous TV character Sanford are out of date and irrelevant
I jet propel at a rate that complice their mental state
I move swiftly and cause confusion to their minds
As I invade their masquerade
As I infiltrate their fake persona
They couldn't fade with a clipper blade
They're no match for me or anyone else as they're weak and powerless
10 years in the trade is not enough, you can't cut it
Having 10 years of experience is not sufficient, you don't have the skills to succeed
I let you take a swing, and you bunted
I gave you a chance to prove yourself, but you failed miserably
For an easy out, I leave mc's with doubt
For an easy victory, I leave other rappers doubtful about their own ability
Of exceeding, my name is Bottie Brown and I'm proceeding, leading,
I excel in my craft, my name is Bottie Brown and I continue to move forward and be a leader
They try to follow but they're shallow and hollow
Others try to follow me, but they lack depth and substance
I can see right through them like an empty 40 bottle, of O.E.
I can see their true nature as clearly as an empty bottle of O.E. beer
They have no key, or no clue
They have no idea or understanding of what it takes to succeed
To the game at all, now they washed up
They have no understanding of the industry and are now irrelevant
Standing looking stupid, wondering why
Looking foolish, they're confused about why they're not successful
(why man?)
They ask the question, 'why?'
It was the fame, that they tried to get
They aimed for fame, but failed to gain it
Now they walking around talking about represent
They're pretending to represent something they don't truly understand
And keep it real, but I got to appeal
They claim to be genuine, but I have to be more relatable
Cause they existing in a fantasy when holding the steel
They're living in a fake world when holding a weapon
Rock a bye baby,
Expressing a gentle melody, usually sung to put an infant to sleep
Listen to my heart pumping to a fine ravine
Hear my heart beating steady, just like the flow of a river
Of all things it's a vain of a shrine
Among all the things in the world, this is a beautiful place that I hold dear to my heart
All missions impossible are possible, cause I'm
I can achieve anything, regardless of how challenging it seems
Heading for a new sector 365 days from now, I'll
I'm moving towards a new area, and within a year I'll
Wipe the sweat from my brow
I'll accomplish a task that will make me work hard and hopefully successful
And each and every true will stick, or fall from the sky of my cloud nine
Every truthful person will either support my vision or reject it
From homies all the way to chics, no matter how fine
From friends to romantic partners, regardless of their physical appearances
Controlling is a swollen way to wreck a proud mind
Being in control is a harmful way to ruin a person's self-esteem
You hold it in your hands and watch a man start crying
You have power over someone and watch them make themself feel bad
Tear after tear in the puppet man's hands
The person controlled by someone/something is crying without any obvious reason
Every time you take a stance you do the puppet man's dance
Every time you take a stand, it seems as though you're being controlled by someone/something
And the worlds at a stand-still
The world is stagnant
Deep in broken mansville, trapped in the moat with an anvil, still
Feeling completely isolated, and feeling like a huge burden is weighing him down to the point that it's completely unmoving
Killing yourself, and dogging ya health
Harming yourself, and not taking care of your physical and emotional health
You ain't amphibious, so grab a hold of yourself
You're not immune to harm, so you need to take care of yourself before it's too late
Shit is-shit is ill, my flow still will spill
My lyrics are exceptional, and I'll continue to express myself
Toxic slick to shock you sick like electrocute
My words are powerful enough to shock you and make you realize the severity of my message
When I execute, acutely over the rhythm
When I rap, I do it incredibly in time with the beat
On those that pollute, extra dosages is what I gotta give em
I need to give those that bring negativity and chaos extra doses of truth
Got em mad and trembling
I made them angry and frightened
Cause I been up in my lad assembling
Because I've been hard at work, making things from scratch
Missiles, to bomb the enemy
I'm making weapons to destroy my opponents
Because they envy me, and the making of my mad currency
They're jealous of me and the amount of money I'm making
Currently I think we're in a state of an emergency
I believe that we're in a very critical situation at the moment
Cause niggas done sold their souls, and now their souls is hollow
People have given up their values and morals in exchange for material objects, leaving them with a bleak future
And I think they can't follow
I don't think they're capable of keeping up with me
They can't swallow, the truth because it hurts
They can't accept the truth because it's painful
This is how I put it down, this is my earth, my turf
This is how I express myself, this is my domain
The worth of my birth is a billion, and you know what time it is
My value is immeasurable, and it's evident
I'm going to make a million
I'm going to achieve financial success
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DERRICK STEWART, DERRICK LEMEL STEWART, EMANDU WILCOX, EMANDU IMANI RASHAAN WILCOX, ROMYE ROBINSON, TREVANT JERMAINE HARDSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Beastars
@cd fs 1.) definitely a show in tomorrowland but not in DMC Battle and using it in Gigs, and Dj jazzy Jeff did something there.
2.) You miss my point on my second section, timecode is created for convenience not because of sync.
And I never told you an ignorant and telling he is skilless, the point is he may be using a laptop but he got some actually skills doing rather than just syncing. he's actually doing something likejuggling, scratching, looping, etc...
Edit: I feel like I have to say this, I have nothing against you, I don't considered you to be ignorant, I'm just sayin
Mic Glou
99% in that audience do not realize their in the presence of greatness like Jazz... do not realize they're listening to actual live mixing and scratching on a legendary level.
707ADROIT
@fschirott Sad part is that Dj lessons dont even teach his techniques anymore. :-(
Smirnoff103
People don't go to Tomorrowland for the music ;)
None the less I was kind of dissapointed into Jazzy Jeff also turned onto the commercial side. I stumbled by accident on this vide, I was first surprised to see he even played up there, and after scrolling quickly through the mix I heard he played the same crap all these (pseudo) deejays play up there (but indeed live mixed). It's a shame seeing (or better "hearing") him play such kind of music imho. Guess Divine Sounds were right 30 years ago "what people do for money".
Richie Lmau
Yes brother mic glou DJ jazzy jeff is old school
Dhruv Dhiman
@Dog's Eye shut up
Dog's Eye
@Isaac De Paula easy there
DjSoso TheMachine
I read few comments and i wanna say this :
-Dj Jazzy Jeff killed it !
-He didn't perform on the main stage which mean the "ravers" can still enjoy EDM with their favorites performers while he was doing his thing
-The crowd was probably not familiar with this kind of set but the response was amazing according to the fact jeff is probably the first actual acts really djing at this festival.
-Jazzy Jeff comes from the scene/era where a dj comes with a MC so the presence and performance of Dayne Jordan is not something to argue about.
Thanks for reading ! One love :)
Billy Bailey
Most ravers I know would love this set and just love DJ culture not strictly EDM. But I cant speak for everyone. Jazz killed this set.
Geeeee8
Those guys on tommorowland mainstage ain't real ravers
Mary Erre
A-Trak is a real DJ too, they have probably seen him..