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.
How I Do
DJ Jazzy Jeff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is how I do (how I do)
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh how I do
Listen this is not a game no balls foul
It took me a lifetime just to hunt you down
Your beautiful smile
And the way you keep me around
What can I do now? It's your option
Picked like Malone and Stockton
Don't stop it everything you do is love
It's like everytime you move it's bugged
I got somethin' that'll change your life
If you choose this love
'Cause girl I like your style
The way you move and the way you smile
Had to sit you down so we could talk a while
To see what's on your mind
But before I let you in
I'll take you places you never been
The type of shit you go
Back and tell your friends
I had to check your profile that's how I do
Not smooth with it
I'm diggin' you but I'm tryin'
To stay cool with it
Miss you too cute with it
Attitude rude with it you get it
There's somethin' 'bout the way
You move in it lookin' like you need love
And I'm feelin' like doin' you a favor
The pleasure is mine
You leave them other lanes behind
I'll give you some time
Let you make up your mind it's your move now
Take a minute I'm a cool out
It's nothin' but a thing say
The word we cruise out (c'mon)
You and me yo we can do things
You outta state pack your bags
We could move things
I'm talkin' 'bout movin' more than
Just a few things the car the crib
Baby you can choose things
You with my last name real nice cute rings
I ain't Shawn baby love this
Is how we do things
This is how (how I do)
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh how I do
Baby this is how I do (how I do)
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh how I do
This is how (how I do)
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh how I do
Baby this is how I do (how I do)
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh how I do
How I do how I do
How I do how I do
In the song "How I Do" by DJ Jazzy Jeff, the lyrics depict a person who is deeply infatuated with someone and is willing to change their ways to be with them. The singer expresses that it has taken them a long time to find this person and their beautiful smile and presence have made them reconsider their usual habits and behaviors. They are willing to adapt and do whatever it takes to make the person happy. The singer acknowledges that they are not smooth with their approach, but they try to stay cool and show interest. They want to get to know the person deeply and take them to places they have never been, wanting to create memorable experiences together. The singer offers the person autonomy to make their own choices and expresses that they are willing to go beyond just a casual relationship, suggesting a potential commitment.
Line by Line Meaning
How I do baby
This is my unique approach, baby
This is how I do (how I do)
I am sharing my personal style and method
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh how I do
Expressing the excitement and enthusiasm I have for my way of doing things
Listen this is not a game no balls foul
Pay attention, this is serious and there are no unfair actions
It took me a lifetime just to hunt you down
I have been searching and waiting patiently for someone like you for a long time
Your beautiful smile
I am captivated by your gorgeous smile
And the way you keep me around
I appreciate how you make me feel valued and wanted
Has got me changin' how I do to
You have influenced and inspired me to change my usual ways
What can I do now? It's your option
It's up to you to decide what we do next
Picked like Malone and Stockton
Chosen like the famous basketball duo, indicating that we make a great team
Don't stop it everything you do is love
Please continue because everything you do is filled with love and positivity
It's like everytime you move it's bugged
Your every move is captivating and intriguing to me
I got somethin' that'll change your life
I have something special that can have a transformative impact on your life
If you choose this love
If you decide to embrace this love
'Cause girl I like your style
Because, girl, I am attracted to your unique way of being
The way you move and the way you smile
I am drawn to your graceful movements and radiant smile
Had to sit you down so we could talk a while
I wanted to have a deep conversation and connection with you
To see what's on your mind
To understand your thoughts and feelings
But before I let you in
Before I fully open up and let you into my life
I'll take you places you never been
I will show you new experiences and adventures
The type of shit you go
Experiences that you will want to
Back and tell your friends
Share with your friends upon returning
I had to check your profile that's how I do
I needed to gather information about you before making a decision
Not smooth with it
I may not appear to be effortlessly smooth
I'm diggin' you but I'm tryin'
I am really interested in you, but I am trying to keep my composure
To stay cool with it
To maintain a sense of calmness
Miss you too cute with it
You are also adorable in your actions
Attitude rude with it you get it
I may come across as arrogant or cocky, but you understand why
There's somethin' 'bout the way
There is a particular quality or aspect
You move in it lookin' like you need love
The way you carry yourself indicates that you desire love
And I'm feelin' like doin' you a favor
I have a strong inclination to do something good for you
The pleasure is mine
I would be delighted to provide pleasure or happiness
You leave them other lanes behind
You surpass and outshine others
I'll give you some time
I will give you the space and time to make a decision
Let you make up your mind it's your move now
Allowing you to decide, it's your turn to take action
Take a minute I'm a cool out
Take a moment to relax and think about it
It's nothin' but a thing say
This is not a big deal, just say
The word we cruise out (c'mon)
Agree and we can leave together (come on)
You and me yo we can do things
You and I can accomplish great things together
You outta state pack your bags
Let's plan a trip outside the state, pack your bags
We could move things
We can create change and progress
I'm talkin' 'bout movin' more than
I am referring to more than just physical relocation
Just a few things the car the crib
Including possessions like the car and the house
Baby you can choose things
Darling, you can have your pick
You with my last name real nice cute rings
You becoming part of my family, having a beautiful wedding, and wearing lovely rings
I ain't Shawn baby love this
I am not like anyone else, baby, embrace and appreciate this love
Is how we do things
This is our way of doing things
How I do how I do
This is my style, my approach
How I do how I do
This is my way, my method
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind