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.
Live At The Barbeque
DJ Jazzy Jeff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
That y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
And that's all!
Street's disciple, my raps are trifle
I shoot slugs from my brain just like a rifle
Stampede the stage, I leave the microphone split
Verbal assassin, my architect pleases
When I was twelve, I went to hell for snuffing Jesus
Nasty Nas is a rebel to America
Police murderer, I'm causing hysteria
My troops roll up with a strange force
I was trapped in a cage and let out by the Main Source
Swimming in women like a lifeguard
Put on a bulletproof nigga I strike hard
Kidnap the President's wife without a plan
And hanging niggas like the Ku Klux Klan
I melt mics till the sound wave's over
Before stepping to me you'd rather step to Jehovah
Slamming MC's on cement
Cause verbally, I'm iller than a AIDS patient
I move swift and uplift your mind
Shoot the gif when I riff in rhyme
Rapping sniper, speaking real words
My thoughts react, like Steven Spielberg's
Poetry attacks, paragraphs punch hard
My brain is insane, I'm out to lunch, God
Science is dropped, my raps are toxic
My voicebox locks and excels like a rocket
It's like that y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
That y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
That y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
And that's all!
Fatal is merciful and they curse me
When I grip the mic I show no mercy
I got heart, I rip the party apart
From the seams and hem up like bell-bottom jeans
But you get done, you get blues like 501
Brothers are live but I bet ya I'm liver son
So let me get upon the scene and redeem
The dream of a team, and knock 'em out like Mitch Green
Smoke some thai weed, flow at a high speed
Rap on off breaks stomping like Northlakes
Cause I'm living larger than the founders of Fendi
An Asiatic brother that many rappers envy
So round up your crew and entourage
And let the God Merciful just take charge
It's like that y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
That y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
That y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
And that's all!
Some of them said (said what?) that the Ak should quit
But I don't sweat it, cause I'm too big for that small shit
Like pigs when it comes to a showdown
Huff and puff but the Ak won't get blown down
Cause I come strong, rather than come at all and not be ready
That's what separates me from the petty
MC's gas themselves by drinking too much Getty
And get torn the fuck up like confetti
I'm rich and thick, your lyrics like Aunt Jemima
It doesn't take Keenan Ivory Wayans to know that I'mma
Get you sucker if you bite like a piranha
So save them preschool rhymes for the kids at Wonderama
Point blank, period, with no comma
Rhymes so dangerous, call for the homicide
Cause I knock 'em dead even when I'm at my worst
The only future that lies ahead of them is the lights from the hearse
Got game like a crackhead
But don't be misled, I keep rappers on lock like a dread
Knots in the head from the words that I said
So get a shovel and dig your grave cause the shit you talk is dead
It's like that y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
That y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
That y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
And that's all!
I grab up girls like jacks
Add 'em on like tax, and I'm over like Hot Trax
As far as brothers are concerned a pressure cooker from start
To finish I diminish like a Cuisinart
Secondly, I'm sick of critics, who's necking me
(Ooh he got an afro) yo, but I got dough
Why's my name the Large Professor?
Cause I milked your cow in other words I hit your heifer
Don't talk about how you can break Rambo
That's just a bunch of mamba-ja-hambo
Propaganda, save it for Savanda
Joe and Amanda, Zach and Alexandra
Don't let the folks around your way puff your head
Cause you'll be the owner of a hospital bed
I'll kick fire out your ass so fast
You'll be as crispy as my man Bill Blass
It's like that y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
That y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
That y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
And that's all!
The lyrics of DJ Jazzy Jeff's song Live At The Barbeque is a classic example of early 90s hip-hop. The song features the lyrical skills of three rappers, Nas, Fatal, and Large Professor. Each of these artists presents a unique style, but overall the song is a representation of the raw and aggressive nature of the genre during that time. The opening verse by Nas is a display of his lyrical prowess and his ability to craft vivid and impactful lines. He uses metaphors and allusions to paint pictures that are both disturbing and captivating at the same time. He talks about shooting slugs from his brain like a rifle, stampeding the stage and leaving the mic split, and being a verbal assassin. Nas also highlights his rebellious nature, claiming to be a police murderer who causes hysteria. His verse also references his affiliation with a group called the Main Source, who he claimed helped him escape from a cage.
Fatal's verse is an equally impressive display of lyrical prowess. He boasts about having heart and being able to rip the party apart. He uses wordplay, metaphors, and punchlines to create a highly entertaining verse. He talks about living larger than the founders at Fendi and taking on a team with the help of his crew. He also references the cultural aspects of hiphop, including smoking thai weed and rapping on off-beat breaks. Large Professor closes the song with his unique delivery and style. He boasts about his rich and thick lyrics, and how they are superior to those of other rappers, even going as far as to compare them to Aunt Jemima syrup. The verse is filled with clever wordplay and rhymes. He talks about knocking other rappers dead and keeping them on lock like dreads.
Overall, the song is a powerful representation of the early 90s rap scene. It is an excellent showcase for the skills of the artists involved and highlights the unique styles that each of them brings to the table.
Line by Line Meaning
It's like that y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
That y'all (that y'all!), that y'all (that y'all!)
And that's all!
The opening lines of a rap song that are intended to hype up the crowd and serve as an introduction to the rapper performing
Street's disciple, my raps are trifle
I am a rapper who is highly skilled at my craft, and my music is highly respected
I shoot slugs from my brain just like a rifle
My lyrics are powerful and have the ability to strike hard like slugs from a rifle
Stampede the stage, I leave the microphone split
When I perform on stage, I am so energetic and intense that I leave the microphone in tatters
Play Mr Tuffy while I'm on some Pretty Tone shit
While I am performing on stage, I have all the confidence of Mr. T, while also channeling the charisma and style of rapper Pretty Tone
Verbal assassin, my architect pleases
My delivery is lethal and deadly, and my lyrics are so well-crafted that they please even the most discerning ears
When I was twelve, I went to hell for snuffing Jesus
I have always been a bit of a rebel, and when I was young, I got into trouble for acting out
Nasty Nas is a rebel to America
I have always been seen as an outsider or rebel to mainstream American culture
Police murderer, I'm causing hysteria
Some people see me as a danger to society and blame me for the problems that exist
My troops roll up with a strange force
I have a dedicated group of supporters who are always ready to show up for me and make their presence felt
I was trapped in a cage and let out by the Main Source
I was held back or limited in some way, but the hip hop group Main Source helped me break free and achieve my potential
Swimming in women like a lifeguard
I am highly successful and attract a lot of female attention
Put on a bulletproof nigga I strike hard
I am tough and can handle myself in any situation
Kidnap the President's wife without a plan
I am not afraid to be bold or outrageous in what I say or do
And hanging niggas like the Ku Klux Klan
I am making a statement about the ongoing problem of racism in America
I melt mics till the sound wave's over
My performance on stage is so intense that it feels like the microphones are melting
Before stepping to me you'd rather step to Jehovah
I am so intimidating that you would rather face God than take me on
Slamming MC's on cement
I am so good at what I do that I can take on any other rapper and come out on top
Cause verbally, I'm iller than a AIDS patient
My skill as a rapper is so great that it is comparable to a deadly disease
I move swift and uplift your mind
My music has the power to inspire and motivate listeners
Shoot the gif when I riff in rhyme
I am highly skilled at creating rhymes that flow effortlessly and sound great
Rapping sniper, speaking real words
My rapping is so precise and calculated that it feels like I am attacking my opponents with precision and accuracy
My thoughts react, like Steven Spielberg's
My thoughts are highly creative and imaginative, much like the films of Steven Spielberg
Poetry attacks, paragraphs punch hard
My lyrics are so powerful and well-crafted that they can be compared to a physical attack
My brain is insane, I'm out to lunch, God
I am highly creative and unconventional, and I don't always conform to society's expectations
Science is dropped, my raps are toxic
My music has the ability to influence people in a way that is dangerous or harmful
My voicebox locks and excels like a rocket
My delivery is so powerful that it feels like I am launching rockets with my voice
Fatal is merciful and they curse me
Some people view me as a threat or danger to society, while others see me as someone who is just misunderstood
When I grip the mic I show no mercy
When I am on stage performing, I give it my all and show no mercy to my opponents
I got heart, I rip the party apart
My music has the ability to create excitement and energy in a crowd
From the seams and hem up like bell-bottom jeans
I am a skilled rapper who can create music that is both catchy and fashionable
But you get done, you get blues like 501
If you try to take me on, you will fail and be left feeling blue
Brothers are live but I bet ya I'm liver son
Other rappers may be good, but I am the best and most talented
So let me get upon the scene and redeem
I want to take my music to the next level and prove my worth to the world
The dream of a team, and knock 'em out like Mitch Green
I have big goals and dreams for myself and my music, and I am willing to take on anyone who stands in my way
Smoke some thai weed, flow at a high speed
I am so talented that even when I am high, I can still perform at a high level
Rap on off breaks stomping like Northlakes
My flow is so unique and impressive that it stands out from other rappers
Cause I'm living larger than the founders of Fendi
I am a highly successful rapper who has achieved more than many people ever will
An Asiatic brother that many rappers envy
As a successful rapper who is of Asian descent, I am an inspiration to many people who share my background
So round up your crew and entourage
I am ready to take on anyone who wants to step up and challenge me
And let the God Merciful just take charge
When I am on stage, I am fully in control and confident in my abilities
Some of them said (said what?) that the Ak should quit
Some people have doubted my abilities as a rapper, and have suggested that I should retire
But I don't sweat it, cause I'm too big for that small shit
I am confident in myself and my abilities, and I don't let negative comments or criticism get to me
Like pigs when it comes to a showdown
Other rappers are afraid to challenge me because they know that I am too skilled and talented
Huff and puff but the Ak won't get blown down
No matter how hard my opponents try, they will never be able to knock me down or defeat me
Cause I come strong, rather than come at all and not be ready
When I perform on stage, I give it my all and come prepared to deliver a great performance
That's what separates me from the petty
My dedication and talent as a rapper sets me apart from others who may not take their craft as seriously
MC's gas themselves by drinking too much Getty
Other rappers tend to overinflate their own abilities and believe they are better than they are
And get torn the fuck up like confetti
Despite their inflated ego, these rappers are easily torn down and defeated
I'm rich and thick, your lyrics like Aunt Jemima
I am highly successful and respected, while other rappers struggle to gain traction and recognition
It doesn't take Keenan Ivory Wayans to know that I'mma
Get you sucker if you bite like a piranha
My skills as a rapper are undeniable, and I can take down anyone who tries to emulate my style or copy my work
So save them preschool rhymes for the kids at Wonderama
Other rappers who cannot compete with my abilities should stick to simple rhymes that are better suited for children's programming
Point blank, period, with no comma
My skill as a rapper is straightforward and easily understood by anyone who listens to my music
Rhymes so dangerous, call for the homicide
My music has the ability to incite strong emotions in listeners and cause them to take extreme actions
Cause I knock 'em dead even when I'm at my worst
Even when I am not at my best, my music is still better than most other rappers
The only future that lies ahead of them is the lights from the hearse
Other rappers who try to compete with me will not be successful, and will likely end up dead or unsuccessful
Got game like a crackhead
I have a lot of skill and talent in my craft
But don't be misled, I keep rappers on lock like a dread
Although I am highly skilled, other rappers should not underestimate me because I will always be a fierce competitor
Knots in the head from the words that I said
My lyrics are so powerful and intense that they can literally cause physical pain or discomfort
So get a shovel and dig your grave cause the shit you talk is dead
If you try to take me on, you will fail miserably and be left with nothing but disappointment and failure
I grab up girls like jacks
I am highly successful with women and attract a lot of female attention
Add 'em on like tax, and I'm over like Hot Trax
I am so talented and successful that I am in high demand and always in the spotlight
As far as brothers are concerned a pressure cooker from start
To finish I diminish like a Cuisinart
I am a master at what I do, and those who try to compete with me will be left feeling inadequate and insignificant
Secondly, I'm sick of critics, who's necking me
(Ooh he got an afro) yo, but I got dough
I am tired of critics and naysayers who try to bring me down, but I am secure in my abilities and financial success
Why's my name the Large Professor?
Cause I milked your cow in other words I hit your heifer
I am famous and well-known in the rap world because of my talent and ability to create great music
Don't talk about how you can break Rambo
That's just a bunch of mamba-ja-hambo
Other rappers who talk a big game are often just full of hot air and don't have the skills or abilities to back up their claims
Propaganda, save it for Savanda
Joe and Amanda, Zach and Alexandra
Other rappers who try to use propaganda or other tactics to gain power or influence will be unsuccessful, and I am not intimidated by them
Don't let the folks around your way puff your head
Cause you'll be the owner of a hospital bed
If other rappers let their success get to their heads, they will eventually be exposed and left feeling humiliated or defeated
I'll kick fire out your ass so fast
You'll be as crispy as my man Bill Blass
If other rappers try to take me on, I will quickly dismantle them and leave them feeling crispy or defeated
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Shawn Mc Kenzie, Kevin Harold Mc Kenzie, Paul Mitchell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Skratch Bastid
Thanks for rocking with me! This is a limited time upload. You can watch this and all other Bastid's BBQ streams at http://www.bastidsbbq.com/VIP - unmuted, unedited, and on demand. Membership also gives you access to the VIP Zoom Room you see in the video, as well as audio downloads and exclusive member merch. It is the best way to directly support me as an artist so that I can keep bringing you videos and streams. Sign up today and get Top Grillin'. β
People just do nothing
Energy's infectious dude... Props
Sebastian Oliveira
It's great to participate in the zoom room SB has a very good energy we love your presentations. Brazil always present.
littleoldal
yerrrrrrrrrrrr.
i'm at work rocking to this, and a vendor walked by and was surprised that conor macgregor was a dj, too!!π€£π€£
Colleen OBrien
it says the site isnt safe can you upgrade the security certificate on there
Frank Murphy
Im a get that platinum vip status for my b day cause im offical top smoker here in De. The neighborhood no what i do they here an smell what i be doin no secret around here
RJ Tholl
Bastid sold me my first stack of records when he worked at Revolution Records in Halifax when I was 20 and living/attending uni at dalhousie in Halifax NS. The guy is a legend. He brought Jazzy Jeff 4 times in a few years and I will always thank him for those opportunities to see the two of them playing side by side and they were just some of the funnest nights imaginable.
Skratch Bastid
Damn RJ! Amazing memories. Best of days that very much shaped the trajectory of my Dj career. Thanks for the story and keep rockin'...
thatstheguy07
Haha memories indeed. Sup RJ its byrd!
Sara Habib
Candian to the core.......I love it.