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.
M.I.A
DJ Jazzy Jeff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shit sounds like some old wild western
Shoot em up, O.K. Corral
Blowin up spots, Missin Linx
Better run that
Prepare your eardrums
For one of the ruggedest raw MC's
You musta been sniffin that shit
To think that you could fuck wit me or any of the members of my click
For that matter, wit ya chitter-chatter
Makin your body parts splatter
Send you an e-mail bomb and erase your data
Now you're clueless, wonderin how I do this
Simple and plain, I run wit real niggas and squads that carry Rugers
[Al Tariq]
Aiyyo I shit you and noyds and spit that shit called noise
Got your boys losin poise, kickin Stories like some Toys
Wit the kung-fu grip, don't trip
Watch the crack or break your mother's fuckin back
Flip script and watch me act like a legend
Got you pledgin your allegiance
To the three men, potent 'cause we semen
Let me control all sons, leak shit, we come wit tons
You could never see these ones, just our mothafuckin guns
[Chorus] 2x
[All] M-I-double-S-I-N Linx, Missin In Action
[AT] The Artist Formerly Known as Fashion
[BA] By the way my name Attack, first name Black
[PZ] Problemz
[All] Put it all together and ya'll still couldn't solve em
[Black Attack]
Oh ya'll niggas talk the slim shit
Don't make me have to rewind this back
Black Attack got the Feds lookin for dimes and crack
None of that though, we been unloaded, fuckin blowin
I exploded, fuck is ya'll smokin, sounded corroded
Ya'll know my status, fuck wit dime pieces
Twist Godfather's full of berries 'fore I bless the aparatus
Who the baddest or the realest, niggas feel this cross seas
While you shinin wit diamonds I'm flossin wit trees
[Problemz]
Ya'll niggas'll never manifest the lyrical text that I posses
Burn your chest hairs like Jack Daniels when I dismantle
Your whole persona, that's my word to marijuana
Blaze a nigga like gonga, don't make me have to remind ya
The shit I drop on you, about 29 bars ago
Prob's the pro, flowin without question, recollectin
On shit I did in the past, blaze and get Cash like Johnny
Need me? In the back wit the fat sack of chronic
Chorus 2x
[Al Tariq]
Aiyyo A-L-T-A-Riq freak incredible
Regurgitate these raps, too much fat, never edible
But legible, read my lips son (Fuck you)
Comin through, blunts and brews, Q-you wit mobs and crews
Now who you? 'cause I don't hear no noise from your cypher
Fuck around wit this and get twist, we be some lifers
For takin yours, breakin yours yo I'm started
Now check the middle finger for foes dearly departed
[Black Attack]
Now you know I can flow though
Wit no dough, flip promos in slow mo
Light the dro though
Fuckin wit Black Attack, now that's a no-no
Nuff the bullshit, niggas better stop comin partial
Ya'll want to play captain, Sean Black'll play the marshall
The biggest, largest, Ac coupe kamikaze
Hoppin out the Expedition, twist diggy off the gongy
Ya'll bumb-ass niggas, I only fuck wit raw
AMB shit, since 1992 minus 4
Chorus 2x
The song M.I.A. by DJ Jazzy Jeff, featuring Rhymefest, Al Tariq, Black Attack, and Problemz, is a hardcore hip-hop number. The lyrics from each artist talk about their individual mastery of the mic device and their ability to skillfully drop rhymes. They assert that they have achieved a level of excellence that sets them apart from other rhyme droppers, and it's impossible to mess with them. Each MC focuses on their ability to control the rhythm, crafting verses that speak directly to the listeners. They assert themselves as powerful and fearless figures, who command respect and attention.
The chorus holds all of them together, working as a cohesive unit to provide a unified message. Each of their individual verses is strong, but when combined with the others, the song gains to a higher level of strength. The overall message of the song is about their potency and importance in the rap game, which no one can refute. Even the song's upbeat melody and almost jarring sound quality only reinforce their raw and in-your-face delivery.
Line by Line Meaning
Shit sounds like some old wild western
The instrumental sounds like a theme from a western movie
Shoot em up, O.K. Corral
The lyrics are violent, like a shootout at O.K. Corral
Blowin up spots, Missin Linx
The group Missin Linx is gaining popularity and recognition by making hot music
Better run that
Respect their skills and run their music
Prepare your eardrums
Get ready for some tough rhymes and beats
For one of the ruggedest raw MC's
Introducing a raw, authentic MC
To ever bless the mic device, Rhymes Galore like Busta
This MC has an overwhelming flow like Busta Rhymes
You musta been sniffin that shit
You must be out of your mind to think you can compete
To think that you could fuck wit me or any of the members of my click
To think you could challenge me or my crew is ridiculous
For that matter, wit ya chitter-chatter
Your talk is meaningless and irrelevant
Makin your body parts splatter
Their rhymes are so powerful, they can make your body parts shake
Send you an e-mail bomb and erase your data
They can attack you with virtual weapons, like e-mail bombs
Now you're clueless, wonderin how I do this
You're lost and amazed at their skills
Simple and plain, I run wit real niggas and squads that carry Rugers
Their crew consists of tough individuals packing guns
Aiyyo I shit you and noyds and spit that shit called noise
Referring to their ability to speak and rhyme with impeccable style
Got your boys losin poise, kickin Stories like some Toys
The competition has lost their composure, like kids losing in a game
Wit the kung-fu grip, don't trip
Their rhymes are tight and solid
Watch the crack or break your mother's fuckin back
Be careful, or you might end up hurting yourself or someone else
Flip script and watch me act like a legend
They can change the narrative and make history
Got you pledgin your allegiance
Their fans are loyal and dedicated
To the three men, potent 'cause we semen
Referring to their crew, they are powerful and strong together
Let me control all sons, leak shit, we come wit tons
They have numerous tracks and are fully in control of their artistry
You could never see these ones, just our mothafuckin guns
They are unstoppable and deadly like guns
M-I-double-S-I-N Linx, Missin In Action
The crew's name is Missin Linx, and they are missing in action
The Artist Formerly Known as Fashion
One of the crew members is now known as something else
By the way my name Attack, first name Black
One of the crew members has the name Black Attack
Problemz
One of the crew members is called Problemz
Put it all together and ya'll still couldn't solve em
Even if you combine all their names, you still couldn't take them down
Oh ya'll niggas talk the slim shit
Referring to the competition, they talk a lot but don't have much to back it up
Don't make me have to rewind this back
Don't make them repeat themselves and go over their skills again
Black Attack got the Feds lookin for dimes and crack
Their lyrics reflect on real-life situations, like being wanted by the police
None of that though, we been unloaded, fuckin blowin
They've already disposed of any illegal items and are making good music
I exploded, fuck is ya'll smokin, sounded corroded
Referring to their own skills and flow, they are on fire and the competition sounds rusty
Ya'll know my status, fuck wit dime pieces
People know who they are, and they only associate with high-quality individuals
Twist Godfather's full of berries 'fore I bless the aparatus
They can twist ups some papers before they start making music like the Godfather blesses his victims
Who the baddest or the realest, niggas feel this cross seas
They are the best and most authentic artists, and their music is reaching international attention
While you shinin wit diamonds I'm flossin wit trees
While other artists show off their wealth with diamonds, they only want to celebrate and enjoy their music
Ya'll niggas'll never manifest the lyrical text that I posses
The competition can never match their lyrical abilities
Burn your chest hairs like Jack Daniels when I dismantle
Their rhymes are so fiery, it can feel like drinking Jack Daniels and burning your chest hairs
Your whole persona, that's my word to marijuana
They can destroy your entire image and persona, and they swear it on marijuana
Blaze a nigga like gonga, don't make me have to remind ya
They can put you on fire like ganja, and they won't hesitate to do it
The shit I drop on you, about 29 bars ago
The rhymes they're saying is old news and not relevant anymore
Prob's the pro, flowin without question, recollectin
One of the crew members is a professional artist, and he can flow without hesitation
On shit I did in the past, blaze and get Cash like Johnny
He reflects on his past experiences, and he made a lot of money like Johnny Cash
Need me? In the back wit the fat sack of chronic
If anyone needs him, he's in the back with a big bag of weed
Now you know I can flow though
The next artist can rhyme just as well as the previous one
Wit no dough, flip promos in slow mo
He can still make great music without a lot of money, and he can showcase his skills slowly
Light the dro though
He likes to smoke weed
Fuckin wit Black Attack, now that's a no-no
Don't mess with Black Attack, or you'll have a big problem
Nuff the bullshit, niggas better stop comin partial
Stop half-assing things, and commit to your craft
Ya'll want to play captain, Sean Black'll play the marshall
If you want to lead or act like the boss, he'll put you in your place like a marshal
The biggest, largest, Ac coupe kamikaze
He's living his life to the fullest and right now, he's driving in a big car
Hoppin out the Expedition, twist diggy off the gongy
He's getting out of his car, getting high, and enjoying himself
AMB shit, since 1992 minus 4
He's been doing this for a long time, since 1992 but now it's four years later
Comin through, blunts and brews, Q-you wit mobs and crews
The artist is coming in strong, drinking beer and smoking weed with his crew
Now who you? 'cause I don't hear no noise from your cypher
He doesn't care who you are, or what you say, because he doesn't hear anything significant
Fuck around wit this and get twist, we be some lifers
Messing with them can lead to harm, and they're in this music game for life
For takin yours, breakin yours yo I'm started
They can take your stuff and destroy it, and they're not afraid to start a conflict
Now check the middle finger for foes dearly departed
He's flipping off his enemies and hoping they'll never mess with him again
Chorus 2x
Repeats the hook of the song
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANTHONY TUCKER, OMARI GRANDBERRY, MAURICE JORDAN, OLUBOWALE VICTOR AKINTIMEHIN, JERMAINE PREYAN, SHAUNICE JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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