| D.J. CUT UP'S, MIXES & LIVE PERFORMANCES BY D.J. JAZZY JEFF |
| Total Mixes: 8, Duration: 01:04:31 |
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A summarised biography of D.J. Jazzy Jeff created using Google Gemini in January 2026 can be found at the bottom of this page |
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Click on the 'Release Title' to view the full details of each release |
| Release Category | Release Title | Label | Catalogue # | Year | Mixer(s) | Mix Title | Length |
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| Bootleg Series - Scratch Masters | Scratch Masters | Strictly Bizness | SB1006 | 1999 | D.J. Jazzy Jeff | A TOUCH OF JAZZ Extended Re-Touch | 00:04:46 |
| D.J. Cut-Up - Legal | He's The D.J., I'm The Rapper | Jive | HIP61 | 1988 | D.J. Jazzy Jeff | D.J. ON THE WHEELS | 00:03:25 |
| D.J. Cut-Up - Legal | He's The D.J., I'm The Rapper | Jive | HIP61 | 1988 | D.J. Jazzy Jeff | HIP HOP DANCER'S THEME | 00:03:45 |
| D.J. Cut-Up - Legal | He's The D.J., I'm The Rapper | Jive | HIP61 | 1988 | D.J. Jazzy Jeff | JAZZY'S IN THE HOUSE | 00:04:04 |
| Legal Label - Champion | A Touch Of Jazz | Champion | CHAMP1247 | 1987 | D.J. Jazzy Jeff | A TOUCH OF JAZZ Extended Re-Touch | 00:04:47 |
| Legal Label - Jive | D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - The Megadope Mix | Jive | 10301JD | 1987 | D.J. Jazzy Jeff | D.J. JAZZY JEFF & THE FRESH PRINCE: MEGADOPE MIX | 00:09:54 |
| Legal Series - Ultimate Trax | Ultimate Trax Volume 2 | Champion | CHAMP1005 | 1987 | D.J. Jazzy Jeff | BATTLE OF THE D.J.'S Volume 2 | 00:13:10 |
| Live Old School Hip Hop | Live At Union Square | No Label | LIVE01 | 1986 | D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince | LIVE AT UNION SQUARE November 1986 | 00:20:40 |
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DJ Jazzy Jeff is a foundational figure in hip-hop, revered not just as a performer but as a technical pioneer who bridged the gap between old-school turntablism and modern production. Here is a summarized breakdown of his career and impact: The Early Years & Partnership Origins: Born Jeffrey Allen Townes in Philadelphia, he began spinning records at age 10, quickly becoming a fixture in the Philly block party scene. The Duo: In 1985, he met Will Smith (The Fresh Prince). Their chemistry was instant, leading to the formation of DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Grammy History: In 1989, they won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for "Parents Just Don't Understand." Technical Innovations DJ Jazzy Jeff is widely credited with refining and popularizing several scratching techniques that are now industry standards: The Chirp Scratch: He is credited with inventing this technique, which involves coordinated movements of the fader and the record to create a high-pitched "chirping" sound. The Transformer Scratch: While he didn't invent it, he was the first to bring this complex rhythmic scratch to a mainstream audience, mimicking the sound of the robots from the Transformers cartoon. Evolution: A Touch of Jazz After the duo's massive success, Jeff transitioned into a world-class producer and mentor. A Touch of Jazz: He founded this production house in Philadelphia, which became a "hit factory" for the Neo-Soul movement. Mentorship: He played a pivotal role in launching the careers of artists like Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and Floetry. The Playlist Retreat: Today, he hosts an annual "Playlist Retreat," bringing together established and emerging DJs/producers to share knowledge and preserve the culture of DJing. Legacy & Style The "Philly" Sound: Jeff represents the soulful, technically precise style of Philadelphia turntablism. Live Performance: He remains one of the most sought-after touring DJs in the world, known for his "vinyl-only" feel even when using digital software. "A DJ's job is to take you on a journey. It's not just about playing records; it's about storytelling through sound." - DJ Jazzy Jeff |