DJ Jazzy Jeff

"Jazzy Jeff" redirects here. For the New York rapper, see MC Jazzy Jeff. For the American boxer, see Jeff Mayweather.
DJ Jazzy Jeff
DJ Jazzy Jeff in 2011
DJ Jazzy Jeff in 2011
Background information
Birth nameJeffrey Allen Townes[1]
Also known as
  • Jazz
  • Jazzy Jeff
Born (1965-01-22) January 22, 1965 (age 59)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • DJ
  • record producer
  • actor
Years active1985–present[2]
Labels
  • Rapster
  • Groovin'
  • BBE
Formerly of
Websitedjjazzyjeff.com

Jeffrey Allen Townes (born January 22, 1965), known professionally as DJ Jazzy Jeff (or simply Jazz), is an American DJ and producer. He was one half of the hip hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, along with rapper-turned-actor and fellow Philadelphia native Will Smith.[3] He is credited, along with DJs Spinbad and Cash Money, with popularizing the transformer scratch.[4]

  1. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 159. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  2. ^ Steve Huey. "DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince". AllMusic. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
  3. ^ DJ Jazzy Jeff; Wilder, Chris (March 26, 2013). "DJ Jazzy Jeff on the 25th Anniversary of "He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper"". Philadelphia Weekly. Archived from the original on August 31, 2013.
  4. ^ "The Art of Turntablism". PBS. DJs Spinbad, Cash Money and Jazzy Jeff transformed turntablism by inventing the 'Transformer scratch' – so named for the sound it created which echoed the popular 1980s cartoon. This technique of flicking the cross fader back and forth on the mixer whilst simultaneously scratching gave a greater tonal range and allowed DJs to experiment with the rhythmic qualities.