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Will Smith Tells Rakim He Copied Him On Summertime

One of Hip-Hop's longstanding curiosities surrounds DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's 1991 hit "Summertime." The Homebase single landed the West Philadelphia duo their second Grammy Award, but it also marked a shift in tempo, style, and flow for the Hip-Hop vets. For years, some have speculated that Rakim... Read more

Rakim & LL Cool J Perform A Boomin’ Tribute To Marley Marl

Earlier this month (October 3), the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards taped in Atlanta, Georgia. The awards show now aired tonight (October 10). Among its highlights was producer/DJ Marley Marl winning the coveted I Am Hip Hop Award in the culture's ceremonial 50th year. Marley Marl is the Queens, New... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff Says Will Smith Would Have Slapped Mike Tyson

In 1989, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince released the song "I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson," the Rocky-inspired lead video single from their aptly-titled And In This Corner... album. Iron Mike appeared in the Jive/Zomba music video, and according to Jeff some years back, was not above... Read more

Jazzy Jeff Explains The Death Of DJs In Hip-Hop Groups

DJ Jazzy Jeff has served as a global ambassador of Hip-Hop culture for well over 35 years. Even before the Southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native won a Grammy Award, he was a DMC champion mixmaster. The creator of Vinyl Destination and The Playlist Retreat has taken his skills (and a few... Read more

Busta Rhymes Has Made A Classic Album 30 Years Into His Career

Busta Rhymes is one of Hip-Hop's most enduring stars. Named by Chuck D, a fixture within Native Tongues, a requested artist on Tupac's One Nation project, a member of the Aftermath/Shady/G-Unit reign as well as Cash Money/Young Money, and one of J Dilla's closest collaborators, Trevor Smith, Jr. has done... Read more

Conway The Machine Collides With DJ Premier For Something That’s Nothin’ Less Than Dope

Last Friday (September 11), Conway The Machine released his third project of 2020. Following March's Alchemist-produced LULU and May's Ghost LTD-helmed No One Mourns The Wicked, the Buffalo, New Yorker steps forth with From A King To A God. In one of the busiest seasons in Hip-Hop history, Griselda continues the... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & MICK Heat It Up For The 10th Straight Summertime Mix (Audio)

The legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff gets together with noted mixtape DJ, MICK, annually to drop a definitive mix to welcome the hot weather of July and August. Their Summertime Mixtape Volume 10 marks a full decade that they have been knocking out these season specific collections of jams. So, of... Read more

Jazzy Jeff & Will Smith Re-Create From Da South 25 Years Later & It Sounds FRESH

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince have been back in form lately. With some new music creeping out, Jeff and Will Smith have an unbreakable bond that goes back nearly 35 years. At the top of a newly-released video, The Fresh Prince jokes that the man who discovered him... Read more

Dave Chappelle Teaches Will Smith How To Do Standup Comedy (Video)

Will Smith is many things. Actor, MC, humanitarian, father, social media influencer and husband are some of the titles he holds. However, the West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native says that standup comedy is a fascination of his that gives him fear. Smith's role on The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, in film,... Read more

A Short Film Shows What The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air Would Look Like In 2019

Next year, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air turns 30 years old. It's been nearly three decades since Will Smith introduced America to a fictionalized version of himself, playing a West Philadelphia-native who gets relocated to Bel Air, California to stay out of trouble and live with his extended family. During... Read more

A Haunting DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince Music Video Makes Its Return After 30 Years

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's 1988 sophomore, the He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper double album is iconic for many reasons, but one of them may have been forgotten during the commotion of the project's success. "A Nightmare On My Street" is one of the most memorable Hip-Hop adaptations of... Read more

Will Smith Gives 1 Of His Realest Interviews. He Says He’s Finally Being Authentic (Video)

Will Smith is at a crossroads in his career. Throughout the last 33 years, the West Philadelphia native has balanced music, film, TV, philanthropy, and a celebrity family. In all of those fields, the 49-year-old has seemingly thrived on the highest level. Recently, two freestyles showed a fierce return to... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & MICK’s 9th Annual Mix Means Summertime Is In Effect Mode (Audio)

DJ Jazzy Jeff and MICK (fka Mick Boogie) are back with the latest entry of their Summertime mix series. Since 2010, the two kings of party-rocking have linked up to release the annual 4th of July mixtape inspired by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's hit single. These mixes,... Read more

Will Smith Reacts To The 65′ Mural Of Him Made For A West Philadelphia School (Video)

Will Smith name-checking West Philadelphia in the theme song to The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air took a city section with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a no-nonsense reputation and made it known—at least by name—in the mainstream. From the Overbrook neighborhood, Smith and business partner James Lassiter named... Read more

Will Smith Reminds Jaden Who The FIRST Icon In The Family Was With A New Freestyle (Video)

For the Smith family, entertainment is the trade. In the last year, Jaden Smith has made some impressive music, even winning over some skeptics of the celebrity son to Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith. Jaden is serious about his musical craft, evident on last year's SYRE. In two days (June 8),... Read more

Will Smith Says “The Beast Is Back” & Rips A New Freestyle (Video)

Will Smith took close to a decade away from music. In 2005, the co-founder of DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince dropped his fourth solo album, Lost & Found. It included some contribution from Jeff and debuted at #6 on the charts. After mixed reviews on that project, Smith... Read more

Will Smith Tells The Crazy Story Of How He Became The Prince Of Bel-Air (Video)

The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air was a popular show, and it still is. For six seasons, Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro, James Avery, Karyn Parsons, Tatyana Ali, Joseph Marcell, and others entertained audiences with humor, family values, and a host of guest stars. The NBC series explains its premise in the... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff’s New Album Is A Magnificent End To An Incredible Trilogy (Audio)

Different eras of Hip-Hop fans may know DJ Jazzy Jeff for various achievements in his career. Some first encountered Jeffrey Townes' turntablism and production skills thanks to DJ Jazzy & The Fresh Prince. Others have learned of the innovating mix-master through his stellar solo career, mixtapes, and collaborative works. With... Read more

Will Smith Details The Night Michael Jackson Gave Him The Thrill Of His Life (Video)

At 49 years old, Will Smith may be the champion of social media. The actor, MC, comedian, and media mogul has put a fresh spin on several platforms by injecting his personality, wit, wisdom, and family dynamics for the public to see. In a "Storytime" video, Smith does it again.... Read more

30 Years Ago DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince Gave Hip-Hop Something Brand New (Video)

Thirty years ago this week (March 29, 1988), DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince released a landmark double-album courtesy of He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper. At a time when Rap music was just getting comfortable with the album format, an MC/DJ battery from West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania raised the... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff Explains Why Chance The Rapper Would Be A Great New Fresh Prince (Video)

The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air broadcast its 148th and final episode on May 20, 1996. At that time, Will Smith was 27 years old and progressing into film for what has proven to be an incredible entertainment career. The MC-turned-actor from West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania had won two Grammy Awards. He... Read more

Jaden Smith Is Out To Eat Other MCs For Breakfast…Including His Father (Audio)

Since his days as The Fresh Prince, Will Smith's music career may live in the backseat of his Hollywood accomplishments, but it is the impetus. In five albums with DJ Jazzy Jeff and some solo releases, Will Smith was gifted at making songs for mainstream and youth America while still... Read more

Jazzy Jeff Shows He’s Not Just A DJ. He’s A Master Producer Too (Video)

DJ Jazzy Jeff is not just one of Hip-Hop's most celebrated turntablists and party-rocking DJs, he's a highly accomplished producer. The West Philly force was behind the sounds on those acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning moments alongside The Fresh Prince. In the years since, Jeff has unleashed a series of celebrated albums,... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & MICK’s Summertime 8 Mix Gets The Cookout Party Started (Audio)

2017 marks eight years since DJ Jazzy Jeff and MICK (fka Mick Boogie) started their Summertime series. From jump, these became some of the best things to look forward to in 2010s Hip-Hop. True to the sets of each acclaimed DJ, these mixes flex Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock, Funk, Jazz, and... Read more

Watch 40 Years Of Hip-Hop History In 4 Minutes In A Mind-Blowing Mashup (Video)

It ain't nothin' like Hip-Hop music...Over the last 40 years, there have been few forces in pop culture with more impact than Hip-Hop. Like Rock & Roll before it, the music and lifestyle shaped an entire generation and has had untold influence around the world. The Rub: The History of... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff Wants His New Project To Give You Goosebumps. Listen & Chill. (Audio)

DJ Jazzy Jeff has kept a tight catalog. Outside of his award-winning, multi-platinum work with The Fresh Prince, the Philadelphia DJ/producer launched his Magnificent series, introduced protege MC Dayne Jordan, and played a key role with The Roots, Jill Scott, and others. In a sneak attack of sorts, Jeff releases... Read more

The Turntable Hip-Hop Made Famous Has Scratched The Culture That Built It

The Technics 1200s turntable is one of the tools of the Hip-Hop trade. Introduced in October of 1972, the SL-1200 has grown step-by-step with the musical culture credited with a birthday less than one year apart (August 11, 1973). Over the years, more than three-million units have sold, many in... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Rhymefest’s New Music Together Has A Lot Of People Hyped (Audio)

Last week, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Rhymefest revamped their "Jeff n' Fess" tandem after nearly a decade. They released "Mr. Officer," a powerful track featuring Eric Roberson that made no bones about showing the fear, the hurt, and the disconnect with Black citizens caused by police profiling and brutality. "No... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Rhymefest Have A Clear Message For Mr. Officer (Audio)

Producer and turntablist DJ Jazzy Jeff and fellow Grammy Award winner Rhymefest appear to have created a group, Jeff n Fess. The Philadelphia and Chicago link made its debut (and scratched at its band name) nearly a decade ago on The Return Of Magnificent, Jeff's LP. 2016 headlines and tragic... Read more

Rakim Addresses The Rumors That He Wrote DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s “Summertime”

For 25 years, there have been longstanding questions (and some rumors) surrounding DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's biggest hit, "Summertime." The 1991 Top 5 Jive/Zomba Records single from Homebase showcased a different flow from the West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC now known as Will Smith. Many speculated that the... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & MICK Set Summertime 2016 Ablaze With Exclusives In The Mix

For the seventh consecutive year, DJ Jazzy Jeff & MICK (f/k/a Mick Boogie) punctuate the season with a Summertime mix. The 2016 version, also known as Summertime 7, is big on exclusives, ranging from Jeff's co-produced opener with De La Soul ("Time For Summer") to rare Pete Rock remixes of Jay Z... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff Remixes “Summertime” 25 Years Later & It’s A Scorcher (Audio)

This week kicks off the official summer season. In the Hip-Hop genre, no song is more synonymous with the season than DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's 1991 platinum single, "Summertime." The Jive/Zomba Records hit was a Top 5 record for the West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania duo—the highest of their... Read more

Bishop Nehru Touches A Jazzy Jeff Track & It’s Magnificent (Audio)

Bishop Nehru is an artist who clearly respects his Hip-Hop forefathers. Early in the Lex Records artist's career, he linked with DOOM (f/k/a MF DOOM) for a full-length project. Also down with the Mass Appeal label, it was reported in late 2014 that Nas would executive produce the MC's upcoming... Read more

QBert, DJ Premier, Jazzy Jeff Speak On Evolution & Pressures Of DJs In Doc Trailer (Video)

Films like 2001's Scratch have covered the role of DJs in Hip-Hop music's genesis. However, the artist who uses turntables and mixers to create, alter, and present music live spans across genre. Soundtrack: The Story of the DJ is a forthcoming film that examines the mix-master. The film, made by... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & James Poyser Took A Snowstorm & Made Some Hot Beats (EP Stream)

This past weekend, a snow storm by the name of Jonas swept through the Mid-Atlantic states, and left its mark in the form of inches of accumulation. DJ Jazzy Jeff, living in his Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was among those affected. So was James Poyser, a fellow Grammy Award-producer known for his... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Holiday Groove Has More Than A Touch Of Jazz (Audio)

DJ Jazzy Jeff knows how to do holidays right. His and MICK's Summertime mixtape series have made the Summer months even hotter. This time, as the year comes to a close, the West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hip-Hop legend sprinkles a new track on fans. "Xmas Is Coming!!" is a straightforward Jazz... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s Vintage Freestyle Is An MC & DJ Hallmark (Audio)

Sometime in the late 1980s, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince hit the London, England studio of Tim Westwood. In the same city where they recorded extensively as a duo at the time. Unlike MCs or DJs appearing on Westwood's show, this tandem could improvise vocally, and musically—and please... Read more

Will Smith Returns As An MC 10 Years Later & Picks Up Right Where He Left Off (Video)

A decade ago, Will Smith (a/k/a The Fresh Prince) put the mic down, as his acting career was skyrocketing to the top of Hollywood. The West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania left Heads with Lost and Found, and dipped—taking on some of the biggest roles of his near 30-year entertainment career. In 2015,... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince May Be Making Some Brand New Funk Together, Again

Earlier this month, Will Smith said he is almost certain that he and DJ Jazzy Jeff (as "DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince") are soon embarking on the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's first ever official tour, despite a nearly 30-year history. Well, according to Jeff, there is even more coming. Just... Read more

Run-D.M.C.’s Raising Hell vs. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s Rock The House. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper vs. Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique. Which is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

Imagine The Fresh Prince With No Hilary or Carlton. It Almost Happened…

This week marks the 25th anniversary of the debut episode of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," an NBC-aired television show that not only helped launch the career of Will Smith but also cultivated a strong Hip-Hop presence in American living rooms throughout its six-year run. In recent years, a nostalgic... Read more

Bad Boys For Life. Will Smith & Martin Lawrence’s Franchise Gets New Editions

In the 20th anniversary year of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence's Bad Boys film, fans have more than nostalgia to look forward to. Sony Pictures has confirmed box office dates for 20 films, as reported by Variety. Within the extensive lineup, a February 2017 box office date has been set... Read more

Will Smith & Jay Z To Produce Mini-Series On Life & Murder Of Emmett Till

Today (July 25) is the birthday of Emmett Till. He would have been 74 years old. The Chicago, Illinois native was murdered on August 28, 1955 while visiting family in Money, Mississippi. Then just 14 years old, Emmett—who was Black—spoke to 21-year-old Carolyn Bryant. In the hours that followed, Till... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff Calls Will Smith One Of Rap’s Greatest Storytellers. Do You Agree?

Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Rakim, Ghostface Killah, Ice Cube, Andre 3000, Nas, Kendrick Lamar...Hip-Hop has its list of great storytellers. According to DJ Jazzy Jeff, any GOAT Storyteller list is severely suspect if it does not include Will Smith, perhaps forever known to Hip-Hop Heads as The Fresh Prince. In... Read more

Finding The GOAT: The Fresh Prince vs. DMC…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

STS & DJ Jazzy Jeff Know How Philly Use To Sound & Bring It Back (Audio)

Regardless of genre, some cities just have a certain style. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania most certainly is one such place. "The City Of Brotherly Love" has a great deal of harmony and fusion, dating back to the colonial period. In more recent times, the city—a patchwork of cultures, races, faiths, and customs... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Mick Boogie Release Summertime Vol. 5 (Mixtape)

Could a Summer really be a Hip-Hop Summer without DJ Jazzy Jeff and the DJ formerly known as Mick Boogie dropping their signature mixtape? For the fifth straight solstice, the Philly and Ohio natives, respectively, let go of the block party-to-go mix series. This year's includes joints from Parliament-Funkadelic, The... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff, Questlove & James Poyser Form Like Voltron To Support One New Artist, But Who? (Video)

In the early 2000s, between Grammy awards going to The Roots and Neo-Soul climbing the charts, Philadelphia was a hot-bed of talent. At venues like The Black Lily and The Five Spot, artists from various pockets of sound were hanging out, collaborating, and making a case why Philly is The... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff Lists Some Of His Prized Celebrity Equipment, Covers Nirvana In A Jam With Travis Barker (Video)

DJ Jazzy Jeff is the farthest thing from a braggart. When he shares jewels from his personal and professional life, it's always matter of fact. So when the A Touch Of Jazz founder crosses paths with Travis Barker (Blink 182), the two are just talking shop. In the process, Jeff... Read more