DJ Jazzy Jeff

Jeffrey A. Townes is perhaps best known by his association with movie star and million-selling R&B star Will Smith - DJ Jazzy Jeff and Smith are best friends, musical collaborators, and were co-stars in the popular early 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Between 1987 and 1993, the duo released six albums including He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper (1988) and Homebase (1991). Both were commercially successful, getting to No. 4 and No. 11 in the US album charts respectively, with Homebase reaching double-Platinum certification. Reviews were positive about both albums too, particularly He's The DJ..., which is considered one of the most likeable hip-hop records of the 80s. Homebase featured the Grammy Award-winning single "Summertime", which heavily sampled Kool & the Gang's jazzy "Summer Madness". In 1993 they had a worldwide hit with "Boom! Shake The Room", which sampled the Ohio Players' "Funky Worm".

In 2002, Jazzy Jeff released his first solo album The Magnificent. Featuring guests such as ?uestlove from The Roots, and Jill Scott, it was warmly received by the hip-hop press. Since then he has concentrated on mix-tape compilations, releasing one each year from 2004-2007.