Tag: DJ Jazzy Jeff

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DJ Jazzy Jeff Responds to Disrespect From A Major Hip-hop Platform

DJ Jazzy Jeff

On Sunday, January 29, DJ Jazzy Jeff responded to a social media post from a significant hip-hop platform questioning his status as a DJ. He kept it cool but let it be known that he caught the slight.

DJ Jazzy Jeff Responds to Public Disrespect

Sunday, January 29, long respected hip hop publication The Source Magazine sent out a shady tweet regarding DJ Jazzy Jeff Townes.  The post read, “Wait, DJ Jazzy Jeff is a real DJ?”

 

Jazzy Jeff saw the tweet and responded. His post was simple. He posted one word in response to the question, and another acknowledged he caught the shade. And finally, one word to sum up everything. “Yup. I saw that. WORD!”

Slip up or Hack

It was not long before the outlet responded, apologizing for the post. The original tweet was said to be the result of a hack. And it was clarified that The Source definitively recognizes Jeff’s skills.

 

Jazzy Jeff’s Character: Next Level Chill

One thing that can be said about Jeff is that he is a chill dude. And even in this situation, he has demonstrated that a laid-back approach is all a part of his character. Jeff’s reply to The Source after their apology was short and sweet. He let them know he did not take it to heart. Everything was good from where he stood, and he suggested they just move on from that moment.

What to Make of the Original Tweet?

There may be something to The Source’s claim. First, there is no way any hip-hop outlet would not know Townes’ contributions to the culture in the capacity of DJ. Secondarily there is currently a plethora of public proof; check out DJjazzyjeff.com; it is evident he continues to demonstrate his skills. However, none of that stopped the disrespect. So fundamentally, the post comes off as sketchy and full of sarcasm. The entire tweet screams hater; if anything, it appears to be a bad joke.

Jazzy Jeff’s Contribution: Public Knowledge

 

Jeff is most recognized for his collaborative partnership with Will Smith. Will took the mic while he scratched the records. They were an unstoppable duo. Okayplayer notes that they [DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith] won two Grammys together. But, in earnest, those newer to hip-hop may not know what Townes can do. This is especially if they have yet to spend much time studying hip-hop history or delving into the classics. For sure, some people haven’t seen DJ Jazzy Jeff in action on the turntables. But they recognize him as the Fresh Prince’s wise-cracking friend from the iconic 90’s tv series. However, if you post on behalf of a major Hip Hop outlet, there is no excuse for not doing your homework. So, the most acceptable explanation would be a hacker did it.

Conclusion

Sometimes things slip through the cracks. But good on those who took quick action to correct the mistake, because otherwise, that is a bad look. And good on Townes for keeping it cool, calm, and collected.

Writiten by: Renae Richardson

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RIAA Honors Grandmaster Flash and MC Lyte

Mc Lyte
MC Lyte (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

As of late, it is more commonplace to see significant institutions honor the cultural impact of hip-hop. Recent months even saw the prestigious Smithsonian Institute celebrate the genre. Likewise, more award shows bestow hip-hop artists with lifetime achievement awards.

Hip-Hop’s Ascendance 

The genre’s push into mainstream cultural dominance is now more outwardly apparent than ever. Anecdotally, finding a person who doesn’t listen to rap seems more complex and challenging. As previously reported, hip-hop’s cultural dominance goes well beyond the scope of the United States. Indeed the genre’s popularity and pop cultural domination are undeniable. There is no genre of music as popular.

RIAA’s Honorees

Even so, the previously mentioned examples are not the only ones. The RIAA, Recording Industry Association of America, announced its plans to honor unsung hip-hop legends Grandmaster Flash and MC Lyte at an upcoming event. The RIAA stated the honoring was for “celebrate[ing] pioneers who have defied obstacles…and accelerated the growth of hip-hop…”. The dinner also plans to keep Jeff Harleston of UMG and Democratic House Member Hakeem Jeffries. Both are honored for their contribution to a diverse musical landscape.  

The night’s festivities consist of other famed acts honoring their iconic peers. The award presenter includes Dr. Dre, Missy Eliott, DJ Kool, and Yo-Yo. A planned performance featuring Rapsody, Mix Master Mike, and Fresh Prince collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff. With this impressive cavalcade of entertainers from the golden age of hip-hop, the night will serve as a fitting homage to the beloved genre.

Why It’s Important

Some of the names might be unfamiliar to younger fans, however, that does not mean their contribution should be ignored. On the contrary, all the names listed above served to help the proliferation of hip-hop and helped it become the domineering music of America that it is today. This cannot be forgotten; nights like this are designed to ensure their contributions are not erased.

Ryan Fields

 

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DJ Jazzy Jeff Weighs In On Will Smith And The Oscars

DJ Jazzy Jeff

 

DJ Jazzy Jeff, the long-life friend and collaborator of Will Smith, broke his silence on his thoughts on Will Smith’s reaction to Chris Rock at the Oscars.

DJ Jazzy Jeff Speaks on Smith

If anyone knows Will Smith, DJ. Jazzy Jeff does. Jeff is not only the DJ of the performing collab; he is also a long-time friend of Smith. Moreover, Jeff had something to add on Smith and his reaction to Rock’s Joke. Based on his knowledge of Smith, he chalks the slap to a lapse in judgment. In the words of Jeff,

“Don’t get it twisted that it was something he was proud of. It was a lapse in judgment, you know.”

He has a valid perspective.

Pressures Abound: Smith is Human

Furthermore, Smith has undergone a tremendous amount of pressure, especially with details of his personal life being made public. Yet, while everyone weighs in on his life, he has taken the part of the spectator for the most part. Surely this would take a toll on anyone. But, as Jeff so eloquently puts it, Smith is human.

Jeff Gives Perspective from The Point of Connection

It’s often difficult to fully assess from the outside looking in. There are many theories one could come up with to explain Smith’s reaction. However, there are very few who could give an accurate and valid perspective. DJ. Jazzy Jeff is one of those individuals. Based on Jeff’s assessment, Will’s reaction was out of character.

Most can agree with that sentiment.

Jeff Zeroes In

Jazzy Jeff contends one needs only look at Smith’s track record to understand.

“I think the thing that I’ve realized is I don’t know too many people that have had the least amount of lapse of judgment than him. I can name 50 times that he should’ve smacked the s— out of somebody, and he didn’t.”

Again, this is a point that no one can deny. And more importantly, Jeff is not the only one who understands this to be true. Reportedly Michael Bay has somewhat of the same perspective.

We All Are Human

All can agree that Will Smith is Human. And indeed, humans have lapses in judgment. No one is perfect. Nevertheless, somehow the world expects celebrities to be so perfect. The truth is, they are not. They are no different than the masses. The only difference would be the opportunities they are given and that they have taken. So as Jeff contends, we all deserve the benefit of the doubt.

“So for him to have a lapse in judgment, he’s human. And I think a lot of the criticism comes from the people who don’t think people like that are human.”

Considering everything, honestly, Smith does at least deserve to be weighed on the facet of his humanness.

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Written by Renae Richardson

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If you haven’t read about the Academy’s ruling on the Smith incident, check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article.