DJ Jazzy Jeff, legendary hip hop DJ, discusses hip hop, DJ culture, and the challenges of traveling with heavy equipment. They also talk about their experiences on tour, the devastating Move Fire event, the early days of DJing, incidents of robbery, and the importance of DJ set length. Part 2 will feature more stories about DJ Jazzy Jeff's life and career.
DJ Jazzy Jeff's love for records and meticulousness in taking care of them shaped his early DJing career and future success in the music industry.
The Move bombing in Philadelphia in 1985 had a lasting impact on Jazzy Jeff and ignited his commitment to music as a positive outlet.
Understanding the crowd and creating a rollercoaster ride of music are crucial for Jazzy Jeff's sets, satisfying different groups of people within a shorter time frame.
Jazzy Jeff's Magnificent Series aims to tell a story through music, showcasing three generations of MCs and incorporating live instrumentation.
Deep dives
Growing up in West Philadelphia
Jeff Towns was born and raised in West Philadelphia, specifically at 57th and Rodman. He grew up in a musical household with his father being an MC for Count Basie and his brothers being involved in the music industry. He developed a love for records at a young age and would make mixtapes for dancers in the neighborhood. He was influenced by various genres, including funk, soul, and jazz.
Early DJing and Block Parties
At a young age, Jeff started DJing at block parties in his neighborhood. He would use borrowed equipment from older DJs and began curating the music and entertaining the crowd. He gained recognition from being able to control the crowd and play a variety of music that appealed to everyone. He was known for his love of records and his meticulousness in taking care of them.
The Move Bombing and its Impact
Jeff recalls the Move bombing that occurred in Philadelphia in 1985. He was living in the neighborhood at the time and witnessed the events unfold. The bombing was a turning point for the community and had a lasting impact on Jeff and those around him. The tension and aftermath of the incident shaped his perspective and commitment to music and using it as a positive outlet.
Early DJing Experiences
Jeff gained experience and recognition as a DJ by playing at block parties and honing his skills. He started by making mixtapes for dancers and eventually began DJing at various events. His ability to mix and engage the crowd set him apart and earned him a reputation in the community. Jeff's early DJing experiences laid the foundation for his future success in the music industry.
The Journey of a DJ: From Turntables to Production
Jazzy Jeff discusses his evolution as a DJ and the importance of understanding the crowd in his sets. He emphasizes the need to create a rollercoaster ride of music, satisfying different groups of people within a shorter time frame. He also reflects on the impact of social media and technology in his ability to release music independently. Jeff shares his motivation behind the M3 project, wanting to bring back the era of old school hip hop and engage in back-and-forth rhymes with F.E.F.E.S.T and his sons. The album combines live instrumentation and showcases three generations of MCs.
Challenges and Lessons in DJing
Jazzy Jeff discusses the challenges he has faced in his DJ career, including equipment issues and the pressures of live performances. He reflects on the importance of pacing and understanding the needs of the audience, as well as the value of taking risks and experimenting with different styles of music. Jeff shares stories of memorable DJ battles and the significance of creating unique and engaging sets. He emphasizes the impact of live shows and the thrill of connecting with the crowd.
The Magnificent Series and the M3 Project
Jazzy Jeff explains his vision behind the Magnificent Series, a trilogy of albums that aims to tell a story through music. He reflects on the challenges of collaborating with multiple artists in the past and the desire to create a project that could be brought to life on stage. Jeff discusses the inspiration behind the M3 project, wanting to bring back the era of collaborative rap and showcase three different generations of MCs. He shares insights into the creation of the album and the decision to use live instrumentation and shoot videos while touring.
