8 Fresh Facts You Didn’t Know About DJ Jazzy Jeff

The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff will be playing a one off show in New Zealand in November.  Although Jazzy is a Philly native and has spun for 30 some odd years, not many folks know much about this hip hop pioneer outside of his hit records with Will Smith and getting thrown out of the mansion by uncle Phil. Undoubtedly considered one of the greatest DJs to ever live, he has managed to keep his life pretty private over the years. So we dug up some cool and interesting facts about DJ Jazzy Jeff that you should know.  Check it out!

1. He Did All of the Scratches & Mixes for the Movie “Straight Outta’ Compton”

When Dr. Dre was putting together the authentic sound and feel of the smash hit movie Straight Outta’ Compton he immediately called up DJ Jazzy Jeff to make it happen.  All of the scratches and mixes you hear throughout the movie (especially the scenes of Dre DJing) were all done by Jazzy Jeff himself.

2. Music Runs In His Blood

DJ Jazzy Jeff’s love for music didn’t just forge out of thin air.  In fact his father was an MC for jazz bandleader Count Basie.  Jeff’s brother was also a bass player for one of the founders of the legendary group The Intruders.

3. Jazzy Jeff Met Will By Chance

Back in 1985 Jazzy was spinning at a house party down the block from where Will lived.  By chance Jazz Jeff’s hype man was a no show and he didn’t a MC and by pure fate, Will emerged from the crowd to take on the challenge and the rest is history.

5. Jazzy Jeff & Will Were the First Rappers to Ever Win a Grammy

The first hip hop artist to ever receive this distinguished music award were none other than the Fresh Prince & Jazz.  However, at the time they received a Grammy for Best Rap Duo the genre and award weren’t considered significant enough to warrant TV time so the dynamic duo received their trophies off camera.

6.  He Used to Soak Vinyls in His Tub

Back in the day it was all about gaining the advantage and keeping your mixes a secret.  In an effort to keep others in the dark DJs back in 80’s used to soak their vinyls in tubs in an effort to peel off the labels.  This way no one was able to see what record they were using.

8. Jazzy Jeff Uses The Alias George Glass

On production such as Jill Scott’s album “Gettin’ in the Way,” Jazzy Jeff will use the name George Glass as an alias.  For those that may  be too young to know, George Glass was Jane’s imaginary boyfriend in the 70’s sitcom The Brady Bunch.  So if you ever see this alias on credits, know that it’s DJ Jazzy Jeff himself.

You can catch Jazzy Jeff spinning at Studio in Auckland - November 14th. Purchase tickets from HERE.