DJ Jazzy Jeff
Jeff Townes, also known as DJ Jazzy Jeff, is a world renowned DJ and GRAMMY Award winning producer who has represented his hometown of Philadelphia in everything that he does. In the early stages of his career, he was most notably part of a hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince. Jeff also began his own production company A Touch of Jazz, which became the hotbed of the Philadelphia soul movement that included the talents of Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild and Floetry, to name a few. Today, Jeff continues to set the bar as a major DJ and producer.
How would you describe the path that you took to get here today?
The love started from just listening to music and pretty much expanded with DJing which led me into producing, which led me intro the music industry, which led me into making records and being an artist. You know, which full circle, took me right back to where I started. And I think more than anything the love of music is the main thing that keeps me going. It’s not the desire to be best at something. I love making people have a good time.
How would you describe Philly style?
We’ve always had our own unique style. Philadelphia has a distinct style. I think that’s one of the things that I love. It kind ofshowed your independence. You know, D.C. had their own thing , New York had their own thing. And, Philly had our own thing.
What influences would you attribute to your success?
First of all, I think it was because of what I grew up with. I believe that everything I have was a result of my upbringing. My brother played the bass for The Intruders and they used to rehearse in the basement. So I, 2, 3, 4 years old, remember sitting on the basement steps kind of peeking down watching this band play. You know, my brother had a drum set that I would go in the basement and he would allow me to play the drums.
Definitely growing up in the city with Gamble & Huff and having that musical influence ability to turn it on the radio with the history of a radio station like WDAS.
Also, Philly being such a city of rich music tradition. I remember Kenny Gamble doing guest DJ sets on Sunday on WDAS, and that’s almost like the equivalent of Berry Gordy being on the radio. We didn’t know how special that was because we were in Philly and this was what we were used to. Somebody in Ohio would have thought that this might have been the most incredible thing in the world, because of how respected somebody like Kenny Gamble was—but you’re taking in all of that.
And especially down to the block parties where, you know, people were bringing music out onto the street. Everyone would have their parties. And down to being here out at Fairmount Park. We had Belmont Plateau, where everyone would come out on Sunday, and you’d see if you could get the first spot on the roof that they would allow you to set your equipment. I remember growing up in West Philly on 57th Street. I might have lived 50 blocks away from here, but I remember walking out here to Belmont Plateau just to come to the free park party. I don’t think you realize when you’re younger that these things are really molding and shaping your life and your future.
What is it about Philadelphia that breeds such great talent?
Philly is known as a no nonsense place. You know, Philly is known as a really big mecca for talent. And no disrespect to Philly, I believe that there’s a talent pool in every city. I believe that what you have to go through in Philly is what kind of almost strengthens the artist, the producer, the creative person in Philly—to know, I gotta give it my all.
