DJ Jazzy Jeff | |
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![]() DJ Jazzy Jeff in 2011 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Jeffrey Allen Townes[1] |
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Born | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | January 22, 1965
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Years active | 1985–present[2] |
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Formerly of | |
Website | djjazzyjeff |
Jeffrey Allen Townes (born January 22, 1965), known professionally as DJ Jazzy Jeff (or simply Jazz), is an American DJ and producer. He was one half of the hip hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, along with rapper-turned-actor and fellow Philadelphia native Will Smith.[3] He is credited, along with DJs Spinbad and Cash Money, with popularizing the transformer scratch.[4]
DJs Spinbad, Cash Money and Jazzy Jeff transformed turntablism by inventing the 'Transformer scratch' – so named for the sound it created which echoed the popular 1980s cartoon. This technique of flicking the cross fader back and forth on the mixer whilst simultaneously scratching gave a greater tonal range and allowed DJs to experiment with the rhythmic qualities.