DJ Jazzy Jeff

About

Jeffrey Allen Townes, known professionally as DJ Jazzy Jeff, is a world-renowned DJ, music producer, and actor from Philadelphia. He began his career in the mid-1980s, gaining global fame as one half of the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince alongside Will Smith. A pioneer in turntablism, Jeff is credited with popularizing the 'transformer scratch' and won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989. Beyond his work with Smith, he is a prolific solo artist and producer who played a pivotal role in developing the Philadelphia neo-soul scene through his production company, A Touch of Jazz, working with artists like Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild. He remains a highly influential figure in DJ culture, continuing to tour and host his 'Magnificent House Party' livestream series.