Norm Writes
  • Home
  • Who in the World
  • Blog
  • Postcards
  • Why I write

The Today Show talks 'itch about DJ Jazzy Jeff.

3/20/2013

30 Comments

 
Picture
This morning I caught a little bit of the Today Show on NBC.  I rarely watch TV, and never morning shows, but I watched a few minutes as I sipped my coffee.  At one point they cut to a conversation between host Natalie Morales and some guy who I assume serves as the cliché Hollywood correspondent.

They were talking about the latest TMZ-type rumor concerning Will Smith (and I don’t even remember what it was).  But then they mentioned that actor Smith started as a hip-hop artist along side DJ Jazzy Jeff.  The man on the Today Show, loudly dressed and cackling like a human coyote, started dissing Jazzy Jeff, mocking “What ever happened to that guy?  No one in the public has heard from him since.  Is he even still alive?” to paraphrase.  

I dismissed it and tuned out the rest of the show, and then turned off the TV.  But it bothered me, gnawed at me all day, to the point that it’s after 10 p.m. and I’ve traveled and worked all day and still I need to write this to get it off my chest.

Shame on you, Today Show, and shame on you, you insignificant buzzard-man for talking 'itch about a true artist.  If you knew anything about Hollywood, entertainment, or the music industry (that’s supposed to be your job, right?) then you would know that Jazzy Jeff is not only alive (I found that insulting) but a significant contributor to the evolution and refinement of modern hip hop.

Just because Jazzy Jeff isn’t making 20 million dollars a year in blockbuster movies that are merchandised on the side of McDonalds cups doesn’t mean he is persona non grata.  But instead of getting angry, let me relieve you of your unbounding ignorance:

Jeffrey Allen Townes, or DJ Jazzy Jeff, is originally from Philadelphia, where he teamed up with a charismatic young rapper named the Fresh Prince to release a light-hearted, teen rap album in 1987 that rose the charts to success. Smith and Townes went on to act together in “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” which vaulted Smith into television, and later movie stardom.  Good for him – I truly like Will Smith, and believe he’s one of the good guys who deserves his celebrity, and handles it with aplomb.

And what was the fate of DJ Jazzy Jeff?  

He’s gone on to make music for the last 25 years, that’s all. 

I say that sarcastically, because apparently that’s not good enough for some low-level gossiper on The Today Show, but to me it’s impressive. In fact, I’ve heard quite a few of DJ Jazzy Jeff’s songs, and albums, and mix tapes, and collaborations, and they’re pretty damn good.  Great, even. In my opinion he should be applauded as a true artist, a pioneer, someone who has passionately focused on the quality of his craft. He's rocked the turntables for a quarter of a century and passionately shared that sonic joy with his underground fans, instead of chasing Hollywood money by kissing Hollywood ass.    

Big-up DJ Jazzy Jeff, we true hip hoppers and music aficionados appreciate you. You’re a career musician, a rap legend, an oratorical historian, a soul griot, and deserve better than to be blindsided by some sub-vanilla chicken-shit morning show that wouldn’t know true culture if it jumped up and bit them on their bony, limousine-seat warmed asses.

Oh, and remember that gossip correspondent I was talking about, the one who put your name in his mouth?  I spent fifteen minutes on Google trying to figure out who he was, but nowhere could I find his name, or any reference to who he is, or even that he exists at all.  

Maybe all is as it should be.    

-Norm Schriever

***
Please email the Today Show and demand an on-air retraction of their comments, and apology to Dj Jazzy Jeff: 

Click here to contact the Today Show.

***

By the way, check out DJ Jazzy Jeff’s impressive Discography (taken from Wikipedia):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DJ_Jazzy_Jeff

Discography

Solo work as DJ Jazzy Jeff

  • ¥ Unreleased album from Sony Records (1998)
  • ¥ One cut in Battle of DJs
  • ¥ The Magnificent (2002)
  • ¥ Soulheaven Presents Jazzy Jeff in the House (2004)
  • ¥ The Soul Mixtape Groovin' Records USA (2005)
  • ¥ Hip-Hop Forever II Rapster Records (2004)
  • ¥ Hip-Hop Forever III BBE Records (2006)
  • ¥ The Return of The Magnificent EP (2007)
  • ¥ The Return of the Magnificent (2007) #55 US (Gold)
  • ¥ The Return of Hip Hop EP (2007)

As DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince

  • ¥ Rock the House (1987) #83 US (Gold); #97 UK
  • ¥ He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper (1988) #4 US (3x Platinum); #68 UK
  • ¥ And in This Corner… (1989) #39 US (Gold)
  • ¥ Homebase (1991) #12 US (Platinum); #69 UK
  • ¥ Code Red (1993) #64 US (Gold); #50 UK
  • ¥ Greatest Hits (1998) #144 US, #20 UK
  • ¥ Before The Willennium (1999)
  • ¥ The Very Best of D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (2006)[1]

Miscellaneous

  • ¥ 1991: Deep, Deep, Trouble with Bart Simpson; and the remixes from The Simpsons Sing the Blues
  • ¥ 1997: Jazzy Jeff's Theme; from the album Nuyorican Soul
  • ¥ 1998: "When To Stand Up" featuring Eminem
  • ¥ 1998: I Don't Know by Slum Village (scratches); from the album Fantastic, Vol. 2
  • ¥ 1999: The Next Movement by The Roots (scratches); from the album Things Fall Apart
  • ¥ 2004: Mirrorball (DJ Jazzy Jeff Full Sole Remix) by Everything But The Girl; from Adapt or Die: 10 Years of Remixes
  • ¥ 2005: Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (DJ Jazzy Jeff & Pete Kuzma Solefull Mix) by the Temptations; from Motown Remixed.
  • ¥ 2005: Lost & Found by Will Smith; produced intro song Here He Comes and several DJ scratches on several tracks
  • ¥ 2005: Watch Me by Little Brother (scratches); from the album The Minstrel Show
  • ¥ 2006: Feel It (Jazzy Jeff Soulful Remix) by the Black Eyed Peas; from Renegotiations: The Remixes
  • ¥ 2006: Night in Tunisia (DJ Jazzy Jeff Remix) by Duke Jordan
  • ¥ 2007: NY Weather Report by Talib Kweli (scratches); from the album Eardrum
  • ¥ 2007: Made a cameo appearance in Jill Scott's music video "A Long Walk"
  • ¥ 2008: Get Busy by The Roots (scratches); from the album Rising Down
  • ¥ 2008: Bring It Back by Rhymefest (producer); from the album El Che
  • ¥ 2009: Prince in Training by MaC Renegade Hosted by DJ Jazzy Jeff
  • ¥ 2009: Stay This Way (Jazzy Jeff Remix) by Peter Bjorn and John featuring Big Pooh, Chaundon, and Phil Nash from the mixtape Re-Living Thing with Mick Boogie
  • ¥ 2012: 92 Til Infinity with Mac Miller
  • ¥ 2012: Performed on tour in the Middle-East. The tour was documented and recapped by his photographer Cristopher Schafer and can be found on DJ Jazzy Jeff's vimeo page.
2012: Girl of My Life by Mint Condition (scratches); from the album Music @ the Speed of Life.




Check out more of 
Norm Schriever's writing:

Picture
South of Normal is a gonzo blast of adventure documenting a year living in the tropical paradise of Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

                           $19.95



Picture
Don't forget to read Pushups in the Prayer Room, the first book by Norm Schriever; a hilarious account of a year spent backpacking around the world!

             $17.95


30 Comments
Magic Man link
3/21/2013 08:09:36 am

I totally agree man, some of these punk news correspondents are so goddamn full of themselves. Thinking just because the make 120k a year, have a suit collection, and get to be on TV everyday that they are above everyone else. Reading a tele-prompter is not busting your creative ass your entire life for the love of music while giving so much to others. If there is something I want to learn and I want it straight i read about it or watch the BBC news.

Reply
Norm Schriever
3/21/2013 08:20:36 am

Thanks bro - and well said. I think we appreciate celebrity way too much and the art, which is supposed to generate it, way too much. And yes, BBC is bomb!

Reply
bsells
3/22/2013 08:17:37 am

all that fool had to do was look on youtube, he's an idiot

Reply
bsells
3/22/2013 08:22:48 am

another thing, he changed(and dj cash money) dj-ing. every hip hop dj wants to do what he does. once again that dude is a freaking idiot

Reply
DeluxSauce link
3/21/2013 09:00:44 am

Bro, I'm so glad you posted this, called him out, and giving Dj Jazzy Jeff the love and respect he deserves. Bless up yuh self!!!!

Reply
diz
3/21/2013 11:26:41 am

And THAT'S why I no longer watch the Today show. It's no longer relevant. Almost seems as if they are trying to keep up but are sadly failing. The word legend is over utilized today. But Jeff is definitely the definition of legend. He earned it the hard way by grinding, not taking the fluffy route. One of a dying breed.

Reply
Stacey link
3/21/2013 12:59:14 pm

Well written, glad that you addressed it.

Reply
Marvin
3/21/2013 02:14:55 pm

Yo Nrom... U SUCK, YOUR OPINION MEANS NADA. U DON'T KNOW JACK ABOUT THIS MAN. Go learn something about him, he's only 1 of the greatest in the WORLD. He's a L-E-G-E-N-D in the Hip-Hop community & your just a two bit asswipe douche... FUCK YOU NORM, YOU JUST PLAYED YOURSELF!!

Reply
Greg
3/21/2013 11:24:29 pm

Curious as to why you're attacking Norm? He said exactly what you said about Jazzy Jeff. I think you need to focus your anger on Today Show, not him. Just Sayin.

Reply
Toni
3/21/2013 09:29:54 pm

And thats why i dont watch the today show anymore! Can't stand ignorant people!

Reply
M Scipione link
3/21/2013 10:12:12 pm

Love this! Never did like that show. Philly born and raised!!

Reply
TShort
3/22/2013 12:36:54 am

Just so you all know, Jeff founded and ran A Touch of Jazz production studios for nearly two decades after professionally parting ways with Will. ATOJ worked with Michael Jackson, Herbie Hancock, Eminem, Boyz II Men, The Roots, Jill Scott (produced her first LP, "Who Is Jill Scott"), Musiq, Jewel, Darius Rucker, and literally hundreds of other artists, writers, and producers.

In running ATOJ, Jeff's only criterion for entering his studios was that you had to love music. And any person (including the Today Show entertainment "expert") who takes even 5 minutes to find Jeff's catalog, will discover its incredible depth, breadth, and, most important, greatness (check out one of my favorites by Jeff, the appropriately named "For Da Love of Da Game": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CIN4nYz_WU).

Anyway, appreciate your properly calling out the Today Show and the fool they have representing them as an enterainment "expert". You have a new fan

Reply
Pameal
3/22/2013 01:02:14 am

I also read that Jazzy Jeff screwed artists and producers out of their money. He may be a legend in hip hop, but he's morally corrupt too. No sympathy for him.

Reply
TShort
3/22/2013 01:47:40 am

Pameal - Be careful about what you "read". Fact is that Jeff gave away a lot more money at ATOJ than he ever made. Jeff makes his money DJ'ing - always has, always will. The money earned at ATOJ was just put back into the company (Jeff took no salary or "bonus"). To the extent that certain artists or producers possibly didn't receive money they should have was as much their responsibility/fault (not paying attention to THEIR business - not unusual with artsists/in the music industry) as it was anyone else's, inlcuding Jeff's. Bottom line is that Jeff, like all humans, has many flaws - being "morally corrupt" is definitely NOT one of them.

Reply
Pamela
3/22/2013 02:21:31 am

It's not just what I read, I also heard first hand from those who work with him...like adding his producer credit to projects he did NO work on. These are things that were told to me from those who were DIRECTLY affected by the underhanded stuff he did. So be careful who YOU defend. I'm sure just like me, you don't know EVERYTHING about him, so saying that he is NOT corrupt is just as much your opinion as I have mine.

TShort
3/22/2013 05:38:10 am

I actually know a great deal about Jeff - more than most I would imagine. I worked for him for nearly 7 years - saw the good stuff and the bad. Probably were some cases where he "took credit" for projects where arguably shouldn't have, but (1) that's the music business, and (2) those disputes really only take place when there's success - success that simply could never have occurred without Jeff investing both his reputation AND his money in creating an environment where developing young talent could merge, and eventually flourish, with opportunities they never would've gotten anywhere near without Jeff. Frankly Jeff could have - and SHOULD have - taken more credit than he actually did. But either way, the bottom line, again, is that Jeff definitely was and is NOT corrupt. If nothing else, he had zero incentive to "take" from any of the people who came through ATOJ - their credit or their money. (1) Jeff always cared much more about music than money (if that weren't the case, he could've just continued rolling with Will on "The Fresh Prince" and other projects straight to the $bank$); (2) Jeff built his own music rep/credits looong before anybody came through ATOJ (first Rap Grammy, multi-platinum LPs); and (3) Jeff has always made his money (significant money!) as a DJ - he never needed money from ATOJ.

Reply
Norm Schriever
3/22/2013 01:03:32 am

Thank you for writing in to defend Jazzy Jeff, Marvin. I love the passion and I'd have to agree with your assessment of me on several of those items, however I'm the one who wrote the article defending Jazzy Jeff and calling out the Today Show. Perhaps it's a case of mistaken identity and you thought I was the Today Show guy? Hahaha

Reply
Norm Schriever
3/22/2013 01:04:58 am

Thanks Greg - he probably thought I was the one who said those things on the Today Show, not the one who wrote the article defending Jeff.

Reply
Norm Schriever
3/22/2013 01:09:31 am

T-Short - Thanks so much for touching base and illuminating more of Jeff's work. I'll definitely check out that foundation, and get my noggin nodding to the song you suggested! Stay blessed, bro.

Reply
Scott
3/22/2013 03:15:44 am

Jazzy Jeff himself jokes about this aspect of his own career on The Return of the Magnificent. Have you listened to this album and laughed at this skit?

Because I have. Repeatedly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96d4pIUkMcI

Reply
Becka link
3/22/2013 03:17:53 am

This is really upsetting that the Today Show would even allow someone on their show to diss a legend like this....shame on them....shame. on. them. I met Jeff once in my local record shop when I still lived in Philly - I instantly recognized him and could not believe my lucky day....I was 14 years old and I can remember how in awe I was that I was actually standing there shaking this man's hand. A legend.

Reply
Conor
3/22/2013 08:54:46 am

I found this to be out of line. I don't know too much about him, but I do know that he's a hip-hop legend, and comments like this shouldn't be aired (about anyone, really).

Reply
Tim
3/22/2013 11:30:24 am

The Today Show isn't to blame. The show was live, was it not? They aren't going to censor that harmless and tactless "joke". But that doesn't mean the rest of the staff condones or cares about what that jackass said.

Reply
Applejac
3/22/2013 01:07:10 pm

Lest we also forget that BEFORE the whole thing with FP jumped off, he was a WORLD CHAMPION DJ, winning the New Music Seminar Battle For World Supremacy in 1986. That is all...

Reply
Jon link
3/22/2013 01:23:29 pm

Lets not forget that he's responsible for helping launch the careers f Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild.

I'm surprised no one on Wikipedia linked Jeff to Fantastic Vol. 2 by Slum Village.

Reply
Carlee
3/22/2013 05:04:47 pm

Whatever Jeff's career, whatever happened to him after Fresh Prince and Jazzy Jeff, even if he did disappear into the oblivion never to be heard from again, can I just call this bullshit Today Show presenter out on the fact that he said "He might as well be dead". WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK, DUDE?!
Since when was it ok to say this about anyone, ever?

Reply
Michael Heller
3/22/2013 05:44:55 pm

Norm has it right. Jeff is a spin legend. Unfortunately, the dj's usually take a backseat to those rapping because 1) the rappers are the ones in the limelight and 2) the dj isn't considered an 'artist' because what they do isn't considered 'original'. However, I would argue that dj's do something with vinyl that is *totally* original. More importantly, I'd wager that most rappers totally rely on their dj's to make them look and sound awesome. There's a reason the name of the groups are DJ Jazzy Jeff AND the fresh prince, Erik B. AND Rakim, etc. A Capella rappers would be nothing without their dj's.

Reply
DJ Krate Digga link
3/23/2013 01:11:39 am

Thanks for shining light on this problem which is bigger than just this example. Dismissing people based solely on their lack of notoriety." It's callous & condescending at best. Self-righteous & classist at the least. Greatest thanks for sharing the link to write in to the show to share my disappointment, they heard from me. Jeff is a pioneer & a personal inspiration to me. He is the living definition of Hip Hop DJ.

Reply
Djstz
3/23/2013 11:21:18 am

You were right on point norm. Jeff is a Dj legend, innovator and pioneer. That guy's report was just a boneheaded way of saying what is he doing now. It's just another mainstream attack on real hip hop. You can tell just by the response how people feel about this topic. Being from Philly myself, I've seen their careers unfold and blossom before my eyes. Jeff was an inspiration to me as a Dj back in the day and keeps me motivated to this day. Remember it was jazzy Jeff & the fresh prince, not the other way around. Who ever that guy was, he's nobody. Jeff is known and respected world wide.

Reply
j
6/5/2014 07:25:16 am

"big-up" huh? wow, there are even people you connect with here...

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed


      Receive a digital postcard from Norm every month:

    Yes, I want a postcard!

    Don't miss Norm's new book,
    The Queens of Dragon Town!

    See More

    Norm Schriever

    Norm Schriever is a best-selling author, expat, cultural mad scientist, and enemy of the comfort zone. He travels the globe, telling the stories of the people he finds, and hopes to make the world a little bit better place with his words.   

    Norm is a professional blogger, digital marketer for smart brands around the world,  and writes for the Huffington Post, Hotels.com, and others.

    Check out South of Normal his Amazon.com best-selling book about life as an expat in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

    Cambodia's School of Hope explores education and empowerment in impoverished Cambodia, with 100% of sales going to that school.

    The Book Marketing Bible provides 99 essential strategies for authors and marketers.

    Pushups in the Prayer Room, is a wild, irreverent memoir about a year backpacking around the world.  

    Follow Norm on Twitter @NormSchriever or email any time to say hi!

    Categories

    All
    Advice For Writers
    Amazon
    American Exceptionalism
    Anthropology
    Asia
    Backpack
    Basketball
    Best Seller Lists
    Blogging
    Book-marketing
    Book Review
    Book Reviews
    Cambodia
    Charity
    Child-poverty
    Cloud 9
    Communications
    Costa Rica
    Crazy-asia
    Culture
    Dumaguete
    Education
    Environment
    Ethics In Writing
    Expatriate
    Favorite Song
    Festivals
    Fraternity
    Funny
    Future
    Geography
    Give A Photo
    Giveaway
    Giving Back
    Health
    Heroes
    History
    Hugo Chavez
    Human Rights
    Humor
    India
    Islands
    Itunes
    Laugh
    Maps
    Marijuana
    Martial Arts
    Memoir
    Music
    Nature
    Nicaragua
    Non Violence
    Non-violence
    Ocean
    One Love
    One-love
    Our World
    Philanthropy
    Philippines
    Population
    Positive
    Positivity
    Postcard
    Poverty
    Pura Vida
    Pushups In The Prayer Room
    Race
    Reviews
    Safety
    San Juan Del Sur
    Science
    Screenplay
    Self Publish
    Siargao
    Social Media
    Southeast-asia
    South Of Normal
    Speech
    Sri Lanka
    Story
    Surf
    Surfing
    Tamarindo
    Thailand
    The Philippines
    The-queens-of-dragon-town
    Tourism
    Travel
    United Nations
    Venezuela
    Work From The Beach
    World Health
    Writers Forum
    Writing
    Writing Forum
    Writing Your First Book

    Archives

    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013

Norm Schriever

Email:     hi@NormSchriever.com