DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, the dynamic hip-hop duo hailing from West Philadelphia, burst onto the scene in the mid-1980s with their playful, radio-friendly rap. The group consists of Jeffrey Allen Townes, better known as DJ Jazzy Jeff, an innovative turntablist and producer, and Will Smith, the charismatic emcee known as The Fresh Prince. They gained fame for their storytelling rhymes, comedic approach, and clean lyrics, encapsulating the playful side of hip-hop's golden age. With hits like "Parents Just Don't Understand" and "Summertime," their music became the soundtrack for many youths growing up in the late '80s and early '90s.

Their discography captures the evolution of rap during its ascent into mainstream culture. Their debut album, "Rock The House" (1987), showcased their ability to blend humor with deft lyricism and turntablism. Their magnum opus, "He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper" (1988), was a monumental release and one of the first double LPs in hip-hop, featuring the Grammy Award-winning single "Parents Just Don't Understand." Subsequently, albums like "And In This Corner..." (1989), "Homebase" (1991), and "Code Red" (1993) continued to project their feel-good sound and ensured their place as hip-hop icons. Although they ventured into individual pursuits—most notably Will Smith's transition into an A-list Hollywood actor—their influence and legacy in both music and the broader cultural landscape persist.

Genres

Golden Age Hip Hop

Old School Hip Hop

Philly Rap

Related Artists

LL COOL J

De La Soul

A Tribe Called Quest

Salt-N-Pepa

Public Enemy

Snoop Dogg

Heavy D & The Boyz

Ice Cube

Naughty By Nature

Slick Rick

EPMD

Kool Moe Dee

Latest Release

Code Red

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Album - 12 Tracks - Released October 12, 1993