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With the possible exception of the late Jam Master Jay of Run DMC, no DJ was better known in the '80s and early '90s than DJ Jazzy Jeff. Teaming with Will Smith (then known as "The Fresh Prince"), he brought rap to the 'burbs with songs like "Parents Just Don't Understand" and the eerily prophetic "I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson." So now that Will Smith is busy fielding offers for "Wild Wild West 2," what's his lesser-known "partner in rhyme" up to? Not surprisingly, the answer is "a lot." In 1990, DJ Jazzy Jeff (real name: Jeff Townes) formed "A Touch of Jazz," a production house in his
hometown of Philadelphia. By all accounts, the venture (described as being "like a musical college") has been a success, giving Jeff the opportunity to work with many up-and-comers, as well platinum-selling stars like Jill Scott and Michael Jackson. In 2002, Jeff released his first solo effort -- "The Magnificent." More recently, this man of many talents switched gears from hip-hop to house with the two-disc compilation, "In the House." In addition to producing and performing, Jeff is also an inventor of equipment and techniques. He's designed mixers (the spinner's best friend) and is widely credited with creating the legendary "transformer scratch."
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