What You Saying

It is indeed the return of the Magnificent, non other then the amazing DJ Jazzy Jeff. To lots of people Jazzy Jeff is nothing more than Will Smith’s buddy, but in reality Jazzy Jeff was one of the main essential elements for Will’s success, thanks to their partnership they helped to bring hip-hop into the suburbs of America, selling over 1 million records, and winning three Grammyy Awards, three American Music Awards, two NAACP Awards, two Soul Train Music Awards and a MTV Music Award along the way.

Jazzy Jeff is a pioneer and a true musical genius he’s widely credited with makin the Transformer Scratch one of the most essential tools in any self-respecting DJ’s repertoire. He also founded his full-scale musical production facility, A Touch Of Jazz in 1990 with an in-demand cadres of young producers and songwriters.

Responsible for scores of productions, A Touch Of Jazz has worked with Will Smith, Kenny Latimore, Dave Hollister, Lil Kim, Musiq Soulchild, City High, Bilal, Glen Lewis, and many more. A Touch Of Jazz was also responsible for the landmark Who Is Jill Scott?, the groundbreaking debut by Philadelphia’s most celebrated soul diva, and the smash single “Butterfly” off of Michael Jackson’s Invincible. The acclaimed production house also created the theme to Will Smith’s career-launching series, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, a song on The Simpsons compilation album, the theme to UPN’s Between Brothers, and songs on the soundtracks of Wild Wild West, Love Jones, The Wood, and In Too Deep.

The Return Of The Magnificent, Jeff’s penchant lies in lacing lush, laid back grooves. His silky, layered keys for CL Smooth on “All I Know” stands up with the material CL made with Pete Rock, and “The Garden” uses lush keys and guitar keys to accentuate Big Daddy Kane’s ode to hip-hop. Jeff’s R&B hustle is in tact as well, perfectly backing songstress ChinahBlac’s coos with soft piano keys on “Touch Me Wit Ur Hands” and providing a grown and sexy two-step for soulster Raheem DeVaughn with “My Soul Ain’t For Sale.”

But don’t get it twisted: Jazzy Jeff is the same producer who laced upbeat party grooves for Will Smith, and there are still plenty of hard-hitting, hip-hopcentric efforts as well. “Jeff N Fess” features Rhymefest rhyming over Jeff’s frenetic scratching and a catchy breakbeat, and State Property alumnus Peedi Peedi runs wild over the rejuvenated old school feel of “Brand New Funk 2k7.”In perhaps the most interesting moment of the LP, “Hold It Down” sees Jeff breaks more needles and employs an assertive head nodder that deftly matches Method Man’s braggadocios quips.

The Return Of The Magnificent’s flaws are few and far between. “She Was So Fly” features another silky instrumental, but it clashes with Kardinal Offishall’s loud, energetic flow. Also puzzling is the exclusion of the Little Brother-featured “Whatever U Want” and the snazzy instrumental “Bossynova,” each of which were on the previously leaked EP version of the album. Nevertheless, ‘The Return Of The Magnificent’ lives up to its name—the triumphant homecoming

I came across an interesting news on VIBE

It sounds like Will Smith wants to get jiggy with it once again. Although his last few albums have been certified flops, the Fresh Prince plans to pick up the mic one more time. It is being reported that the actor is going to reunite with his old partner in rhyme DJ Jazzy Jeff for a new CD and world tour.
Whereas DJ Jazzy Jeff has still been on the grind over the past few years producing and releasing some very good music, Mr. Smith is another story. Willard hasn’t had a decent CD since the early 90’s. This reunion should be real interesting.

It’s one of those things that leaves me very interested and glad but skeptical at the same time, since it could damage the whole reputation of that amazing area. I have my fingers crossed hoping that this collaboration will be fruitful.

Before stepping out of here I had to leave you with a tune off this amazing album, it’s off the EP version of the album, titled “Bossynova” which by itself is worth picking up the EP version for.

to read more about the new album click here
more on Jazzy Jeff at Wikipedia
The Official Jazzy Jeff website here

so what you saying,
Hazim