by SCOTT C

Along with a rapper you may remember as the Fresh Prince, DJ Jazzy Jeff made a name for himself as the producer and onstage DJ for one of today’s biggest and most easily recognizable pop stars. Jeff Townes may not have made the move to the big time like Will Smith, but he has become an integral piece of the burgeoning music scene in his hometown of Philadelphia. While maintaining a healthy schedule of international DJ gigs, Jazzy Jeff’s Touch of Jazz Studios has seen the talents of Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, the Jazzyfatnastees, the Roots, Bilal, Kindred and many more pass through its hallowed halls.

It’s here that weekly jam sessions have produced any number of soul-infused gems, many of which might just make their way to a Hidden Beach release, the record label that supports the studio and the place where a number of developing Philadelphia artists have chosen to call home. From here, Jazzy Jeff is building a musical legacy that is based on the soulful integrity of the legendary Philly soul sound, while providing a solid foundation for young, new talent. The Mirror spoke to Jeff from his office in Philadelphia.

Mirror: What do you think it is about Philadelphia that makes it such a hotbed for musical talent these days?

Jazzy Jeff: There is absolutely nothing about Philly that is different or unique. There is nothing that sets it apart from any other American city, musically. There is no difference between Philly and Montreal because there are talented people everywhere. What I think we have down here that makes it seem like something else is opportunity. There is opportunity for talented creative people to express and surround themselves with individuals who can and will benefit from that kind of atmosphere. Jam sessions have been going on in this city for a long time, and it’s a normal thing for someone to get up and sing or rap or play their instrument. The Jill Scotts, Musiq Soulchilds and Vikter Duplaixs of this place all got their starts in places like that. Now it’s just crazy. Black Lily and the Five Spot, and all the artists that are successfully basing themselves out of Philly, are shedding a lot of light on the city.

M: I understand a lot of pop artists are sniffing around the Philly soul sound, coming to town and trying to catch some vibes, maybe hook up some production too. Does it feel good that people like J-Lo, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears are coming to you?

JJ: Sure, man. I mean, a lot of people would ask me why I never moved to Hollywood with Will Smith when he went solo. Part of the reason was that I’d been signed to a record label for 10 years, and really needed to be free of that, but the other side of it is that I love Philly. There have always been capable people in Philly that I could work with, as well a history of music with soul and honesty that I wanted to contribute to. I didn’t need someone from outside my city to validate the fact that we had something going on there, even back then. It’s the same thing now. Whether those big names come to us or not, we’ll still be here doing our thing.

Reach the Beach

M: I noticed on the Hidden Beach Web site that you have a mandate that outlines exactly where the label is coming from and where it wants to go.

JJ: I just miss the days when record labels actually took the time to do artist development. Nowadays, they want people to walk in ready to go, y’know. They want all of it, right away, and then when they’re done, it’s like, “See ya later!” I believe it’s important to give young artists the room to grow into their own, while providing them with a proper understanding of how the industry works, getting them involved in shaping their own career path.

M: Speaking of artist development, can you tell me a little bit about Jasmine? I heard a little bit of “When I Braid Your Hair” and could not believe what I was hearing, considering she’s apparently 14! Is she signed to Hidden Beach?

JJ: Wow. Jasmine is a miracle, really. At just 15 years old, the voice and intonation that is coming out of this girl is simply a blessing, you wouldn’t believe it. It’s just amazing that she’s so young. It’s like, “Where did this voice come from?” It’s not like she’s had enough of a lifetime to be influenced by all kinds of music, so it truly is a gift. She’s signed a deal with Jive Records, and although I don’t know exactly when the record is coming out, I did do a few tracks with her, and if you heard them… maaaan! What’s even crazier is that her voice and writing is so unique and mature that it easily tops 95 per cent of your average R&B fare. It’s amazing.

Making some room

M: As someone who’s seen them progress from their Philly beginnings, do you think that this is what the Roots are attempting to achieve with their new LP, Phrenology?

JJ: I think the Roots have worked very hard over the years to challenge the status quo in hip hop as we know it, while still creating dynamic music. They’re not only older in this industry, but their sound has matured. As you get older, the music you listen to and make becomes more mature, and that’s all Phrenology is. We’re the first generation to actually grow old with hip hop, and I always wonder exactly how we’re gonna do that. I’m 37, and I drive slow, put my seatbelt on and turn the lights off when I leave the kitchen, but if Pete Rock and CL Smooth put out a record in 10 years, I’ll buy it.

M: What troubles you the most about the record industry in North America?

JJ: Commercial radio has a lot of people actually believing that they’re listening to the cream of the crop. You and I both know that there is a huge marketplace for people who really love good music, y’know, stuff that you’ll never hear on the radio. It’s really not just about the records that sell two- or three-million copies. There are so many dope records that don’t even come close to selling that, and people never get to hear that stuff on the same level, so they think it lesser. I wish there was a station where they could only play a song once a day. That would make room for Jay-Z and R. Kelly, but still have room left over for Slum Village and J-Live. People need to hear that stuff. :

With Pauly Yamz and Yahmeen at Aria on Saturday, Dec. 21

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