Talib Kweli & DJ Jazzy Jeff On Summertime Mixtapes, Biz Markie, Bel Air Remake | People's Party Full

In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with iconic DJ, record producer, songwriter and actor:

DJ JAZZY JEFF

Here's what we got into:

• Why Talib considers Jeff his "DJ selector godfather."
• Jeff being one of the first well known DJs to fully embrace Serato and why.
• The origins of Jeff's Playlist Retreat, bringing artists together to inspire and motivate.
• Jeff finally feeling empowered to focus on only the things he loves about his career.
• Growing up the youngest of six kids in a house full of music and how that impacted him.
• How important Gamble and Huff were to the creation of the Philadelphia sound.
• How Jeff's A Touch of Jazz Studios came together and the albums it produced.
• Helping Jill Scott get her foot in the door by handing out 150 copies of her demos.
• This history behind why the Philly hip hop scene always put the DJs before the emcees.
• Jeff being one of the true pioneers of the transformer scratch technique.
• How Jeff and Mick Boogie's Summertime mixtape series came to fruition.
• The importance of Pearly Lewis, Kenneth Adams and Mark Johnson to Jeff's journey.
• How emcee and radio host Lady B helped Jeff make his mark on the DJ scene.
• Jeff's friendship with the late great Biz Markie and his unmatched charisma.
• Bringing Philly legend Charlie Mack on tour with them.
• How instrumental the records released in '88 were to the evolution of hip hop.
• Originally being chosen for the starring roles in the film 'House Party'.
• Recording 'He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper' in London.
• 'Parents Just Don't Understand' being a precursor to 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air'.
• Growing up with friends who became gangsters as well as joined the police force.
• How Mike Tyson being knocked out by Buster Douglas became a problem for Jeff and Will.
• Rapper DaBaby catching heat for saying the same thing that Will said decades ago.
• The 'Homebase' album showcasing Will's transition from Fresh Prince to Will Smith.
• What Will told Eminem about his future in the business that he took to heart.
• Jeff's 2002 release 'The Magnificent' as well as the follow up 'The Return Of The Magnificent'.
• 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' remake and how it came together.
• Roots producer James Poyser getting on Will and Jeff's 'I Wanna Rock'.
• Jeff's two sons Amir and Cory and how they're carving out their own paths in music.
• Having a reset of his life and career after falling deathly ill to covid last year.
• Working on an album with jazz legend Bob James as well as one with Rakim.

Rating:
  • Currently 0/5 stars.

Views: 21

Comment

You need to be a member of True Skool Network to add comments!

Join True Skool Network

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Juvenile
Friday, June 5 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

DaBoyDame w/ Keyshia Cole, Plies +more
Friday, June 19 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Buju Banton & Stephen Marley
Saturday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
1 hour ago
TEAM BIGGA RANKIN posted a discussion

Spotlight on Artist Sharon Marie Cline

Performed as a jazzy Cha Cha! It's a fun, festive and spicy take on this American classic jazz standard ! Breathing new life into this saucey piece!Arranged by Todd Hunter , this song can make smile make you dance and make you want to sing along!Click Here To Stream/Add to Spotify PlaylistsTodd Hunter-…See More
5 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted a discussion
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Feel Good Fridays with Renoir at Mad Oak Bar, Oakland

May 29, 2026 at 9pm to May 30, 2026 at 1am
FRIDAY, MAy 29Kick off your weekend at Feel Good Fridays! 🎧 Renoir (aka the Ren Vinyl Archaeologist) brings the best Hip Hop, Top 40, House & Throwbacks. Come dance and feel the good vibes! 🙌🔥Mad Oak Bar, Oakland •  FREE entry | 21+ | 9pm-1am>> RSVP Here…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Friday
Optical Media Manufacturing Inc is now a member of True Skool Network
Friday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Thursday
Editor's Pick posted videos
Thursday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
Wednesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

GZA OF WU-TANG CLAN FEAT. PHUNKY NOMADS at Yoshi's, Oakland

May 9, 2026 from 7:30pm to 11:30pm
MAY 9, 2026GZA OF WU-TANG CLAN FEAT. PHUNKY NOMADSYoshi's 510 Embarcadero West,Oakland, CA 946071ST SHOW: DOORS: 7:00PM / SHOW: 7:30PM 2ND SHOW: DOORS: 9:15PM / SHOW: 9:30PM>> BUY TICKETSSee More
May 6
realmuzik posted a discussion

Nayan Raina Turns a Late-Night Feeling Into a No. 1 Hit on Apple Music With “Phone”

There’s something quietly universal about staring at a phone screen, waiting for a message that never comes. For artist Nayan that feeling became the foundation for “Phone,” a hypnotic hip-hop duet with Yesha Sagar that has now reached No. 1 on Apple Music Video Chart.…See More
May 5

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service