Editor’s Note: DJs carried the original torch for Hip-Hop – back when there were no MCs! AllHipHop.com is taking a little time out to “Salute the Spin Doctors” this month. Check back for more feature stories and editorials with some of the top DJs across the country.
Let’s just make one thing clear, you can’t possibly “Salute the Spin Doctors” without talking to Jeffrey Allen Townes first. Known best to the world as DJ Jazzy Jeff, he is one half of the duo who won the first ever Grammy Award for Rap with their 1989 hit single, “Parents Just Don’t Understand”. Not to be forgotten as his partner’s star rose, Jeff has continued to DJ, produce, and help develop and guide budding music careers.
With Virginia’s own Skillz by his side and Hip-Hop icon Biz Markie handling duties on the 1’s and 2’s during a recent in-store appearance at West N.Y.C., Jazzy Jeff mingled and socialized with curious onlookers of his upcoming sneaker, along with all-around admirers and appreciators of the immense time, work, and overall class that Jeff has contributed to Hip-Hop for almost three decades.
AllHipHop.com was on hand to catch up with Jazzy Jeff during his Pro-Keds in-store and got him to speak on the signature sneaker that he designed for release in November. He also noted whether he has any desires to venture out further into the sneaker fashion game.
Jeff then went into “spinner” mode and compared the role and importance of the DJ 20 years ago to what it is today. In addition to some other great tidbits, DJ Jazzy Jeff told AllHipHop.com he is ultimately responsible for Mac Miller and DJ Premier hooking up, and that he thoroughly supports the Pittsburgh native in all of his endeavors.
Check out AllHipHop.com’s full interview with DJ Jazzy Jeff below:
Follow DJ Jazzy Jeff on Twitter (@DJJazzyJeff215).