By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: AP/LENNOX MCLENDON
DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith are working on a new scripted series based on their humble beginnings, from Philadelphia to their rise in the music industry.
The project is called 215, and Smith’s company, Westbrook Studios, is producing it. Jazz and Smith are still friends today. The Philly duo is known for several hits, including “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and “Summertime.” Their performance of “Parents Just Don’t Understand” earned them a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo in 1989.
Summertime has become a summer anthem every time the season comes around. Summertime hit the airwaves in 1991 and broke records. The song still resonates with fans today. The single earned them their second Grammy award. They dominated the Billboard Hot 100 with that song by reaching the Top 5.
The duo defined an era in the late 1980s and early 1990s by being authentic to themselves. Their music didn’t have profane language and celebrated good times and good moments. It was never about being a gangster or a degenerate woman. Their music was feel-good music.
Jazz and Smith went through highs and lows in the music industry. Smith did go bankrupt, which led to bigger opportunities, including landing in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which became the start of his acting career. Jazz made several appearances on the show. Loyalty is everything between these two men.
Jazz is still doing DJing. The 61-year-old is still one of the best on the turntables. He’s still working relentlessly under the microscope. Aside from being a DJ, he has been a music producer and has also worked in other genres such as R&B, neo soul, and overall soul music.
As for Smith, we saw the behemoth of a star he became in Hollywood. He’s been a massive movie star for the last 30 years. Smith won an Oscar for his performance in King Richard.
The new scripted series has fans excited. Knowing their history, people will expect greatness from this new project.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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