DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince became one of the first rap acts to achieve
mass crossover appeal thanks to their comedic story songs and inventive beats.
Philadelphia natives Jeff (born Jeff Towns) and Fresh Prince (born Will Smith)
met as teenagers at a house party in 1985 where Towns was DJing. He was already
an accomplished local DJ, and the younger Smith’s vocal style complemented his
sonic approach. The duo began working together and released their first single,
“Girls Ain’t Nothing But Troubles” in 1986. Their album, Rock the House, came
out that year, but got wider expos...