The point of the music created by Jazzy Jeff + Fresh Prince was fun. They were having fun making the music and wanted everyone to have fun listening to it. Prince was the consumate storyteller, the best and most successful songs were the ones that told a story; Girl's Ain't Nothing but Trouble, Parents Just Don't Understand, I Think I can Beat Mike Tyson, and Summertime being the best examples. His ability to tell the tale combined with the inflections in his voice made the music come alive to the listener.

Prince may have been the mouthpiece of the group, but Jeff was the backbone. Without his efforts on the turntable, mixing, scratching, and creating sound effects, the team could not have achieved what they did. Jeff was one of the premiere disc jockeys in the country. His talent was showcased in many of the songs, which were as much about Jeff as the story Prince was telling. Not only could Jeff mix, but he also was one of the few DJs that could rap. Several tracks featured Jeff extensively as a complement to Prince. Perhaps the best example of all is Men of Your Dreams.

When JJFP were regularly releasing records, it seemed like one of the requirements of a rap album was extensive boasting. JJFP were not immune to this, there is at least one self praising track on each album, but they were much less insistent about it. They were not trying to prove they were the biggest men by shouting out the most hot air. Instead, they followed their own path, doing what they wanted to do, having fun.

They were the best in the world at having fun. You want proof? You better go buy it.

In addition to JJFP, Will Smith has taken his talent to TV with his very successful show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The show, which ended a couple years ago is currently in syndication. Will solidified his career as an actor with starring roles in Six Degrees of Separation, Bad Boys, Independence Day, and most recently Men in Black. He has also appeared in other movies with smaller roles.

Musically, Will returned to the studio to record the theme song to Men in Black. After signing a new contract to record with Columbia Records, he went to work on a new album, titled Big Willie Styles. The first single from the album, Just Cruisin' also appeared on the Men in Black soundtrack. The album will be a solo album for Will with collaboration from Jazzy Jeff, Warren G, and Trackmaster. It will be in stores in early November 1997 in the United States.

Videos from Will's two most recent songs have enjoyed considerable success on MTV since their debuts. Both feature heavy doses of technology and special effects to complement the music. Clips can be downloaded from the Men in Black Soundtrack page (see below).
|