Catch legendary hip-hop duo Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff at MDLBeast SoundStorm 2023
Get ready to be transported back in time and off your feet…
It’s going to be a sweet, sweet throwback. Will Smith and Jeff Townes, also known as the Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff, have been tapped for the MDLBeast SoundStorm 2023.
We say, it’s about damn time because there’s no way you can have hip-hop without featuring the legendary duo. And despite their near absence for many years, the two will be making an appearance on Friday December 15.
It will mark one of the first times in a long time that they will be reunited on such a major stage.
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The younger generation tends to forget that the Oscar-nominated actor was, in fact, first a celebrated musician. While Smith’s solo career and ensuing fame as an actor have overshadowed his origins, ‘80s babies (like us) will always remember him as the one and only Fresh Prince.
Paired with West Philly icon DJ Jazzy Jeff, Smith rolled off a string of crossover pop-rap hits in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, trading on his goofball humour and underdog charisma.
They go way back…
What made them different was that their music had a unique and relatable beat. Smith and long-time musical collaborator and friend Jeff made rap more kid-friendly, fun, and approachable by creating songs that relate to pop culture events.
The two famously made Grammy history as their song “Parents Just Don’t Understand” became the first hip-hop record to win Best Rap Performance at the 1989 ceremony (it should be noted here that the illustrious ceremony didn’t even have a category for rap or hip-hop until 1988 and that neither Smith nor Jeff attended the year they won the award after learning that their category wouldn’t even be televised). The following year, they became the first hip-hop/rap act to perform on the Grammys.
Their 1991 single, “Summertime,” became a No. 4 hit on Billboard Hot 100. Jeff also joined Smith on his breakout sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, playing a recurring role as Smith’s best friend, Jazz.
The Fresh Prince was one of hip-hop’s most gifted storytellers and DJ Jazzy Jeff had the beats to match. It’s been a minute since we’ve seen them take the stage, and we’re more than ready to see them back in action.
Other major new acts for SoundStorm 2023
Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff join an a-list line-up of headliners that will bring the noise to Banban from Thursday December 14 to Saturday December 16.
Additional recently announced artists set to perform include Travis Scott, who will open with performances from Amir Diab, Black Eyed Peas, Calvin Harris, Metallica, and DJs Alesso, Snake, and Tiesto on Thursday December 14.
On Friday December 15, rapper Wiz Khalifa will join R&B sensation Chris Brown, DJ legends David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Axwell and Deadmau5, and now Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff.
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It has also been confirmed that rap supremo 50 Cent will be busting some of his hottest rhymes on the final night of SoundStorm on Saturday December 16. Other closing proceedings on Saturday will be performances from the likes of J Balvin, Afrojack, Armin Van Buuren, Swedish House Mafia and Steve Aoki.
MDLBeast SoundStorm 2023, Dec 14 to 16, Banban. General admission tickets start from SAR169 for a single-day ticket and SAR379 for three-day festival passes. @mdlbeast.soundstorm
Images: Social / Getty