DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith are the two names that saw hip-hop coming into the limelight. The legacy that these two created has become a golden chapter in the history of music. They expanded the imagination and parameters of this genre with their albums, allowing more aspiring artists to come forward. It would not be too much to say they did more for the hip-hop community than any of their peers.

Now, decades after the dawn of that beautiful time, the duo is recalling the early era when they started making songs. But it was certainly not all heydays for them and faced horrible adversities to succeed.

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince dwell on hurdles they faced back in the days 

The Fresh Prince recently rolled out the first episode of his much-awaited podcast of Class of ‘88. The Oscar winner opened the episode by sharing his memories of the time when hip-hop was not famous. He revealed there used to be a DJ competition every year called the Battle for World Supremacy and how Jeff took part in it in 1986. Talking about his struggles, the producer said, “We were treated horribly because we weren’t from New York.”

The event was hosted in Times Square where all the popular DJs performed to win the title. Further, Jeff shared how he continued to prove his worth to the world and how he had to go there and battle against other DJs. It was a time when the music industry did not have billboards or music charts that could measure the popularity of a singer’s songs.

In fact, the rap was not even included in the Grammys nomination and it “was mostly happening Underground” added Smith. However, this duo transformed it all in the coming years and won the same award for their album.

Will Smith and Jeff brought the first Grammy to the rap industry

Before becoming television fixtures on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince made their talent evident through music. The pair won their first Grammy in 1989 for Best Rap Performance for ‘Parents Just Don’t Understand’ and cemented their place in the industry. Following this, the group bagged their second Grammy for their most successful single ‘Summertime‘ which peaked at number 4 on Billboard.

Seeing all these achievements, one can say that all the hard times these two went through were worth it. If not for them, the rap industry might not have flourished and taken over the world like it does today. The passion and dedication that ran through Smith’s and Jeff’s veins paid off, making them a legend for generations to come.

What do you think about this revelation from the iconic duo? Drop your comments below!