First double LP hip-hop album ever, and He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper was the first rap album to win a Grammy (which they boycotted for a good reason). Jeff Townes aka DJ Jazzy Jeff & Will Smith aka the Fresh Prince met at a house party in their native West Philadelphia, and the duo recorded 5 full-lengths. Originally released in 1988, this is the sophomore effort from the group, and it's the perfect showcase of Smith's fun, goofy storytelling & wordplay, as well as Jeff's production chops & dexterity on the turntables. The chemistry between these two personalities, as evidenced in the timeless The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air series, is undeniable, and the lighthearted classics like "Parents Just Don't Understand," "A Nightmare On My Street," "Brand New Funk," and the title track provide pleasant throwback vibes (some really questionable/cringe mic talk on tracks like "Live at Union Square, November 1986 - Live" aside).

• music label: Jive 1988 / 2017

reviewed by nakaveli 10/2017