DJ Jazzy Jeff

Pioneer DJ has announced a new version of its entry-level Serato controller, the DDJ-SB.

The first new hardware to be released with Serato’s new DJ Lite software, the DDJ-SB3 includes elements from the company’s higher-end controllers, such as performance pads, independent auto loop buttons, and control over four decks.

The unit also includes a unique new Pad Scratch feature, co-developed with DJ Jazzy Jeff, which enables users to trigger eight preset scratches by pressing the performance pads.

The DDJ-SB3 will be available in stores soon, priced at $249. Find out more at Pioneer DJ’s website, and check out the introduction video to hear Jazzy Jeff talk about the new features.

Related: Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000 Review

During a judges panel at the Red Bull 3Style VIII in Poland, DJcity’s Styles Davis asked DJ Jazzy Jeff if “sync was the end of DJing.”

The legend didn’t hold back.

“Technology doesn’t have sh#t to do with DJing,” Jeff said without hesitation. “Don’t f#cking use it if you don’t want to use it. But if you want to use it, use it.”

“I think people stopped realizing that the reason why you DJ is for them people out there to have a good time. They don’t give a f#ck about a sync button. … They don’t worry about what kind of equipment you use.”

Jeff concluded: “I’m tired of people complaining about the wrong sh#t. Play good music and stop worrying about a f#cking sync button.”

Watch his full response above and stayed tune for more exclusive 3Style coverage.

Related: Red Bull 3Style Travels to the Polish Mountains

In August, DJ Jazzy Jeff hosted his annual Playlist Retreat gathering at his home in Delaware. The multi-day event featured an eclectic guest list, including J. Cole, DJ Dahi, Mr. Carmack, Lord Finesse, Young Guru, Z-Trip, and Peanut Butter Wolf.

Also in attendance were two of Canada’s finest turntablists: Skratch Bastid and Hedspin. Watch above to see them perform a quick routine at the retreat.

Tracks:

Aly-Us – Follow Me
Chubb Rock – Treat ‘Em Right – Smalltown DJs & Skratch Bastid Remix

Follow Skratch Bastid on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Follow Hedspin on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Related: An Inside Look at DJ Jazzy Jeff’s ‘Playlist Retreat’

After nearly 100 episodes of Rhythm Roulette, Mass Appeal has finally featured DJ Jazzy Jeff. The series is an interesting concept: it challenges producers to select three records while blindfolded and make a beat by sampling them.

Filmed in his Delaware estate during his annual Playlist Retreat, the video shows Jeff picking out the records from the back of a van, and getting busy in the studio using Serato’s new plugin, Sample.

His final track includes an Al Johnson and Jean Carne sample, which was used on Will Smith’s 1997 single, “Just Cruisin’.” It also contains scratching and vocals from Philadelphia rapper, Dayne Jordan.

Watch Rhythm Roulette above.

Related: An Inside Look at DJ Jazzy Jeff’s ‘Playlist Retreat’

In January, the Boiler Room hosted its debut show in Philadelphia for the last stop of their “What’s Brewing” series with Budweiser. Naturally, they summoned Philly’s own, DJ Jazzy Jeff, to showcase what’s going on in the City of Brotherly Love.

In his two-hour set, Jeff bounced through genres, from hip-hop and reggae to rock. The iconic DJ threw down various techniques, including scratching and juggling. He also played classic tracks as lead-ins to the songs that sampled them. Fans in attendance were treated to a unique experience, getting to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the legend.

The set was originally uploaded with performances from additional artists, but the audio was out of sync with the video. However, Boiler Room has now uploaded a corrected version of Jeff’s set, which you can watch above.

Related: Watch a Recap of DJ Jazzy Jeff’s ‘PlayList Retreat’ Event

DJ Jazzy Jeff recently hosted the second annual PlayList Retreat, a private networking event that boasts a who’s who of influential DJs, artists, producers and more.

Like last year’s inaugural retreat, the 2016 event took place at Jeff’s sprawling estate in Delaware and featured a diverse group of attendees. They included legends such as Z-Trip, Shortkut, Lord Finesse, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, along with new school figures like Aloe Blacc, Grandtheft, Skratch Bastid, and Four Color Zack. Also in attendance were two of hip-hop’s most respected engineers, Bob Power and Young Guru.

“[The PlayList Retreat] is basically a collection of people who put creativity before anything,” Jeff said in his opening address. “Being in a music space [where] that’s not always the case, that’s what makes gatherings like this very special.”

“This is an incredible, life-changing experience,” Teeko commented. “The inspiration will resonate with me for the rest of my life.”

Aloe Blacc added, “This has been the best event in my music career. I haven’t met so many great friends and got a chance to work with so many talented artists [before].”

Watch the official recap video of the retreat below.

Related: DJ Jazzy Jeff Discusses Why DJ AM Was So Influential