DJ Jazzy Jeff
Hip Hop Forever III
(Rapster ***1/2)
On his second mix CD for the Rapster label, longtime local hero Jeff Townes, as usual, shines by pointing the spotlight at others. On Hip Hop Forever III, a follow-up to 2004's HHF II, Will Smith's better half digs into his crates to tell a personalized version of hip-hop history, blending cuts by heavy hitters such as Eric B. and Rakim and A Tribe Called Quest with lesser-knowns such as Canadian MC Saukrates and New York conscious rapper Mister Complex. It's a smooth, idiosyncratic mix that subtly shows off Townes' scratching and production techniques and is a reminder that beneath the pop veneer of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, there was some serious musicality at work.
- Dan DeLuca
philly.com