INTERNATIONAL hip hop DJs have been the toast of the Kuala Lumpur scene this past couple of months and we’ve had them coming in thick and fast from the United States, Britain and the Netherlands, including DJs Shortee Blitz, Irwan and Mickey Morphingaz.

Over the next couple of weeks, there are more coming over, including some familiar and historic names.

Legendary turntablist and producer DJ Jazzy Jeff

Legendary American hip hop DJ Jazzy Jeff returns to KL after his last visit in 2004 to play at Zouk KL’s hip hop night Ghetto Heaven on Dec 7.

A household name since the mid-1980s, thanks to his partnership with rapper-turned-actor Will Smith, Jazzy Jeff (real name Jeff Townes) and his partner-in-rhyme, the Fresh Prince, helped bring hip hop into the suburbs of America, selling over 10 million records, and winning three Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, two NAACP Awards, two Soul Train Music Awards and a MTV Music Award along the way.

Though he is best known as one of the first hip hop pop stars, DJ Jazzy Jeff has always been more than just a DJ. In addition to being widely credited with making the Transformer Scratch one of the most essential tools in any self-respecting DJ’s repertoire, Jeff founded his full-scale musical production facility, A Touch of Jazz, in 1990. With young producers and songwriters, A Touch of Jazz is one of the most revered production houses in America.

Admission to the event is RM45 at the door and includes one drink. Ladies get in free before midnight.

This Thursday’s Ghetto Heaven, meanwhile, features yet another US hip hop star DJ, DJ Premier.

One-half of famous duo Gang Starr, DJ Premier is considered one of the leading hip hop producers with a discography stretching from the early 1990s to the present, most notably co-producing Christina Aguilera’s current album Back to Basics. Arguably hip hop’s most literate, challenging act on both musical and lyrical fronts, Gang Starr comprises Guru Keith E and DJ Premier. Admission to the event is RM35 (ladies) and RM45 (men) at the door and includes one drink. Ladies get in free before midnight.

Call Zouk KL, 113, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, at 03-2171 1997 for more information.

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