Will’s friend from Philadelphia who frequently visits the Banks house is Jazz. The character is played by Jeffrey “DJ Jazzy Jeff” Townes, Will Smith’s real-life musical partner and longtime friend.
Jazz appears as an energetic, casually dressed friend who drops by the Banks mansion throughout the series. His visits often trigger one of the show’s most reliable running gags: Uncle Phil physically throws Jazz out of the house, usually while Jazz lets out an exaggerated scream. The joke became so familiar that it was sometimes repeated with reused footage or variations on the same setup.
Jazz is also associated with a comic crush on Hilary Banks. His friendship with Will reflects the Philadelphia world Will came from, helping the show maintain a link to his old life after he moves in with the affluent Banks family.
Off-screen, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith formed DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. Their partnership produced hits such as “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” while Smith’s television role helped bring their Philadelphia connection to a much larger audience.