Greatest Hits (CD - 1998)

Personnel: DJ Jazzy Jeff; Will Smith (rap vocals).

Additional personnel includes: Coke, LaVette, Tichina Arnold, Jeau Norrls, Rene Neville, Jean Norris, New Jack Swing Production Crew (background vocals).

Producers include: Jazzy Jeff, Fresh Prince, Poke & Tone, Hula & Fingers, Mr. Lee.

Engineers include: Joe "The Butcher," John Shriver, Stephen George, Chris Trevell, Bryan "Chuck" New.

Personnel: Poke & Tone (drum programming); Coko, Jean Norris, Tichina Arnold (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Chris Trevett; Commissioner Gordon; Chris Walsh ; Nigel Green; Tony Maserati; Bryan New.

Recording information: Battery Studios, London, England; Hit Factory Studios, New York, NY; Pacific Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Soundtr.

Editor: Chris Walsh .

Photographer: Michael Miller .

Arranger: Mr. Lee.

DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince actually turned out better albums than many of their pop-rap contemporaries, but like their peers, they excelled at singles, not albums. That's what makes the appearance of Greatest Hits welcome. Although it has its flaws -- the sublime "Summertime" is here twice, but only as an "Extended Club Mix" and a "'98 Remix" -- it remains an excellent summation of their career, boasting such hits as "Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble," "I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson," "Parents Just Don't Understand," "Boom! Shake the Room," "Ring My Bell," "A Nightmare on My Street" and, as a bonus, Will Smith's 1997 solo hit "Men in Black." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Multi-media star Will Smith, aka Fresh Prince, has more than made himself a household name. Capitalizing on his TV and movie success, GREATEST HITS affords listeners the opportunity to choose from any of his numerous hip-hop classics. Packed with hits like "Parents Just Don't Understand," Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble" and "Boom! Shake The Room," this release truly offers all of Fresh Prince and Jazzy Jeff's best tracks.

Also included on this GREATEST HITS album are "Men In Black" and "Just Cruisin'" from the MIB Soundtrack. Since most of the boys' success as a duo took place in the late 1980's, this project reflects the humor, texture, vocal style and sound of those times. With eighteen tracks including a MegaMix and two versions of the smooth classic "Summertime," you'll have all the Fresh Prince & Jazzy Jeff you desire. minimize