Smith’s mother and brother move back in with the rest of the family. His mother is determined to get all of her children into college. Smith decides not to go to his friend’s party because he had been the DJ for her previous parties, but this year she chose someone else. Will learns from his friend Ready Rock that the other DJ is Jazzy Jeff. The two head to the party because they want to battle with Jazzy Jeff and his MC, MC Ice. Jeff began DJing when he was 10 years old and is still considered one of the best DJs in the world today. Unlike other DJs, who could often be flashy, Jazzy Jeff is more subdued. When MC Ice does not show up to the party, Smith MCs for Jazzy Jeff. This is the first time Smith ever feels like he is truly in the zone with his music; that night marks the beginning of a partnership that still exists today. Smith considers these early days with Jeff to be one of the most creative periods of his life. 

One night, James Lassiter, JL, shows up as Smith and Jeff are rehearsing. JL is in law school, and he spends his evenings watching Jeff DJ.