West Philly, Born And Raised: Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Rise Inspires New TV Series ‘215’

West Philly, Born And Raised: Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Rise Inspires New TV Series ‘215’ Before Uncle Phil started tossing Jazz out the door, Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff were putting on for the town. Source: Al Pereira / GettyBefore the mansion in Bel-Air and the Hollywood blockbusters, Will Smith was the Fresh Prince, building a Rap career alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff in West Philadelphia. Their early partnership is now the inspiration for a new scripted television series called 215. As PhillyVoice reported, Smith’s Westbrook Studios is developing the project with Canada’s Malar Group. The series is the first title in a film and television partnership announced Oct. 6, with the companies teaming up to finance and develop projects.Set in the late 1980’s West Philadelphia, 215 follows a teenage rapper, his DJ and the friends helping them chase a record deal. The story will explore ambition, sudden fame, hometown loyalty and friendships tested by success. The title nods to Philadelphia’s 215 area code. Malar Group CEO Sayan Navaratnam pointed to the bond behind the music, saying in the announcement that “it’s about two people who believed in each other, overcame extraordinary odd...