One of the most iconic parties is Glitterbox, well-known for the poolside classic house and disco vibes it brings during MMW. As part of the DJ Mag Pool Parties series at the Sagamore, a bevy of legends have been assigned closing duties on Sunday, March 30. One of those legends is DJ Jazzy Jeff, who revolutionized turntablism and played a pivotal role in shaping the then-burgeoning genre of hip-hop.
While this isn't his first MMW appearance, it's been a while since Jeff graced South Florida with his presence. He forged a relationship with the Magic City in the late Nineties when the Winter Music Conference stood supreme. Reminiscing about his relationship with Miami, he divulges that he was primarily intrigued by music makers gathering in one location to establish community through their parties and music. It's challenging to accomplish that goal when you're constantly in the studio or on tour.
"You get inspired by seeing so many of these other people," he says. "That would fill my gas tank up and allow me to play all over the world for a year and get to the point of. I can't wait to go to Miami again to see my friends play."
This year's return came after a phone call from an old friend who used to attend WMC with Jeff, who told him about the throwback event at the Sagamore. The disco-oriented focus of his upcoming set compliments Glitterbox's ethos and allows him to play to his central focus: the crowd.
"I am not the most important factor when it comes down to it — the people are," he explains, adding that the crowd helps him determine what to play next. "My job isn't to show everybody how good I am. My job is to make people have a good time." The sentiment is refreshing in an era where taking photos of the DJ or being seen behind the booth often takes precedence over the music.
"I am not the most important factor when it comes down to it — the people are," says DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Photo by Ben Tschetter
Beyond MMW, Jazzy Jeff is embracing a phase of unrestrained creativity. The pandemic provided ample opportunity to rehome his focus. He used that time to distance himself from the constraints of an industry that often prioritizes profit over artistry. "I am no longer in the music industry; I just make music," he adds. Last year marked the return of the Playlist Retreat, an event hosted by Jazzy Jeff where musicians, DJs, producers, and more network to produce music on their own terms. He's also cultivated a robust, multifaceted platform where he livestreams, spinning vinyl for the Mag Mob VIP community and anyone else who wants to watch.
The renewed sense of focus allowed Jeff to produce more music in the past year than ever before. His son, Cory Townes, has become a prominent collaborator. The promotional aspect for their latest upcoming project utilizes "shorts," videos no more than a minute and a half long, and paired with a visual component.
"People's attention spans are so short. We wanted to give them a record that could potentially be a trailer for a song." The approach attempts to bridge the chasm between artists and audiences in an era of fleeting focus. People can sample something new between busy moments and embrace the longer format when they have time.
Jeff isn't done innovating yet. He is dedicated to bridging the gap between past and present, as well as artist and audience. He is standing on the cusp of a new era, and those who attend Glitterbox's closing party will bear witness to it. He's happy to play music with friends like Detroit legend Moodymann and Rich Medina, and these performances are already shaping up to be a highlight of Miami Music Week.
Glitterbox. With DJ Jazzy Jeff, Moodymann, DJ Holographic, Natasha Diggs, and others. 1 to 11 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at the Sagamore, 1671 Collins Ave., Miami; sagamorepoolparty.com. Tickets cost $75 to $200 via eventbrite.com.
Find the full list of Miami Music Week 2025 events here.
