Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay (Mizell) was murdered last night. See reports here and here. Even though he has been around for 20 years, he was only 37.
Here are tributes from the Run-DMC website:
- I'll never forget that fabulous concert from front row seats in Washington DC in 1986: RUN-DMC, the Beastie Boys and LLCool Jay. I proudly sported my RUN DMC concert T-shirt, which I still have, and learned all the words to all the songs, which I proudly played on my ghetto blaster for many years. As a white girl, it was part of my discovery and appreciation of black culture and the common ground of some of the friendships that I built with black people, with whom I shared enjoyment of the music, and eventually many other things. May Jay remain an inspiration for us all- a man with vision, creativity, generosity, and talent, one who condemned and spoke against violence, and was taken away from us, and his family, far too soon.
Nina J. Miller
San Francisco, CA
Run DMC introduced me to a whole other world, and in many ways guided me in who I am. Hip-Hop was such a source of inspiration and positive energy. I just heard the news on the BBC. Our family will be praying for all of Jay's family and friends.
Jay, your legacy is one of beauty, beats, love, hope and funk. You were the King. May God bless you forever, and grant us the wisdom to carry on your legacy. Maybe one day we can bring hip-hop back to its roots. Until then, I'm gonna dig through my crates for your old funky tapes and mourn a man who brought joy to my soul.
-Paul Rodriguez
I heard about Jaye on the news tonight and the only thing I could do was cry. I felt like I had lost one of my family members. I grew up on Run-DMC and Jam Master Jaye. They were the beginning of hip hop in my eyes. His was a senseless death.
my thoughts go out to his family and the run dmc family. i was in shock when i heard the news and was deeply sad, me being a dj for the past 15 years +,
i feel a void in this industry and in my life for i grew up on run dmc and jam master jay. i meet them a couple times threw mutual freinds and just in general threw the business. and the energy they gave and what their presence gave when thoose 3 guys walked in a room i dont think words can ever describe
i awalys looked up to the whole run dmc camp and what they gave this industry,this culture and this world
Article comments
1 - Cal Ulmann
Jay was responsible for most of the production for the group.
2 - -Family
I didn't grow up on jam master jay's music but my mother did. when i listen to it once in a while it kind of kept me going in life. his music helped me in my life when i had problems. when he died it was like me losing my older brother it was hurt ful.
WE WILL REMEMBER YOU MASTER JAY!!
-family