Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay shot dead
Jam Master Jay, DJ for seminal rap trio Run-DMC, was shot and killed in a New York recording studio on Wednesday (10/30). He was 37.
Jam Master Jay, DJ for seminal rap trio Run-DMC, was shot and killed in a New York recording studio on Wednesday (10/30). He was 37.
Jay--real name Jason Mizell--reportedly was sitting on a couch in a lounge area of the Queens, N.Y., studio at about 7:30 p.m. when he was shot once in the head. The shooter, who is still at large, was reportedly one of two men who were buzzed into the secure building just before the shooting.
A second man, Urieco Rincon, 25, who reportedly was in the lounge playing a video game with Mizell at the time of the shooting, suffered a gunshot wound to one of his legs and was taken to Mary Immaculate Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
The shooter’s motive remains unknown, according to police.
Mizell leaves behind a wife and three children.
Joseph “Run” Simmons--younger brother of Def Jam records founder Russell Simmons--Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and Mizell grew up in New York’s Queens borough, and formed Run-DMC in the early ‘80s. The trio is considered one of rap’s most influential and pioneering acts.
Run-DMC’s self-titled, 1984 debut and 1985 follow-up, “King of Rock,” spawned a series of popular singles, including “Sucker M.C.’s,” “Rock Box” and the “King of Rock” title track. Both albums featured tracks that put the spotlight on Mizell, including “Run DMC“‘s “Jam Master Jay” and “Jay’s Game,” and “King of Rock“‘s “Jam Master Jammin’.”
The group’s third album, “Raising Hell,” was the first rap album to sell more than one million copies. The album’s sales were propelled by its chart-topping hit “Walk This Way,” a remake of the Aerosmith track. The cut features Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry, and is credited in part for reviving Aerosmith’s then-flagging career.
Run-DMC’s most-recent album of new material is last year’s “Crown Royal.” A greatest-hits compilation surfaced earlier this year. The trio had recently been on tour with Aerosmith and Kid Rock.
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