Jam Master Jay

Jam Master Jay
Jam Master Jay in 1985
Jam Master Jay in 1985
Background information
Birth nameJason William Mizell
Also known asDJ Jazzy Jase
Jam Master Funk
Born(1965-01-21)January 21, 1965
New York City, U.S.
DiedOctober 30, 2002(2002-10-30) (aged 37)
New York City, U.S.
Cause of deathMurder (gunshot wound)
GenresHip hop, golden age hip hop, rap rock
Occupation(s)Disc jockey, producer, rapper, beatboxer
InstrumentsVocals, turntables
Years active1983–2002
Labels
  • JMJ
  • Profile
Formerly ofRun-DMC
Websitejasonmizell.com

Jason William Mizell (January 21, 1965 – October 30, 2002), better known by his stage name Jam Master Jay, was an American musician and DJ. He was the DJ of the influential hip hop group Run-D.M.C.

Life

During the 1980s, Run-D.M.C. became one of the biggest hip hop groups.[1][2]

Assassination

On October 30, 2002, [3] Mizell was shot in the head in his studio in Queens in Jamaica, Queens, New York City. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His friend, 25-year-old Urieco Rincon, was shot in the ankle but he survived. [4]

On August 17, 2020, two men, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr., were arrested and charged for the murder of Mizell.[5] Before their trials began, a third suspect, Jay Bryant, was arrested on May 30, 2023.[6] He was given a seperate trail than the other two.[7] On January 29, 2024, their trials began and they both pled not guilty.[8]

On February 27, 2024, Washington and Jordan were both convicted for killing Mizell.[9]

References