Darryl “DMC” McDaniels

The Third Suspect In Jam Master Jay’s Murder Is Reportedly In Talks To Accept A Plea Deal

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Sadly, each generation of hip-hop lovers has experienced tragedy. For the inception class, the tragic 2002 murder of Run-DMC‘s Jam Master Jay (real name Jason William Mizell) is a pain that won’t go away.

After decades of speculation, on February 27, two men (Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr.) were found guilty for their involvement in the beloved DJ’s untimely death. However, the case is far from over, as one additional suspect (Jay Bryant) is still awaiting trial. But, according to AP News, Bryant is reportedly in talks to accept a plea deal.

The outlet states that although Jordan was charged with firing the gun and Washington was involved in the plan to murder Mizell. However, Bryant also allegedly played a part in the overall conspiracy. With Bryant scheduled to head to trial in 2026, AP claims that the prosecutor’s office and his lawyer, César de Castro, are considering cutting a deal.

Nothing has been finalized as of April 4. By August 5, all parties are expected to file the written status with the courts and presiding Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall.

In court documents, the prosecutor argued that Washington and Jordan killed Mizell over a drug deal gone wrong. Mizell’s widow and children haven’t issued a statement regarding the claims.

Will Smith And DJ Jazzy Jeff Are Reuniting For The ‘Class Of ’88’ Podcast, Revisiting Their Hip-Hop Arrival

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On Wednesday, September 20, Jada Pinkett Smith posted throwback videos of her and Tupac during their junior year of high school as a way to promote her forthcoming memoir, Worthy. In the clips, Pinkett Smith and the late Tupac are performing to Will Smith’s “Parents Just Don’t Understand” with DJ Jazzy Jeff from 1988.

This morning, September 21, Smith revealed plans to explore that time period even more thoroughly with his Class Of ’88 podcast. According to Billboard, Smith “will celebrate 1988 hip-hop with episodes alongside Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Rakim, and Chuck D.”

The publication additionally relayed, “Smith will explore the landmark year of 1988, which included the rise of Public Enemy, the ascension of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, and the outpouring of female MCs such as Salt-N-Pepa and Queen Latifah.”

The Wondery podcast will last for eight episodes. Beginning on October 26, Class Of ’88 will be available exclusively on Amazon Music and Audible. Amazon Prime members can listen to the podcast’s trailer here.

“Today, hip-hop dominates pop culture,” Smith says to start the trailer. “But it wasn’t always like that. Before 1988, a lot of people saw our music as just a passing fad.”

The nearly two-minute audio trailer also includes excerpted perspectives from Smith’s A-list guests, including Queen Latifah recalling, “[Hip-hop] had an expiration date, like milk. That’s what they were saying.”

In 1988, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince released He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper, housing “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” The track claimed the first-ever Best Rap Performance at the 1989 Grammys, which DJ Jazzy Jeff and Smith boycotted because the category wasn’t televised (as revisited by Andscape in January 2018).

Run-DMC Is Retiring From Music With Filmed Final Show For A Potential Netflix Documentary

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Move over, Elton John. Apparently, you’re not the only legacy act looking to bow out of the music industry with a farewell performance documentary. Pioneer hip-hop group Run-DMC is also looking to hang up their famous Adidas Superstars. The news comes just months after the 20th anniversary of the group’s late DJ, Master Jay’s tragic murder.

In a recent interview with Rock The Bells, emcees Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons spoke about the discussion to retire the group and the next steps.

McDaniels told the outlet, “People got understand this — is Dave Grohl still running around trying to be Nirvana? Is Sting still running around trying to be The Police? Are Paul and Ringo running around trying to be The Beatles? There’s enough life left for both of us. We can’t be Runcan’tC. without Jay.”

Although the group has successfully managed their appearances, performances, and collaborative opportunities as a duo, its core was certainly their DJ, Jam Master Jay. But the pair plans on putting down their Kangos with a larger-than-life final show.

McDaniels spoke out the plans stating, “The final show that we are ever going to do is going to be at Madison Square Garden in April. It’s going to be the last episode of the documentary we’re doing. ‘Cause it’s time for Run to go be Paul McCartney and me to be John Lennon. We done did what we could do. The show is going to be like ‘The Last Waltz’ by The Band.”

Fans can expect a long list of guest appearances, including Ice-T and Wu-Tang. According to the group, those who aren’t able to attend the show live the group will be filming the show with the intention of selling the rights to “Netflix or to the highest bidder.”

The official concert date has not yet been released.

Darryl “DMC” McDaniels And Road Recovery Partner To Raise Funds With “Darryl’s Dream Holiday Benefit” Brunch

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Entertainment non-profit Road Recovery and Community Hopeare hosting Darryl’s Dream Holiday Benefit brunch with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels on December 10 from 12 pm – 3 pm at The Cutting Room.

In excitement about the event, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels shares, “We all have dreams and so many of us are proof that dreams do come true no matter what the situation or circumstances are. Road Recovery constantly puts our young people on the path to overcoming adversity and getting around the obstacles that are in the way, so they can find their road to success!”
 
Guided by music and entertainment industry professionals who have confronted similar life struggles, and with support from the mental health field, Road Recovery’s action-driven programs provide mentorship, performance workshops, and “all access” opportunities for a community of motivated peers to create and produce live concert events and studio recording projects. We offer all-access programs that empower youth to identify, express, and amplify their voices together in hopes of positively impacting both themselves and a greater audience – watch/share: “We Are Road Recovery.” What do Slash, Simon Kirke, Denis Leary, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Sharon Osbourne have in common? They’re all supporters of Road Recovery — a non-profit that strives to help 13-25 year-olds manage (or avoid) the pitfalls and challenges of behavioral issues, physical or mental health trauma, poverty, or drug or alcohol dependency.

The post Darryl “DMC” McDaniels And Road Recovery Partner To Raise Funds With “Darryl’s Dream Holiday Benefit” Brunch appeared first on The Source.