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Today in Hip-Hop History: Run-D.M.C.’s Jam Master Jay Was Shot And Killed In His Queens Studio 22 Years Ago

October 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 2002, the illustrious DJ of the legendary Run-D.M.C. was gunned down in a studio in his hometown of Hollis, Queens. He was 37 years old.

An unknown person fatally shot Mizell in a recording studio on Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica, Queens. The other person in the room, 25-year-old Urieco Rincon, was shot in the ankle but survived.

In 2003, Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, a convicted drug dealer and longtime friend of Murder Inc. heads Irv and Chris Gotti, was investigated for killing Mizell because the DJ defied an industry blacklist of then upcoming rapper 50 Cent that was imposed because of “Ghetto Qu’ran”, a song 50 Cent wrote about Queens drug kingpins, including McGriff’s drug history.

In April 2007, federal prosecutors named Ronald “Tenad” Washington as an accomplice in the murder. Washington also is a suspect in the 1995 murder of Randy “Stretch” Walker, a former close associate of the late rapper Tupac Shakur, who was also murdered. According to court papers filed by the prosecution, Washington pointed his gun at those present in the studio, ordered them to get on the ground and provided cover for his associate to shoot and kill Jason Mizell, however, he was never convicted and no new suspects have been named.

This murder remains unsolved, but former Hip Hop cop Derrick Parker says he knows who killed Jam Master Jay and the case will be solved in the near future.

This senseless killing was one of many unsolved murders in the Hip Hop community, which has been plagued by gun violence. Let’s hope that this somber moment in Hip Hop history will prompt our youth to put the guns down.

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Jam Master Jay’s Alleged Murderer Appeals Conviction

April 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The murder of Jam Master Jay went unresolved for nearly two decades. Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald “Tinard” Washington, the men allegedly behind the DJ’s death, were recently convicted. Now, however, the latter is attempting to appeal his conviction. Washington’s legal team asserts that the government has failed to provide sufficient evidence to link him to the 2002 drug conspiracy that resulted in Jam Master Jay being shot and killed. The legal team is looking to either reverse Washington’s charge or prompt a retrial.

The motion filed comes less than two months after Jordan Jr. and Washington were found guilty on ten different counts. Their legal teams made clear their intentions to appeal their convictions shortly after they were sentenced. At time of the initial ruling, federal prosecutors were confident that Jordan Jr. and Washington had murdered the Run-DMC member in “cold blood.” The prosecution alleged that Washington was a childhood friend of Jam Master Jay, and that the impetus behind Jay’s murder was a misunderstanding involving a cocaine distribution deal.

Ronald “Tinard” Washington Wants A Retrial

Jordan Jr. and Washington are facing a minimum of 20 years to life in prison or the death penalty. The lawyer for the latter, Susan Kellman, put forth the notion that Washington and Jam Master Jay were on the same page regarding cocaine distribution, and that a man named Jay Bryant is actually to blame for Jay’s death. Kellman also argued that Jam Master Jay tried to advocate for Washington when the deal went south. “Think about it,” the lawyer said. “Who gets killed when a drug deal fails? Is it the guy who advocates to get you into a drug deal? No.”

Jay Bryant is still awaiting trial. He’s due in court in 2026, but Associated Press claims that Bryant and his lawyer César de Castro, are considering cutting a deal with the prosecution for a lighter sentence. “[He was] involved, but he’s not the killer,” the prosecution asserted. Washington’s hope for a mistrial hinges largely on Bryant’s presumed guilt, so the next few months will be crucial. Bryant and the prosecution will file their status with the courts and presiding Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall by August 5.

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

April 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Jam Master Jay Hollywood's Rockwalk Induction Ceremony — Getty Image

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.

Jam Master Jay Case: Third Murder Suspect Could Avoid Trial With Plea Deal

April 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In February of this year, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were found guilty of the murder of Run-DMC icon Jam Master Jay, and one of their alleged co-conspirators is currently awaiting trial. The third suspect, Jay Bryant, is currently in talks with prosecutors about a plea deal, per his attorney Cesar de Castro. This means it’s possible for Bryant to avoid going to trial altogether.

Reportedly, these conversations began in the weeks following the other two suspects’ guilty verdicts. Jordan and Washington are accused of killing Jam Master Jay over a drug deal. Allegedly, Bryant helped the duo gain entry to the recording studio where he was murdered, opening a fire escape door.

Jay Bryant Allegedly Assisted Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington In The Murder Of Jam Master Jay

American hip hop group Run-DMC (American rapper Joseph ‘Run’ Simmons, American musician and DJ Jason ‘Jam Master Jay’ Mizell (1965-2002), and American rapper Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels) attend the 1987 Soul Train Music Awards, held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica, California, 23rd March 1987. Run-DMC won the awards for ‘Best Rap Single’ for ‘Walk This Way; and ‘Best Rap Album’ for ‘Raising Hell’. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)

Bryant’s DNA was found on a hat located in said studio. Previously, his uncle accused him of carrying out the actual shooting, but no other witnesses corroborated his claim. He’s “involved, but he’s not the killer,” according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Artie McConnell.

“More than two decades after they killed Jason Mizell in his recording studio, Jordan and Washington have finally been held accountable for their cold-blooded crime driven by greed and revenge,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated after Jordan and Washington were found guilty on all counts. “That the victim, professionally known as Jam Master Jay, was a Hip-Hop icon and Run-DMC’s music was born in Hollis, Queens, in this very district, and beloved by so many, adds to the tragedy of a life senselessly cut short.” What do you think of another one of Jam Master Jay’s accused killers being in talks about a plea deal? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Onyx’s Fredro Says JMJ Asked Him “Do You Sell Drugs?” Before His Rap Career

April 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In a recent interview with BagFuel, actor and Onyx front man Fredro Starr said that the late Jama Master Jay was so astonished at the amount of money he was making pre-Onyx, that he asked him if he ws slinging drugs to make his ends.

“When Jay met me, you know what he asked me? ‘You sell drugs?!’” he recalled. “You know why? Because I was getting money. You know how I was getting money? I was cutting hair.”

Fredro says that he made so much money as a renowned barber in his Jamaica, Queens neighborhood because he counted the local hustlers and knowns rap legends as his loyal cusotmers.

“[I was the] illest barber in New York, for real. I was cutting Rakim‘s hair, [Kool] G Rap‘s hair. Everybody was coming through the barbershop. All the drug dealers in ’86, ’87,” he said. “I had a line of n-ggas. ‘Who you waiting for?’ ‘Dro.’ ‘Who you waiting for?’ ‘Dro.’ I had [to tell] n-ggas, ‘Yo, you come back at 4.30. You come back at 5.30.’

“All these n-ggas pulling up in Benzes. All my clientele was drug dealers. So when I met Jay, he was like, ‘You selling drugs?!’ I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Nah, I don’t believe you.’ I said, ‘Bro, I cut hair!’ I had to figure out a way to get money and stay fly.”

Jam Master Jay signed Onyx to his JMJ imprint in the early 90s, prompting the release of their debut album, Bacdafucup, which was certified platinum by the RIAA in 1993, just seven months after the album’s release.

The post Onyx’s Fredro Says JMJ Asked Him “Do You Sell Drugs?” Before His Rap Career first appeared on The Source.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Run-D.M.C.’s Self Titled Debut Album Turns 40 Years Old!

March 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 1984, the Kings from Queens released their first self-titled album on Def Jam Recordings under Rush Management.

This monumental album put Daryl McDaniels (DMC), Joseph Simmons (DJ Run), and Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay) on the map, and launched one of the most successful careers Hip-Hop has ever seen.

With songs like “Sucker MCs,” “It’s Like That,” “Hard Times” and “Rock Box,” the record was an accurate reflection of the lives of three ambitious kids from Hollis, Queens in New York City in a time before the crack epidemic.

Simmons and McDaniels used to hang around Two-Fifths Park in Hollis in late 1980, hoping to rap for the local DJs who performed and competed there. The most popular one just happened to be Mizell, then known as “Jazzy Jase” because of his flashy wardrobe and b-boy attitude. Eventually, Simmons and McDaniels rapped in front of Mizell at the park, and the rest is history.

As a group, they soon strapped on a pair of Adidas, threw on a rope chain and topped it off with a Kangol hat. Little did they know, they were crafting a signature style, one that has stood the test of time and is widely recognized around the world.

Run-D.M.C. went on to release six more albums, including 1985’s King of Rock and 1986’s Raising Hell. Tragically, Mizell was gunned down on October 30, 2002, at his recording studio in Queens. Countless fans left Adidas sneakers, albums and flowers for the legendary DJ outside of the studio, where the murder occurred. The homicide has yet to be solved.

Run-D.M.C. was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, making them one of only two Hip Hop acts given that honor at the time.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Run-D.M.C.’s Self Titled Debut Album Turns 40 Years Old! first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Run-D.M.C.’s Self Titled Debut Album Turns 40 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

50 Cent Reacts To Guilty Verdict In Jam Master Jay Murder Trial

March 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

50 Cent reacted to the guilty verdict in the murder trial of Jam Master Jay on Instagram, last week. “Welp that’s all folks,” he wrote with a shrug emoji. “R.I.P Jam Master Jay.” The two defendants, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington, were found guilty on all counts. They face a minimum of 20 years behind bars, with a maximum of life.

Prosecutors claim Jay acquired 22 pounds of cocaine but cut Washington out of a deal to distribute it. From there, he and Jordan began hatching a scheme to kill him in response. On October 30, 2002, they accosted him in a recording studio and executed him with two fatal gunshots at close range.

50 Cent Attends NBA All-Star Game

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 18: 50 Cent, Anthony Wilson, Chris Tucker, and Destin Christopher Tucker sit courtside during the 73rd NBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 18, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

United States Attorney Breon Peace addressed the verdict in a statement to EDNY, as noted by HipHopDX. “More than two decades after they killed Jason Mizell in his recording studio, Jordan and Washington have finally been held accountable for their cold-blooded crime driven by greed and revenge,” Peace said. “That the victim, professionally known as Jam Master Jay, was a Hip Hop icon and Run-DMC’s music was born in Hollis, Queens, in this very district, and beloved by so many, adds to the tragedy of a life senselessly cut short.”

50 Cent Speaks Out

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A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

In response to 50’s post, Immortal Technique reflected on the legacy of Jam Master Jay. He described him as “one of the first heavyweights” who ever believed in him. “He wasn’t just a Hip Hop legend was a good dude. Solid human being. Ain’t too many of those left. Rest in Power,” he said. Be on the lookout for further updates on 50 Cent on HotNewHipHop.

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Jam Master Jay’s Family Celebrates Justice in Statement Following Conviction of Murder Suspects

February 29, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Jam Master Jay's Family, Run-DMC Responds to Arrests Made in Late Rapper's Murder Case

The family of Jam Master Jay is speaking out after two men were found guilty of murdering the Run-DMC icon.

The family, via Jay’s son TJ Mizell, released a statement to Billboard:

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the prosecutors, law enforcement officials and all involved in bringing these individuals to justice. Their unwavering dedication has ensured a measure of accountability for the tragic loss of Jam Master Jay. As we pause to reflect, we are reminded of the profound impact and influence Jay had on countless lives. His legacy endures through his music, his spirit and the cherished memories we hold dear. We remain committed to honoring his memory and celebrating the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

To all who have supported us throughout this challenging journey, we offer our heartfelt thanks. Your love, kindness, and steadfast support have been a source of strength during our darkest moments. We ask that you continue to honor Jay’s memory through his music and the positive impact he made on the world. While the pain of our loss will always remain, we find solace in the knowledge that justice has been served. Our family believes in God’s plan and that faith is what helped provide closure for us long ago. We thank all that continue to support Jay’s legacy by honoring his life’s achievements.”

Jam Master Jay’s godson, Karl Jordan Jr., was found guilty of shooting and killing the famed Run-DMC member by a federal jury. In addition, Ronald Washington, a longtime friend of Jay, participated in the murder after being left out of a cocaine deal.

According to Billboard, the verdict concludes a three-week trial. Jordan and Washington were charged with Jay’s murder in 2020.

There was just one witness used in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Artie McConnell stated that the “case is not complicated.” He added, “It’s about greed, it’s about money, it’s about jealousy.”

Jordan and Washington now face a minimum of 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors allege Jay turned to drug dealing after Run-DMC’s popularity faded, teaming with Washington and Jordan in the deals. A third man charged, Jay Bryant, will have a separate charge later in 2024.

The post Jam Master Jay’s Family Celebrates Justice in Statement Following Conviction of Murder Suspects first appeared on The Source.

The post Jam Master Jay’s Family Celebrates Justice in Statement Following Conviction of Murder Suspects appeared first on The Source.

Jam Master Jay Trial: Late DJ’s Son TJ Mizell Reacts To Guilty Verdicts

February 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Earlier this week, two men were found guilty of the 2002 murder of Run-DMC icon Jam Master Jay. The convictions of the men, Karl Jordan and Ronald Washington, followed a three-week trial. Throughout the trial, prosecutors called over 30 witnesses to the stand to recount the alleged drug deal gone wrong. Jordan and Washington are now both facing a minimum of 20 years behind bars, though they can still challenge the verdict with the judge and in federal appeals court.

Amid the news, Jam Master Jay’s son TJ Mizell spoke with Billboard. He thanked those involved in helping his family reach justice, also emphasizing the importance of keeping his father’s legacy alive. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the prosecutors, law enforcement officials and all involved in bringing these individuals to justice. Their unwavering dedication has ensured a measure of accountability for the tragic loss of Jam Master Jay,” he said. “As we pause to reflect, we are reminded of the profound impact and influence Jay had on countless lives. His legacy endures through his music, his spirit and the cherished memories we hold dear. We remain committed to honoring his memory and celebrating the enduring legacy he leaves behind.”

TJ Mizell Is “Committed To Honoring” Jam Master Jay

(L-R) American rapper, producer, DJ and television personality Joseph “Run” Simmons, rapper Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and musician and DJ Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell (1965 – 2002), of the American hip hop group Run-D.M.C, pose for a portrait in New York, New York in March 1985. They are posing on a rooftop with The Empire State Building in the background. (Photo by John Nordell/Getty Images)

“To all who have supported us throughout this challenging journey, we offer our heartfelt thanks,” he then added. “Your love, kindness, and steadfast support have been a source of strength during our darkest moments. We ask that you continue to honor Jay’s memory through his music and the positive impact he made on the world,” Mizell also says. “While the pain of our loss will always remain, we find solace in the knowledge that justice has been served. Our family believes in God’s plan and that faith is what helped provide closure for us long ago. We thank all that continue to support Jay’s legacy by honoring his life’s achievements.”

What do you think of two men being found guilty of the murder of Jam Master Jay earlier this week? What about his son TJ Mizell’s statement? Are you glad that he feels as though justice has been served? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and also keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Jam Master Jay’s Accused Killers Were Found Guilty Of The Hip-Hop Pioneer’s 2002 Murder

February 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Two men — Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. — have been found guilty of the 2002 murder of hip-hop pioneer Jam Master Jay. According to Variety, jurors at the U.S. District Court’s Eastern Division of New York in Brooklyn convicted the accused killers on Tuesday (February 27) after weeks of trial testimonies.

Jordan, who is described as Jay’s godson, was charged with firing the gun, while Washington was also involved in the plan. The two men allegedly plotted the killing in revenge for being cut out of a drug deal by Jay, who had reportedly turned to the drug trade as the popularity of his group, Run-DMC, faded in the late ’90s. Jay Bryant, the third member of the alleged conspiracy, will be tried separately in 2026.

The only two witnesses to the execution-style shooting were Jay’s assistant assistant Uriel “Tony” Rincon and Lydia High, an employee of Jay’s JMJ Records label. Both had been intimidated by Jordan, refusing to testify for decades. Jordan and Washington both could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

At the time of his death, Jam Master Jay was just 37 years old. He was survived by three children: two boys and a daughter. Both boys followed him into the DJ business.