Jury selection for the trial of two men accused of killing Jam Master Jay will get underway on Monday.
According to ABC News, 59-year-old Ronald Washington and 40-year-old Karl Jordan are facing charges for the October 2002 murder. Jay, born Jason Mizell, and others were at Jay’s 24/7 recording studio in Queens when the two men entered at 7:30 p.m. with guns.
Jordan is said to have fired two shots close range at Jam Master Jay, one hitting him in the head and killing him.
Jodan and Washington were believed to be engaged in cocaine trafficking. Jordan was arrested in 2020 for attempting to sell drugs to an undercover officer. Washington was already in prison when charged.
It’s been more than 20 years since Run DMC member Jam Master Jay was murdered in a New York recording studio. He was allegedly shot by two men who broke into his studio in October of 2002. It took quite a long time for any attempt at justice for the DJ through the legal system. Back in 2020, two men were indicted with the murder and accusations emerged of the whole affair being a drug deal gone wrong. In May of last year a third man was hit with charges for allegedly participating in the murder.
Now more than 21 years later we know when the first trials will get underway for those accused of playing a role in Jay’s murder. Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were the first two men arrested and their trials are due to begin soon. According to TMZ, they’re currently in the jury selection phase with opening statements impending on January 29. The third man who was charged, Jay Bryant, isn’t expected to begin his trial until 2025. The first two both pleaded not guilty and a statement from Bryant’s lawyer indicates he will also do the same. “Securing an indictment in a secret grand jury, applying an extremely low burden of proof, is one thing. Proving it at trial is another matter,” the statement reads.
Because of some of the more unique elements of the trial the prosecution is requesting a dual jury. It’s a rare move that they hope will help make the trial of all three men go by as smoothly as possible. They already filed a motion to get a dual jury. At this time it’s unclear if that’s how the trial is moving forward.
What do you think of the trial of Jam Master Jay’s murderers starting later this month? Do you think the men will be convicted more than 20 years after the murder originally took place? Let us know in the comment section below.
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 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.
Justice has been a long time coming for rap legend Jam Master Jay. The Run-DMC member was tragically murdered in a New York recording studio all the way back in 2002. Now, prosecution of his alleged killers is finally being pursued. The three defendants Karl Jordan Jr, Ronald Washington, and Jay Bryant are all set to go on trial for the murder. It’s unclear at the time who was responsible for the actual shooting. But prosecutors hope that witness testimony will help clarify the events.
Earlier this month, the judge approved a motion filed by Bryant to be tried separately from the other two defendants. Subsequently, according to AllHipHop, the prosecution is making a strange request that could complicate things. Consequently, they’re calling for a joint trial with all the defendants and two separate juries.
Jam Master Jay’s Alleged Killers Facing Prosecution
The move would help potentially streamline examination of the dozens of witnesses who are expected to be called. People attesting to the events on the night of the murder will be called. As will those speaking on comments made by the defendants afterward. It’s all in an attempt to gain clarity on the entire scope of the events.
One of the biggest points of contention in the trial is Bryant’s involvement in the actual killing. There are reportedly witnesses who will testify that he confessed to them after the fact that he was the trigger man. But eye-witness reports from inside the studio claim that it was his two accomplices who actually did the killing. What do you think of the prosecution asking for two juries in the trial of Jam Master Jay’s alleged killers? Let us know in the comment section below.
On this date in 1995, Queens legends Onyx released their second full length album All We Got Iz Us under Rush Associated Labels and the JMJ Records imprint.
It is reported that Def Jam Records’ Lyor Cohen offered Fredro Starr $1 million in 1994 to record Onyx’s second album while he was on the set of the movie Dangerous Minds. Fredro agreed, prompting him, Sonee Seeza and Sticky FIngaz to record 25 tracks for the new album, with only 15 of the songs making the final cut under the late Jam Master Jay’s directive. Two of the albums’ tracks, “Live Niguz” and “Last Dayz”, made it to 89 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 17 on the Hot Rap Singles respectively. Onyx also created their own label, Armee Records, to which they signed the rap collective All City and Queens rapper Panama P.I., who also appeared on All We Got Iz Us.
This project received mixed reviews from the media, but reached its own level of success with tracks debuting in several silver screen classics including Martin Lawrence and Will Smith’s Bad Boys as well as Eminem’s 8 Mile and Hip Hop documentary The Show.
Salute to Sticky Fingaz, Sonee Seeza, Fredro, All City and JMJ in making this album a part of Hip Hop history!
Jay Bryant, one of three suspects in the murder of Jam Master Jay will officially be tried separately. Brooklyn Federal Court Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall made the ruling earlier this month. Bryant claims that if he is tried alongside his co-defendants, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr., they’ll point the blame at one another, complicating the trial.
“Bryant argues that ‘there is no plausible scenario’ in which his co-defendants do not turn to the third-party witness their claims of innocence,” Hall wrote. “And at argument, Bryant invited the court to ‘read the tea leaves’ on this issue. I have. Upon a searching review of the record, it is clear that at least Jordan has sufficiently telegraphed that he intends to call the third-party witness to whom Bryant made his alleged admission.” Bryant’s attorney, Cesar de Castro, plans to present “three irreconcilable theories” to the jury. Firstly, he will portray Bryant as innocent, secondly, that he acted alone as the shooter, and thirdly, that he was involved but didn’t fire a gun.
Federal prosecutors’ case focuses on them claiming Bryant already admitted to pulling the trigger, that he was seen entering the studio during the incident, and that he has been linked to the crime scene by DNA evidence. They believe Washington and Jordan wanted revenge for Jam Master Jay cutting them out of a 10-kilo cocaine deal. Further complicating the process, Bryant’s defense claims it was Jordan who fired the fatal shots. Jordan’s legal team conversely plans to call a witness who will implicate Bryant.
Jam Master Jay was shot and killed inside his studio in Jamaica, Queens in 2002. No arrests in the case were made until 2020 when authorities booked Jordan and Washington. During his career, he was best known as the DJ for the iconic group, Run-DMC. Be on the lookout for further updates on the trial on HotNewHipHop.
After 21 years of uncertainty and unanswered questions, the family of Jam Master Jay, the iconic DJ of Run-DMC, can finally find closure. Prosecutors have announced charging a third suspect in the 2002 murder case. Jay Bryant, 49, allegedly entered the Queens studio where the hip-hop artist, whose real name was Jason Mizell, was fatally […]
It’s been over 20 years since the tragic death of Run DMC legend Jam Master Jay, born Jason William Mizell. The case has gone unsolved, although there have been several arrests in recent years. This week, the New York Times reports that a third individual has been taken into custody in relation to the shooting. Police charged Queens resident, Jay Bryant, 49, with murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking, in addition to other drug-related charges. His attorney, César de Castro, pleaded not guilty on behalf of his client to the latest charges. However, Bryant has been in police custody on unrelated drug charges.
Jam Master Jay was shot and killed at the age of 37 in a recording studio in Jamaica, Queens. In the arrest of Jay Bryant, prosecutors alleged that he was spotted, along with two other men, entering the building where the studio was moments before the legendary Run DMC star was shot in the head. Additionally, law officials claim that clothing with Bryant’s DNA was identified at the crime scene. However, de Castro insisted that proving Bryant’s guilt will be difficult during trial. “Securing an indictment in a secret grand jury, applying an extremely low burden of proof, is one thing,” he said. “Proving it at trial is another matter.”
The arrest of Jay Bryant comes three years after police apprehended two other individuals in connection to his death. Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were charged with a similar charge of murder while drug trafficking. However, NBC News reports that Bryant allegedly claimed to be the shooter. Still, there are doubts about the supposed admission, according to a detention memo. Instead, they believe that the evidence introduced at the upcoming trial will indicate that Jordan Jr. shot twice from close range.
Following the 2020 indictment of Washington and Jordan Jr., the office of the prosecutors stated that the murder of Jam Master Jay was related to a “previous acquisition of 10 kilograms of cocaine.” They claimed that Washington, Jordan, and “other co-conspirators” was supposed to distribute the cocaine in Maryland. “Mizell had recently informed Washington that the defendant would not be involved in distributing the narcotics in Maryland, which precipitated the murder conspiracy,” prosecutors said.
It’s been 20 years since the passing of hip hop juggernaut Jam Master Jay. While many murders have gone unsolved, Fox News reports a third man was charged Tuesday in the shooting death of the beloved Run DMC member. Prosecutors filed an indictment against Jay Bryant, 49, for the Oct. 30, 2002, shooting death of Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell in his Queens studio, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York told Fox News Digital.
In 2020, two other suspects, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr., were arrested in his death in what prosecutors called a drug deal gone wrong.
A third man was charged Tuesday in the shooting death of a member of hip hop group Run-DMC more than 20 years ago.
Prosecutors filed an indictment against Jay Bryant, 49, for the Oct. 30, 2002, shooting death of Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell in his Queens studio, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York told Fox News Digital.
In 2020, two other suspects, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr., were arrested in his death in what prosecutors called a drug deal gone wrong.
Prosecutors said all three men entered the studio before the shooting and fled after, according to court documents.
Bryant’s attorney, César de Castro, told The Associated Press in an email they had just learned of the charges.
“Securing an indictment in a secret grand jury, applying an extremely low burden of proof, is one thing. Proving it at trial is another matter,” de Castro said.
As Onyx’s iconic single “Slam” celebrates its 30th anniversary, we look back at the groundbreaking track that changed the game for hip hop. From its powerful beat to its aggressive lyrics, “Slam” solidified Onyx’s place in the annals of rap history. In this article, we’ll delve into the group’s background, the release of the classic song, its charting success, and its lasting impact on hip hop.
Onyx Rises From The Ashes
Onyx was formed in the 1980s in South Jamaica, Queens, New York. The group’s original members included Fredro Starr, Suavé (known as Sonny Seeza), and the late Big DS (Marlon Fletcher). In 1991, Sticky Fingaz (Kirk Jones) joined the group, completing the lineup that would eventually create “Slam.” The group gained notoriety for their energetic live performances and gritty, hardcore lyrics. Onyx’s raw sound caught the attention of Jam Master Jay, the late legendary DJ of Run-DMC. He soon signed the group to his label, JMJ Records, and produced their debut album, Bacdafucup, which included the massive hit “Slam.”
“Slam” Arrives—And Takes Over
“Slam” was released today (May 11) in 1993. The song quickly became a standout track, showcasing the group’s ability to blend hardcore rap with a catchy, anthemic chorus. Produced by Chylow “Chyskillz” Parker and Jam Master Jay, “Slam” has become one of the most recognizable—and referenced—tracks in hip hop. The music video for the single mirrored the track’s aggressive energy. Directed by Parris Mayhew and Diane Martel, the video featured the group performing in a dimly lit, underground club filled with fans moshing and slam dancing. The chaotic visuals perfectly encapsulated the track’s spirit and helped propel the song to new heights.
Charting Success
Upon its release, “Slam” soared up the charts, cementing Onyx’s status as hip hop heavyweights. The song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Rap Singles chart, becoming the group’s biggest hit. It also achieved international success, becoming a hip hop classic across the globe. “Slam” also received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), selling over one million copies. Its success contributed to the impressive sales of Bacdafucup, which was also certified platinum in 1993.
Impact on Hip Hop
The song’s fusion of hardcore rap and an anthemic, crowd-pleasing chorus was groundbreaking then. It helped popularize the “mosh-rap” subgenre. “Slam” also played a role in bringing hip hop to a wider audience, appealing to rap and rock music fans. The song’s success on MTV, which aired the music video in heavy rotation, further solidified its crossover appeal.
The track has made several appearances in pop culture. It was featured on Beavis & Butthead, Lip Sync Battle, The Cleveland Show, How High, Dope, and several video games. Additionally, fellow music artists have sampled the hit track. Eminem, GZA, and even Shaq have all pulled from “Slam” to create new tunes. It’s a song that has gone down in hip hop history, earning dozens of placements of “Best” and “Top” lists for decades.
Legendary In Hip Hop
Not only did “Slam” help propel Onyx to stardom, but it also laid the groundwork for other hip hop artists to experiment with different sounds. The track’s legacy can be heard in the music of artists like Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. They all borrowed elements from the mosh-rap fusion popularized by Onyx. Further, “Slam” demonstrated the power of hip hop as a unifying force in music. By appealing to fans of various genres, the song highlighted the crossover potential of the genre. “Slam” opened doors for future collaborations and genre-blending projects. This comes as no surprise considering Jam Master J and Run-D.M.C.’s fusion with Aerosmith.
Looking back on the 30-year journey of “Slam,” it’s clear that the track remains a seminal piece of hip hop history. Its aggressive energy, innovative fusion of styles, and undeniable chart success have solidified its place in the annals of music. Onyx’s groundbreaking single will forever be remembered as a trailblazer in hip hop, leaving a lasting impact.