Jam Master Jay Archives - Page 4 of 5

Today In Hip Hop History: Onyx’s Debut Album ‘Bacdafucup’ Turns 30 Years Old!

March 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

On March 30, 1993, cousins Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz and their partners Sonny Seeza and Big DS put out their debut album, Bacdafucup, on the newly created Rush Associated Labels.

Primarily produced by the group’s founder Jam Master Jay, other production credits include The Afros’ Kool Tee, Chryskillz, and a then young producer named Jeff Harris; Bacdafucup was by far Onyx’s best studio LP, becoming certified platinum by the RIAA in just a little over seven months after its debut.

The album’s sure shot singles include the riot-causing “Throw Ya Gunz,” the horn propelled “Shiftee,” and of course, the mainstream favorite of all, “Slam.”

Onyx made their claim to fame with their trademark “mad face,” bald heads, and all black everything. Many copycats came after these guys, but their mark on the game is definitely unparalleled. Salute to Fredro, Sticky, Seez, and a big RIP to DS.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Onyx’s Debut Album ‘Bacdafucup’ Turns 30 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip-Hop History: Run-D.M.C. Dropped Their Self Titled Debut Album 39 Years Ago

March 27, 2023 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. Dropped Their Self Titled Debut Album 39 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Monica’s VH1 ‘Celebrity True Crime Story’ Season Premiere Debuts Tonight

March 20, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum, 25-million-plus selling singer, actress, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Monica returns to VH1 Tonight as the host of Celebrity True Crime Story.

The 10-episode series investigates the ups and downs of the “fame game” when reputations are at stake and lives are on the line. Each episode unravels the mystery and the motives behind the crimes, revealing a dark side to being in the public eye when betrayal, jealousy, and greed lead to tragedy.

The new season starts off with the case of Jam Master Jay – “It’s Tricky.” When hip hop icon Jam Master Jay is killed inside his Hollis, Queens recording studio, the case goes cold…for nearly 2 decades. But an explosive federal indictment eighteen years later suggests Jay’s killers were much closer than anyone suspected.

The post [WATCH] Monica’s VH1 ‘Celebrity True Crime Story’ Season Premiere Debuts Tonight appeared first on The Source.

Monica Revisits Jam Master Jam’s Final Days In VH1’s Second Season Of “Celebrity True Crime Story”

March 20, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Multi-platinum R&B songstress Monica returns to VH1 with the premiere of Celebrity True Crime Story, Season 2. The new season’s first episode delves behind the headlines and goes inside the two-decades-long cold murder of the iconic Jam Master Jay of RunDMC. Monica is hosting a second season of VH1’s Celebrity True Crime Story. Premiering on […]

The post Monica Revisits Jam Master Jam’s Final Days In VH1’s Second Season Of “Celebrity True Crime Story” appeared first on SOHH.com.

Jam Master Jay Murder Witness Accused Of Being “Unreliable”

February 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

A key witness in the killing of Jam Master Jay, Lydia High, is “unreliable,” according to lawyers representing Ronald Washington. As noted in court documents obtained by AllHipHop, the Law Office of Ezra Spilke pointed out several “impairing factors,” in a letter to Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall. Among them are that the suspect was partially disguised in the first place as well as the fact that cross-racial and cross-ethnic identifications and identification procedures are often susceptible to bias. High was in the studio on the night of the legendary Run-DMC DJ‘s death.

In High’s initial statement, she said: “[T]wo black males entered the [sitting room] and both men had guns. Upon entering, one man remained in the doorway, the other man, who was wearing a knit wool mask and holding a gun, ordered Lydia [High] to the floor. The man with the mask then ordered Mr. Mizell to the floor, at which time Uriel Rincon stood up to assist . . . Mr. Mizell. The man with the mask then shot Mr. Mizell, fired another shot and fled out of the doorway with the other man.”

Jam Master Jay In 2001

Jam Master Jay of Run DMC performs on stage at the Respect Festival, Finsbury Park, London, United Kingdom, 2001. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)

“According to Ms. High, only the shooter was wearing a mask,” Spilke says in the new documents. “Ms. High, who was interviewed by the police shortly after the shooting, failed to identify as a participant Mr. Washington, whom she later told the authorities she had known for ‘numerous years.’” He continued: “Nine months after the shooting, Ms. High’s account changed in that she then knew the identity of one of the participants: Washington, whom she identified from a photo array. In identifying Washington, High told the police that he was the person who pointed a gun at her and told her to ‘get on the ground’ while the masked person shot Mizell.”

Ronald Washington’s defense team also confirmed that they intend to call Dr. Geoffrey Loftus to the stand. Loftus is a psychologist with expertise in human memory, visual perception, as well as eyewitness identification. They plan to use his testimony to poke holes in High’s account. Spilke concluded: “Ms. High’s identifications of Mr. Washington—from the photo lineup or in open court may be unreliable for multiple reasons. Dr. Loftus’s descriptions of these reasons to the jury will provide the jurors with critical scientific information based on which they can allocate appropriate weight to Ms. High’s identifications. For these reasons, Dr. Loftus’s testimony is relevant and will be helpful to the trier of fact.”

[Via]

Happy Heavenly Birthday To The Late Great Jam Master Jay!

January 21, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Hip Hop lost a great DJ over two decades ago, but in celebration of JMJ’s life today, his legacy will forever live on

On this date in 1965 in Brooklyn, New York, Jason Mizell, who later became Jam Master Jay, was born.

Jay was the DJ for the legendary Kings from Hollis, Queens, Run-D.M.C. His musical career took him all over the world and even expanded his talents into Hip Hop filmographies, such as Krush Groove and Tougher Than Leather. JMJ is also responsible for breaking several artists from his Jam Master Jay Records imprint, including Onyx, Chuck D of Public Enemy, and 50 Cent.

On October 30, 2002, Jay was tragically shot and killed by an unknown assailant in a Jamaica, Queens recording studio. To this day, no one has been charged with his murder.

The Source Magazine would like to send a super born day salute to this icon of our culture. He may be physically gone, but his legacy will never be forgotten!

The post Happy Heavenly Birthday To The Late Great Jam Master Jay! appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: RUN-D.M.C. Dropped Their Sophomore LP ‘King Of Rock’ 38 Years Ago

January 21, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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The “Kings From Queens” dropped their sophomore LP 38 years ago today.

On this date in 1985, Joseph Simmons, Daryl McDaniels, and Jason Mizell successfully avoided the sophomore jinx some three decades ago when they released the follow-up to their self-titled debut album with King Of Rock.

Produced by Run’s brother Def Jam founder Russell Simmons, this album was the project that catapulted the crew from rappers to internationally recognized recording artists. King Of Rock is historic in the sense that it was the first Hip Hop album to go platinum and ended up going double platinum. Singles like “King Of Rock” and “Rock It Like This” appeared in the cult classic flick Krush Groove, which is based on the rise of Run-D.M.C., Def Jam Records, co-starring Jay, Darryl, and Joe. Those two tracks and the comical “You Talk Too Much” all reached the Top 20 R&B charts.

Salute to Run, D.M.C., the Mizell family, the Simmons family, Rick Rubin, Larry Smith (RIP), and everyone at Def Jam and Profile who made this album happen!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: RUN-D.M.C. Dropped Their Sophomore LP ‘King Of Rock’ 38 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Feds Detail BMF Co-Founder Southwest T’s Alleged Involvement In Jam Master Jay’s Murder: Report

December 8, 2022 by newhiphopnews

It’s been nearly 20 years since the death of Jam Master Jay, who was shot and killed at his recording studio in New York City. Still, officials are still investigating the case with hopes to secure a conviction.

According to reporter Frank Owen, there’s now interest in Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, who prosecutors want on the stand. Authorities reportedly subpoenaed the BMF co-founder due to his ties to Jam Master Jay. In court filings, they explained that they don’t believe BMF had anything to do with JMJ’s death. However, they allegedly uncovered ties between the Run DMC member and the drug trafficking organization.

It’s no secret that BMF had strong ties with the hip-hop community throughout its reign. It appears that Jam Master Jay was among those who were dealing with BMF in some capacity prior to the infamous drug bust. Early investigations alleged that JMJ’s murder was a result of a botched drug deal. However, new reports suggest that the DJ was selling drugs on behalf of BMF.

LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY, 1999: American musician and DJ Jason Mizell (1965-2002) (Jam Master Jay), of the American hip-hop group Run-D.M.C., poses for a portrait circa May, 1999 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bob Berg/Getty Images)

The reports claim that JMJ encountered money troubles in the mid-90s as his career began to slow down. As a result, he turned to drug trafficking and met Terry Flenory, who began fronting his work.

Prosecutors indicted Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington for the murder of Jam Master Jay in 2020. Now, prosecutors scheduled their trial for Feb. 2023. However, one of the “star witnesses” they want on the stand is Terry Flenory. Due to the information gathered by CIA and other federal agents, prosecutors believe Jam Master Jay intertwined with BMF’s drug empire. They believe BMG supplied the drugs that led to the fatal drug deal that left JMJ dead.

Southwest T was released from prison in May 2020 after filing for a compassionate release. His brother, Big Meech, is still behind bars serving 30-years in prison.

We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates regarding Jam Master Jay’s murder case.

[Via]

Judge Denies Motion To Dismiss Jam Master Jay Murder Charge

September 22, 2022 by newhiphopnews

In an exclusive report from VladTV, it has been confirmed that a federal judge has denied a motion to dismiss the murder charges against the two men accused of killing Jam Master Jay in 2002. It has also been decided by the judge that the two men will not be tried separately in the two decade-long case.

U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall rejected the motions by Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Tinard Washington’s defense attorneys, in which they argued that that federal prosecutors deliberately waited 12 years to charge the men, adding that trying the two men in one trial would prejudice the jury by default.

Both Washington and Jordan are accused of entering JMJ’s recording studio in Jamaica, Queens on October 30, 2002 and shot the legendary DJ for Run-D.M.C. execution-style in front of a host of witnesses. According to Judge Hall’s 17-page ruling, the murder was allegedly over a multi-kilo drug deal gone bad.

Hall did agree to sever eight drug trafficking counts against Jordan, which alleged he conspired to sell cocaine from 2016 to 2020. Prosecutors have claimed those charges are a result of an undercover operation but that they relate to the motive behind Jam Master Jay’s killing and involve many of the same witnesses as the murder charge.

Washington and Jordan both claim their innocence will be proven at trial, with both attorneys arguing the men’s alibis and in Washington’s case, his defense has been kept private from the public and the judge’s ruling describes Washington’s initial defense has been redacted.

Washington’s attorney also cited a sentencing transcript in a 2006 armed robbery case against Washington, where prosecutors said they could show Washington murdered both Jam Master Jay and Live Squad rapper Stretch, who was gunned down in Queens in 1995 on the one year anniversary of the Tupac robbery and shooting in Quad Studios. The defense claims that prosecutors deliberately waited to charge Washington with the JMJ murder in order to place the defense at a disadvantage.

“It seems contrary to reason that the Government would delay an indictment on a murder charge against Jordan and Washington—risking loss of witnesses and other evidence—on the hope that it might 12 years later bring additional charges against Jordan,” wrote Judge Hall.

The post Judge Denies Motion To Dismiss Jam Master Jay Murder Charge appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Onyx Dropped Their Debut Album ‘Bacdafucup’ 28 Years Ago

March 30, 2022 by newhiphopnews

On March 30, 1993, cousins Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz and their partners Sonny Seeza and Big DS put out their debut album, Bacdafucup, on the newly created Rush Associated Labels.

The album’s sure shot singles include the riot-causing “Throw Ya Gunz,” the horn propelled “Shiftee,” and of course, the mainstream favorite of all, “Slam.”

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Onyx Dropped Their Debut Album ‘Bacdafucup’ 28 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.