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.
CLARKSTON, MI – JULY 29: DJ Jason ‘Jam Master Jay’ Mizell walks to the stage during the Together Forever Tour on July 29, 1987 at the Pine Knob Music Theater in Clarkston, Michigan. (Photo by Ross Marino/Getty Images)
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.
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.
Steve Stoute has been making news all week for comments he made on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast. He made a variety of claims that had both fans and fellow celebrities asking questions. But one particular trend he took credit for was the crossover between rap and shoes. “Started that. Everybody knows that. That’s me. That’s called, ‘Corporate America, I’m going to introduce you to this thing called Hip Hop. And the music, and the culture, and everything that it represents can help you,” he said.
But fans online disagreed with his take. Under a repost of the clip on Twitter, fans hit back at him and they brought receipts. “It is well documented that Run-D.M.C. signed hip-hop’s first sneaker contract in 1987 when they partnered with Adidas in a deal worth $1.6 million,” one response reads. Another commenter gave additional examples. “He definitely has selective amnesia… RUN-DMC started it. Then LL Cool got his sneaker deal with TROOP. I really wish people STOP trying to change/erase Hip Hop HISTORY!!!” Check out the full interview Stoute gave on Club Shay Shay below.
One of the comments Steve Stoute made that got the attention of fans had to do with Dame Dash. He claimed to know the reason for his creative split from Jay-Z and cited Dame’s ego making him hard to work with. Dame didn’t just sit back and take the comments. Instead, he went to social media to respond to them and claim that he would have beaten Stoute up if he hadn’t matured.
He spoke even more about Jay-Z later in the interview. He even claimed that Jay is his cousin and discussed how close their bond remains. What do you think of Steve Stoute’s claim that he pioneered shoe deals among rappers? Do you think the fans bringing up Run DMC in the comments have a valid point? Let us know in the comment section below.
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.
Rev Run and Justine Simmons, a power couple in both the music and television industries, have an enduring love story. From the early days of the iconic group, Run-DMC, to the reality TV spotlight, their relationship has stood the test of time. Rev Run and his wife are grounded in faith, family values, and mutual respect. Altogether, they’re one of the most enduring couples in the industry. Let’s take a journey through their inspiring relationship.
Joseph Simmon, famously known as Rev Run, and Justine Jones crossed paths for the first time while they were teenagers. The pair met at a Kurtis Blow concert where Joseph was performing, and Justine immediately fell for him. Intrigued, she and her friends went backstage to meet him and get an autograph. After that, she handed a flier with her number written on it to a woman and asked her to give it to Joseph. He called her the very next day and despite the long distance, they became friends. They called and wrote letters, and in one of them, Justine promised to marry Joseph one day. Sadly, they drifted apart.
Years later, after Joseph had made a name for himself as Rev Run, and his rap career had blown up, the two miraculously reunited. Fate seemed to have had plans for them, using Joseph’s cousin and Justine’s sister to reconnect the long-lost lovers. Soon after, Justine and Rev Run began attending church together and soon started a relationship. While Rev Run had been married and freshly divorced, he entered the relationship with an open heart, ready to love. Evidently, it paid off as they’ve been together ever since.
The culmination of their love story took place on June 25, 1994, when Rev Run and Justine exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony. This marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment, and the couple embraced the journey ahead with enthusiasm and dedication. Along with Rev Run came his three children from his previous marriage: Vanessa, Angela, and Joseph “Jojo” Ward. Justine welcomed them with open arms. The couple went on to have their first child together a year later — Daniel Dwayne “Diggy” Simmons III, on March 21, 1995. Two years later, their second son, Russell Simmons II, was born on August 30, 1997.
As their family grew, so did their public presence. The Simmons family opened their doors to the public in 2005 through the reality television series Run’s House. Rev Run became one of the first rap OGs to have their own reality show. Run’s House famously ran for four years and provided viewers with a candid and heartwarming glimpse into their lives. Altogether, the show showcased their daily joys, challenges, and their hilarious family dynamics. The reviews were positive, with fans loving the representation, emphasis on faith, and the enduring bonds that held the Simmons family together.
Rev Run and Justine were open and honest about everything. They made a point to show the world everything they were going through. In 2006, the couple welcomed Victoria Anne Simmons. She was born through cesarean section. Victoria sadly passed away shortly after birth due to omphalocele, a birth defect that causes organs to grow outside the body. The entire birth and death were documented by the camera crew of the show, a vulnerable leap at the time. In September 2007, the couple adopted a baby and named her Miley Justine Simmons.
2017: All About The Washingtons
After Run’s House came to an end in 2009, the family pretty much waned from the public eye. Almost 10 years later, Rev Run announced that he and Justine would be starring in a Netflix series titled All About The Washingtons. The series was a short-lived, but lighthearted family sitcom that was a fictionalized take on their real-life dynamic. Rev Run played a retired rapper who was now navigating the challenges of being a stay-at-home dad. On the other hand, Justine’s character pursued her career. The series explored humorous situations, family dynamics, and the timeless theme of balancing work and home life. While it was loved by audiences, and brought the couple back into the spotlight, it was canceled after one season.
In 2020, the couple wrote and published a book titled Old School Love: And Why It Works. The book was a compelling and brutally honest exploration of their relationship. It delved into the timeless principles of love, respect, and commitment that have sustained their marriage for decades. Through personal anecdotes, insightful reflections, and the Holy Scriptures, Rev Run, and Justine Simmons offered invaluable wisdom on nurturing relationships with authenticity, communication, and a steadfast dedication to each other’s happiness.
The book was a massive success, not only catapulting them to newfound levels of attention but also reaching the people who they believed most needed it. In an interview with EBONY, they revealed the inspirations for the book. Moreover, they shared their hopes for the book. “Joey and I wanted to help people in their marriages, so much so that we wanted to give them our all and say, ‘This is what we are doing and, hopefully, if you try it this way, it could help you in your own marriage,’” Justine said.
“We were blessed to have mentors that were trying to make their marriages work, so we had that early on to look at and see how to make our own marriage work. We just wanted to make sure we gave you all the lessons we’ve learned over the years,” she continued. The couple and family have since continued to thrive welcoming grandchildren. Above all, it seems Rev Run and Justine Simmons are the epitome of a joyous and thriving power couple.
As a founding member of Run DMC, Rev Run has made a significant impact on the hip-hop scene. His impressive net worth is a testament to the rapper’s successful career, spanning over three decades, but what is it in 2024? Let’s take a look at how Rev Run has built his fortune and solidified his status as a legend in the music industry.
Rev Run Net Worth
In 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $60 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Run DMC: The Pioneers Of Hip-Hop
(Original Caption) 3/2/1988- RUN-DMC poses in full regalia that they popularized- heavy gold chains, hats, sunglasses, and Adidas tracksuits. They have just received the Grammy Awards. PH: Ezio Petersen/Getty Images
Rev Run, born Joseph Simmons, rose to fame as a member of the groundbreaking hip-hop group Run DMC. Formed in the early 1980s, the group consisted of Joseph Simmons, and his friends, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell. Run DMC is widely credited with bringing hip-hop into the mainstream and breaking down racial barriers with their unique blend of rock and rap. Their success helped to generate a significant portion of Rev Run’s current net worth.
ST. JOHN, US VIRGIN ISLANDS – JANUARY 20: Reverend Run (Joseph Simmons) attends LOUIS VUITTON Island Party to Celebrate 20 YEARS in the Caribbean co-hosted by ELITE TRAVELER Magazine at Caneel Bay on January 20, 2008 in St. John, US Virgin Islands. (Photo by BILLY FARRELL/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
After the dissolution of Run DMC in the early 2000s, Rev Run embarked on a solo career. In 2005, he released his debut solo album, Distortion, which featured the hit single “Mind on the Road.” Unfortunately, his solo career did not achieve the same level of success as Run DMC. However, it still contributed to his growing net worth.
In addition to music, Rev Run has made a name for himself on television. He starred in the popular reality show Run’s House, which aired on MTV from 2005 to 2009. The series showcased the rapper’s life as a family man and minister, earning him a new generation of fans. He has also appeared in various other TV shows and projects, further expanding his wealth and brand.
Entrepreneurial Endeavors
LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 08: Rapper Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons performs at Drai’s Beach Club – Nightclub at The Cromwell Las Vegas on April 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
Rev Run has not limited himself to music and television; he has also been involved in several business ventures that have boosted his net worth. Alongside his brother Russell Simmons, they launched the kids’ shoe brand, Pastry. However, he previously explored the lucrative sneaker business when he collaborated with Adidas.
MIAMI BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 28: Chef Rev Run speaks at the Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village featuring MasterCard Grand Tasting Tents & KitchenAid® Culinary Demonstrations during 2016 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival Presented By FOOD & WINE at Grand Tasting Village on February 28, 2016 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for SOBEWFF®)
Rev Run attributed a substantial portion of his net worth to his philanthropic efforts. His involvement with numerous charitable organizations and initiatives throughout his career indicate the importance of giving back. He teamed up with the leader in diabetes care, Novo Nordisk, to launch a national education program. He and his wife also partnered with Kool-Aid and the non-profit KaBOOM! to build playgrounds in underserved communities.
Rev Run is also an ordained minister, and he uses his platform to spread messages of positivity, faith, and personal growth. His book, Words of Wisdom: Daily Affirmations Of Faith, is a collection of inspirational messages that have touched the lives of many.
Rev Run’s Lasting Impact On The Hip-Hop World
With a net worth of $60 million, Rev Run has solidified his status as a hip-hop legend. His contributions to the music industry, television, and various business ventures have created a lasting legacy. As a philanthropist and motivational speaker, Rev Run continues to inspire future generations and make a positive impact on the world.
Run DMC member Jam Master Jay was tragically murdered in 2002 while in a New York recording studio. Though it’s taken decades, the men who are accused of the murder are now finally on trial. After jury selection got underway earlier this month the trial itself officially began at the start of this week. It’s already getting attention online as the judge ruled that lyrics were inadmissible as evidence in the trial and cited Future in his decision. But now just a few days into the trial proceedings there’s already new drama.
According to HipHopDX, late Monday night the prosecution filed a notice to the court. In the notice, they claimed that some of the witnesses in the trial were scared to testify and would even lie under oath to avoid retaliation. It’s unclear exactly how the judge will handle the notice and what adjustments may be made to the trial to accommodate it. This current trial is just for two of the three men accused of participating in the murder. Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were indicted and arrested in 2020. A third man, Jay Bryant was arrested last year and his trial is expected to get underway in 2025.
All three of those accused of Jay’s murder have pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges that the three entered his recording studio in New York where the fatal shooting took place. Their telling of events identified Karl Jordan as the man responsible for actually pulling the trigger. Additionally, they claim he fired two shots from close range which ultimately resulted in the MCs untimely death.
Why it took so long for a case against the men to be brought forward isn’t clear. What do you think of the prosecution’s claims that witnesses in the Jam Master Jay trial would lie under oath for fear of retaliation? Let us know in the comment section below.
Jam Master Jay of Run DMC’s murder went unsolved for a long time, but almost 22 years after it, we will at least get an answer when it comes to two prime suspects. Moreover, after the jury selection phase kicked off a few days ago at press time, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr.’s trial began with opening statements on Monday (January 29). They received these federal charges in 2020 for the Brooklyn incident, which they allegedly carried out as revenge for a cocaine deal gone wrong, prosecutors argue. If convicted of these crimes, they face life sentences in prison.
Furthermore, U.S. Disctrict Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall will oversee the trial, which is expected to last a month. When news first broke that Jam Master Jay’s alleged killers would face trial this month, many folks expressed a lack of hope in justice, if these are in fact the culprits. For one, some folks did witness the murder and police developed leads upon his loss, but these never came to fruition until the charges in August of 2020. In that way, it’s similar to unsolved cases in hip-hop such as the infamous and tragic examples of Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur.
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)
However, even though some rumored details of this trial didn’t manifest -– such as a double jury -– the details of the incident themselves remain murky. Prosecutors and the charges claim that Washington and Jordan intruded Jam Master Jay’s studio on October 30, 2002 at nighttime. Allegedly, Washington threatened another person in the room with a firearm, whereas Jordan shot Jay twice with one bullet striking his head at close range. In addition, prosecutors suggest that Jay had agreed to purchase 10 kilograms of cocaine that the suspects and other individuals distributed in Baltimore. The suspects chose to retaliate against the DJ when he exited the arrangement.
Meanwhile, Jay Bryant will face a separate trial for his alleged involvement in the murder, for which prosecutors charged him in May of 2023. Jordan and Washington maintain that attorneys waited too long to charge them, which will make it more difficult for them to prove their innocence due to faulty witness memory and cell phone records becoming unavailable over time. In September of 2022, a judge dismissed these concerns and questioned how they could counter prosecutors’ evidence in the first place. For more news and the latest updates on the Jam Master Jay trial, check back in with HNHH.
Peacock hosted a glitzy red carpet premiere for its upcoming documentary series, Kings From Queens: The RUN DMC Story, on Saturday, Jan. 27th, at the Times Center in New York City. The star-studded event commenced with a pre-screening reception featuring RUN DMC-inspired cocktails and appetizers for VIP guests.
Executive Producer William H. Masterson III set the tone with heartfelt opening remarks, paving the way for an exclusive screening of the first two parts of the documentary series scheduled to debut on Peacock on February 1. Following the screening, DJ Chuck Chill Out took to the turntables, spinning classic hip-hop tracks that had the attendees hitting the dance floor.
The event welcomed luminaries such as Executive Producers Joseph ‘Rev Run’ Simmons and Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels, Director Kirk Fraser, and other key figures associated with the project. Notable guests included Bill Adler, Chuck D, DJ Hurricane, and Pete Rock.
“Kings From Queens: The RUN DMC Story” promises an in-depth look at the iconic rap group’s journey and will be exclusively available on Peacock starting Thursday, Feb. 1.
The trial for Run DMC member Jam Master Jay’s murder is finally getting underway more than 20 years after it happened. Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were first indicted for the murder back in 2020. Jay Bryant was also charged for his murder last year, though his trial isn’t due to start until much mater. With opening statements due to begin next week, an important part of the process for the upcoming trial got underway earlier today. Jury selection for the case began as the prosecution and defense will slim down a pool of jurors to those who will decide the fate of Jordan and Washington.
Prosecutors allege that the murder happened as a result of a disagreement over a drug deal. They claim that the three men in question entered Jay’s studio in New York. Once there they claim Jordan fatally shot him in the head from close range. Opening statements in the trial of Jordan and Washington are scheduled to begin on January 29. Both pleaded not guilty in order to take their chances at trial. Bryant, the third man accused, is being tried separately after his lawyer claims he can prove his innocence. He also claims that the other two defendants would turn on him if all three were tried together.
Jury Selection Begins For Jam Master Jay’s Murder Trial
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 05: Darryl McDaniels and Joseph ‘Run’ Simmons of the Hip Hop group “Run DMC” are seen at a photoshoot for Adidas in front of a Jam Master Jay mural by Kenya D. Lawton in Hollis Avenue, Queens. on October 05, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
For the trial of the first two men accused they’re looking for a unique jury approach. The prosecution requested the rare move of a split jury made up of two entirely separate groups. What do you think of the long-awaited murder trial of Jam Master Jay’s alleged killers getting under way soon? Do you think they’ll be found guilty of his murder? Let us know in the comment section below.
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