#FreshInPeace to JMJ…10 years later…gone but never forgotten!
30 October 2012 Fresh Radio
Throughout the day, we will be celebrating the life of Jam Master Jay as well his contribution to the culture of Hip-Hop!
On October 30th, 2002, Jam Master Jay (born Jason Mizell) of Run-DMC was shot and killed inside his Queens, New York recording studio. Days later, Joseph “Run” Simmons and Darryl “DMC” McDaniel announced the group’s retirement from performing.
- Childhood friends from the Hollis neighborhood of Queens, New York, Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, Joseph “Run” Simmons and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels began performing together in 1982 as Orange Crush.
- Released in 1984, Run-DMC’s self-titled debut became the first rap album to be certified gold. A year later, King of Rock was the first to go platinum.
- Producer Rick Rubin — Russell Simmons‘ partner at Def Jam — arranged a 1986 collaboration with Aerosmith on the veteran rockers’ “Walk This Way.” It became the first rap-rock hit and set the stage for more cross-overs.
- After recording “My Adidas,” Run-DMC were the first non-athletes to get an endorsement contract from the sneaker company.
- On October 30th, 2002, Jam Master Jay was gunned down in his Queens, New York studio. His murder shocked the hip-hop community and has spawned many conspiracy theories, but it has yet to be solved.
- Though the group has not recorded an album together in five years, Run has continued to find success with his own sneaker line through Russell’s Phat Farm Athletics. In 2005, he released his first solo album, Distortion, as Reverend Run. He also stars in a reality series, Run’s House.
- DMC, meanwhile, recently severed ties with Adidas and signed a new promotional deal with French-based sneaker maker Le Coq Sportif. He’s also been putting together a solo debut called Checks, Thugs and Rock and Roll.
- In 2009, Run-DMC became the second rap group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, after Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.
DJ Bee Adidas, Fresh In Peace, Hollis, Jam Master Jay, JMJ, Queens, RIP, Run-DMC