Run-dmc's Jam Master Jay Shot Dead
By Jonathan Cohen & Troy Carpenter, N.Y.
Wednesday, October 30 2002
Wednesday, October 30 2002
Published on AllBusiness.com
Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay (real name: Jason Mizell) was shot dead in the Jamaica section of Queens, N.Y., tonight (Oct. 30), according to local news reports. Two suspects were reportedly buzzed into Mizell's area recording studio, where the rap pioneer was in a waiting room. With what police say was a .45 caliber weapon, the suspects fired two shots -- one hit Mizell, 37, in the head and killed him; the second shot struck an unidentified 25-year-old man in the leg. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
The Queens-bred Run-DMC, which also features Joseph "Run" Simmons and Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, became the first superstar rap group in the mid-'80s on the strength of such hits as "It's Tricky" and "Sucker M.C.'s (Krush-Groove 1)" Run-DMC brought rap into the mainstream for good after a 1986 teaming with Aerosmith for a remake of the latter's "Walk This Way." The cut reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
BMG Heritage released a Run-DMC "Greatest Hits" set in September. The group toured with Aerosmith throughout the summer and fall; that pairing had two concerts scheduled for early December in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Valley Center, Kan.
The Queens-bred Run-DMC, which also features Joseph "Run" Simmons and Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, became the first superstar rap group in the mid-'80s on the strength of such hits as "It's Tricky" and "Sucker M.C.'s (Krush-Groove 1)" Run-DMC brought rap into the mainstream for good after a 1986 teaming with Aerosmith for a remake of the latter's "Walk This Way." The cut reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
BMG Heritage released a Run-DMC "Greatest Hits" set in September. The group toured with Aerosmith throughout the summer and fall; that pairing had two concerts scheduled for early December in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Valley Center, Kan.
