Music

Remembering Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay on the 10-year anniversary of his death

by Nicole Villeneuve

Ten years ago today, rap pioneer Jam Master Jay, DJ for Run-DMC, was shot dead at his New York Studio.

While one suspected accomplice was named, his credibility was disputed, and no charges have ever been laid. The gunman nor any other suspects have been identified, despite numerous witnesses that night in the studio.

Today over at MTV, Jay—aka Jason Mizell—is remembered fondly by his friend Eric “Shake” James.

“I just want to focus on the positive stuff that Jay did and the way the music touched the people,” Shake said to MTV. “I know he was killed, so that will always be a part of it, but it was more to Jay than just being killed, you know what I’m saying? If you ever met this guy, he was like the greatest dude. He was the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back and not ask for anything in return.”

Last month, Jay’s two sons, Jason “Jam Master J’Son” Mizell Jr. and T.J. “Dasmatic” Mizell took to the stage during Run-DMC’s reunion performance at Jay-Z’s Made in America Festival in Philadelphia.