On This Day: Remembering DJ Jam Master Jay

This day in Hip-hop recognizes the passing of critically-acclaimed Jam Master Jay. Though death tragically overtook the young artist at a young age, his legacy lives on for his innovative sounds working under iconic rap group Run-DMC, as well as gaining notoriety as one of the most prominent DJ's in all of Hip-hop.

Born on January 21, 1965 in Brooklyn, New York, Jason William Mizell took up music as early as age three, refining his skills in various instruments, such as trumpet, guitar, and drums, all extending throughout his adolescent years. Before turntables, Mizell proudly sat behind drum sets, showcasing his musical potential playing for numerous garage bands.

At age thirteen, Mizell turned to the tables and, upon years of musical background, began playing at local parks, bars, and small parties. His skills would only improve more drastically, when he acquired a pair of Technics 1200s, practicing all night with earphones when all thought he was asleep.

Mizell always proved quite the team player, confessing that he “just wanted to be a part of the band,” and with quite a background working with several groups in the past, Mizell sought out a new team, and in 1982, the young DJ hooked up with Joseph “Run” Simmons and Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and the legendary supergroup was formed.

Run-DMC entered the scene with a ground-breaking debut album, critically-acclaimed for its “harder, more aggressive form of Hip-hop.” The record attained numerous awards and titles, as well as inclusion into prominent charts, such as Rolling Stone's list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

While the band progressed through music, reaching landmark ratings and releasing a myriad of critically-acclaimed records and singles, fans and critics alike would constantly witness Mizell's wide musical versatility. On their third album, Raising Hell, Mizell would be heard playing riffs on keyboard, bass, and even live drums, alongside spinning disks on the turntable.

Prior to his death in 2002, Mizell had already accomplished quite the decorated resume. Alongside his skills as a DJ, Mizell established Jam Master Jay Records, reaping success in 1993 working with the band, Onyx. He also founded Manhattan's Scratch DJ Academy in 2002, aspiring to “provide unparalleled education and access to the art form of the DJ and producer.”

Despite the latter mentions of prominent establishments Mizell initiated, his legacy lives on as Run-DMC's, legendary DJ Jam Master Jay, written along history as a vital force that helped revolutionize Hip-hop music.

By Jods Arboleda for RAPStation.com