In this post, we will look at some interesting facts about the life of famous artist Jam Master Jay, such as his age, height, weight, relationship status, family, and net worth. So, continue reading till the end for additional details.
As per Celebritynetworth, at the time of his death, American musician and DJ Jam Master Jay had a negative net worth of -$1 million.
Who Exactly is Jam Master Jay?
Jason William Mizell, better known by his stage moniker Jam Master Jay, was a musician and DJ from the United States. He was the influential hip hop group Run-DJ. DMCs During the 1980s, Run-DMC became one of the most popular hip hop groups, and they are credited with introducing hip hop to the mainstream music scene.
| Name | Jason William Mizell or Jam Master Jay |
| Birth | Jan 21, 1965 |
| Profession | Former DJ |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | -$1 million |
| Gender | Male |
| Relationship With | Unknown |
Early Years of Jam Master Jay
Jason Mizell was born on Jan 21, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York City, the son of Jesse Mizell and Connie Thompson Mizell (later Connie Mizell-Perry), who also had Marvin L. Thompson and Bonita Jones as children.
Jason began playing the trumpet at the age of three. He studied bass, guitar, and drums. Prior to finding turntablism, he performed at his church and in several ensembles.
At the age of 10, he and his family relocated to Hollis, Queens, New York City, where he discovered turntables and began DJing at the age of 13. He went to high school with Wendell “DJ Hurricane” Fite, who is most known for his 13-year partnership with The Beastie Boys.
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Mizell was a member of a gang that conducted house burglaries as a teenager. An encounter with an armed security guard scared him enough to cease the burglaries, and as an adult, he was recognised for discouraging criminal activity among his friends and family.
He lived in Atlantic City, New Jersey, for a period, when he was taught to crossfade by turntablism pioneer DJ Def Lou Hauck. He picked up quickly due to his musical background, and after a year of DJing, he felt confident enough to perform in front of an audience. Originally known as Jazzy Jase, he attended Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, New York City.
Jam Master Jay’s Career
Mizell spent time in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he learned how to crossfade from turntable maestro DJ Def Lou Hauck. Mizell began performing in front of audiences at parks and bars as his DJ talents improved. He also played bass and drums in a few garage bands.
Mizell formed the hip hop trio Run-DMC in 1983 with Joseph Simmons and Darryl McDaniels, all of whom were also from Hollis, Queens. Simmons went by the handle “Run,” while McDaniels went by “D.M.C,” and Mizell went as DJ Jam Master Jay.
The group’s self-titled debut album was released in 1984 and peaked at number 53 on the Billboard 200. More importantly, it was the first rap album to be certified Gold by the RIAA, assisting in the mainstreaming of the hip hop genre.
Run-success DMC’s continued in 1985 with the release of its second album, “King of Rock,” which was certified Platinum. The singles “King of Rock,” “Jam-Master Jammin’,” “Can You Rock It Like This,” and “You Talk Too Much” were released as part of the album.
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Then, in 1986, Run-DMC scored their biggest financial and critical success with “Raising Hell.” It peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and gave birth to the band’s most recognised tune, the Aerosmith collaboration “Walk This Way.” The album is widely regarded as ushering in hip hop’s golden age. Jam Master Jay contributed drums, keyboards, and bass to “Raising Hell.”
What Was the Net Worth of Jam Master Jay?
At the time of his death, American musician and DJ Jam Master Jay had a negative net worth of -$1 million. Jam Master Jay was most recognized for his participation in the hip-hop group Run-DMC.
Given the existence of federal documents suggesting Mizell’s involvement in drug trafficking, his estimated net worth at the time of his death makes slightly more sense.
Prior to Mizell’s passing, he reportedly owed the Internal Revenue Service $500,000 in back taxes. His recording studio owed $171,000 in federal tax liens, “almost $300,000 in state taxes dating back to 1989, including $172,000 in personal state tax and $54,339 in company taxes,” according to the New York Post.
According to the Netflix documentary, Mizell’s business partner Randy Allen would have gotten a $500,000 settlement in the event of Mizell’s death. According to fan speculations, he owed a different man than the two jailed for his murder.
Jam Master Jay’s Personal Life
Jam Master Jay was related to the popular production duo for Gary Bartz and Johnny “Hammond” Smith, the Mizell Brothers. Mizell survived a car accident and a gunshot wound to the leg over successive Christmas holidays.
Jam Master Jay had four children: Jason Mizell Jr. (who performs as DJ Jam Master J’Son), Jesse Mizell, TJ Mizell (also a DJ), and Tyra Myricks (also a DJ) (born August 1992).
The Murder of Jam Master Jay Remained Unsolved for 18 Years
Mizell died of two gunshot wounds to the chest at his recording studio in Jamaica, Queens, on October 30, 2002. In the early 1980s, “Jam Master Jay,” who died at the age of 37, was the resident DJ for the hip-hop group Run DMC, along with Run (Joseph Simmons) and DMC (Darryl McDaniels).
The inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame broke limits with their rap/rock songs. Ralph McDaniels, a hip-hop historian, told the Wall Street Journal that Mizell was one of the “best DJs of all time.
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Along with many albums and single triumphs, Run DMC’s collaboration with iconic rock band Aerosmith on the remix of “Walk This Way” increased their commercialization.
The unsolved murder of Mizell has become the focus of numerous conspiracy theories, including the 2018 Netflix documentary Who Killed Jam Master Jay? The film examined the discoveries in the cold case, particularly the six witnesses who refused to reveal any additional information. Until now, no charges have been filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happened With Jam Master Jay?
On Oct. 30, 2002, Jam Master Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell, was shot and killed in his studio in Hollis, Queens. The case was unsolved for almost 20 years, but in August 2020, federal prosecutors charged Jordan and Ronald Washington with the murder, saying it was payback for a failed drug deal.
Who Hit Jam Master Jay Netflix?
Ronald “Tinard” Washington and Karl “Lil D” Jordan Jr. were charged with Jam Master Jay’s murder two years after the documentary came out. Jordan is being charged with the shooting.
