Thanks to all that wrote in to post a tribute here, I can't believe how impressive and awe-inspiring that this document has become. No more tributes will be posted, and I will try to put my feelings into words for the first time here:

It's been a wild November on this end, I have still not come to grips with Jam Master's passing yet, I'm just not good at death. Run announced an official "Retirement" for Run-DMC the day after Jay's funeral, it was a very quick and blunt blow. It was the right decision for them to make, Jay will not, could not, and should not be replaced at any time for any reason. There's just no point. There was a magical power that the three of them possessed together, that magic will not be duplicated ever again within this musical genre.

To those that thought this was the official site of Run-DMC, sorry for not posting "Unofficial" all over it. It may not be "Official", but it was the first and still is the most comprehensive web site dedicated to Run-DMC to be found online (there are 250 pages within this site). The site has been up since December 1997, there were 330,000 hits from then until JMJ passed in October. In the one month's time since his passing 330,000 more will have come. It has been a demoralizing reason to get more visitors, but our society seems to almost be wholly based on Nostalgia and the inability to look away from Train Wrecks these days. Unfortunately, this month, Run-DMC fit into both categories.

I live in semi-rural California, hardly the birthplace of this movement called hip-hop, my high school had 2,600 students, five of them were black. To say that I was in tune with the culture that Jay, Run, and D came from would be the ULTIMATE lie. I never heard of Run-DMC until Raising Hell and Walk This Way hit. People say that Run-DMC brought Rap to the "Suburban White Kids", I would say that is a statement that does not even come close to describing their influence... THEY brought rap to the "We have pastures full of cows and get up in the morning to milk them Kids" and every kid there and in between.

My love for Run-DMC can be traced to it's Freudian roots back to the beginning of my eighth grade year, 1986. My father, a product of the 70's and an Aerosmith fan, bought me Raising Hell as a Christmas gift in 1986. He listened to Walk this Way and thought it was cool. And it WAS, Aerosmith has rebounded to almost Rolling Stones proportions due to one song with the boys from Hollis. (It needn't be said, but I'll say it, Rick Rubin is an absolute musical genius. Without Rubin's influence, Rap-Rock, and Rap-Metal wouldn't exist.) BUT, my dad heard me listening to Hit it Run and well, "I leave all suckers in the dust, those dumb muthafuckas can't mess with us." Now Raising Hell compared to any rap song today is clean as a baby's butt when it comes to language, but it seems that my dad had never heard a cuss word in a song before and it took him through the roof. That first copy of Raising Hell that I ever owned ended up in the garbage. This is why I mentioned Sigmond Freud at the beginning of this paragraph, is there any stupider parental move than to express EXTREME dislike for something that their kids do? Isn't every teenager rebellious and craving to do exactly the opposite of what their parents want? For those of you who enjoy this web site, you have one person to thank, my father (the a$$hole that he is). If he didn't make a big deal about that album, I might have been a huge Motley Crue fan instead.

Which brings me to today. Run-DMC has retired as a performing group. Due to time constraints on myself, it looks like I'll be taking a long sabbatical from updating this site too. Lots of stuff could still be added, and I really wish I could complete the timeline with information from all three books, but I do not have time to read them anymore. I don't have time to finish all the work from my real job, plus I've just been named "webmaster" at that job and will be looking to make that web site as extensive as I've worked these past 5 years on this one. Enjoy all the info here, may the Jam Master Rest in Peace.

Run, D and Jay forever,
-Thad

12 oktober,1988,Edenhal, Amsterdam, Holland. RUN DMC feat. Public Enemy. My first concert at age 14 and the memorie will last forever. I"ve never seen anything like that since then..Hip-Hop in the way it was meant to be.. November,2002, Oss, Holland. 28 by now, but the news hit me like a bomb; Jam Master Jay killed..... One of the people that influenced me most, no longer lives..WHY ???? My condolences to Jason's familý, To Run and DMC:
I would like to thank you for:
_ All the good times dancing to your music
_Pulling me through in bad times by listening to your music
_Bringing Hip-Hop where it is today
_Making me the person I am today
_Being the KINGS OF ROCK!

Peace,Love and Unity,
Dennis van Orsouw
Oss, Holland

I heard from the murder of DJ JamMasterJay and I was shocked !! For me RUN DMC was not any HipHop volume no RUN DMC is a legend, a cult !!

Approximately 16 years ago I heard first in Germany somewhat from RUN DMAfter I had all records, a concert crowned visit in Bielefeld my passion to RUN DMC.Somehow RUN DMC is not to be imagined any more. They were it which have steered me musical.

Now I heard a few days ago from this accident,and it remains to me incomprehensibly how it to so one did could come.
I would like with this email of the family of Jason Mizell, my deepest sympathy express.

RUN DMC and DJ Jam Master Jay will live on in my thought and in my heart. I hope the offender a fair punishment will hopefully soon get.

I hope the text is understandable, because I have needed a translator on-line of Lycos for the translation, because my English is not so good completely.

With the best wishes from Bielefeld / Germany
Karsten " Hubert " Schmidt

http://www.feelingnostalgic.com/jmj.html

Rap has lost a hero. I remember Hammersmith Odeon, London 1986 where they played alongside the beasties/whodini and LL. When DMC came on I let off my air horn Klaxon) for so long it froze to my hand. The only way to fully show appeciation for the Peter Piper instrumental which jmj gave the full cut up. I learnt to scratch and back to back on two copies of Peter Piper after that, and wore them both out..(still have 'em).....oh and Mr. J..I still dont lace my shoes.."Look ma no shoelaces"..The end of an era dude and you held it in your hands

Dan...London North

hey man, just wanted to let ya'll know that our group Kulture Shokk has put together a lineup of artists and we're going to be doing a benefit show for JMJ's family on Nov 17th in Baltimore. All of the artists' cut from ticket sales will go towards the Mizell Children's Foundation. Also, our group is donating all of our merch sales for the night to the foundation. If you could post something on your site about it, I'd really appreciate it. All the info is below.

Jam Master Jay Benefit Show
November 17th @ The Thunderdome
3612 S. Hanover Street, Baltimore MD
Doors open at 5:00PM
This is an all ages show
Performing will be: Kulture Shokk, Allen Stone & The TriAd of Fire, The Freeloaders & The Arkitek

For the King of DJ’s – Jam Master Jay,
From Hollis Queens, around the way.
JMJ touched so many
With his wheels of steel producing cuts o’ plenty.
Teaching us, his children, about the skool of old,
JMJ was the inventor, is how the story’s told.
I saw him in Adidas with his leather & hat,
I had the same, with no laces in fact.
I salute the Jam Master, with a tear in my eye,
It is in his honor, I lift my glass up high.

“The turntables might wobble, but they don’t fall down.”
Gabe Sheheane, Tallahassee, FL

IN THE DAYS AND YEARS TO COME MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE MIZZELL FAMILY, AS WELL AS THE PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL FAMILIES OF RUN DMC. AS A TEENAGER IN THE 80'S RUN DMC WERE MY ULTIMATE SUPERHEROES. I BOUGHT ALL THE ALBUMS AND STILL HAVE THEM TO THIS DAY. I WANTED TO BE DOWN WITH THE KINGS. IT IS MY HOPE THAT THE YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY CAN FIND SOMETHING OR SOMEBODY WORTHY OF THEIR ADORATION AND RESPECT THE SAME WAY I DID WHEN I FIRST HEARD RUN DMC AND JAM MASTER JAY. THEY SET THE STANDARD FOR WHAT HIP HOP IS AND RAISED OUR VIEWS TO WHAT IT COULD BE. THANK YOU JAM MASTER JAY AND RUN DMC FOR BEING NOT JUST RAPPERS AND ARTISTS BUT FOR MORE IMPORTANTLY BEING MEN THAT I COULD RESPECT.

DJ BROTHAJAY 31 NJ

Allz I can say is that I'm STILL in shock. Me and my fellow white boys grew up in Woodland Hills, CA listening to Run-DMC, and trying to reproduce those fat beats. Oh well, when you're young and impressionable, and a pioneering trio comes along known as Run-DMC, it has quite an impact on ya.

Rest in Peace Jam Master and my thoughts are with your family, as well as Run and D.

Rob Speaker (DJ Speak-a-delic)
Okinawa, Japan

Escribo desde México, para unirme a la pena que embarga a toda la cultura Hip Hop en el Mundo y es que es una perdida tan lamentable y triste, la muerte del gran Jason Mizell aka Jam Master Jay. Hablo en nombre de todos los Admiradores de Run-DMC en México, cuando digo que nos unimos al dolor de Rev. Run y DMC y a todos los familiares de Jam Master...

We will always remember your, "Together Forever, Jam Master is Tougher Than Leather..."

"He's Jam Master Jay, the big beat blaster
He gets better cause he knows he has to
In '84 he'll be a little faster
And only practice makes a real Jam Master..."
"...Behind the turntables is where he stands
Then there is the movement of his hands
So when asked who's the best, y'all should say:
"Run-D.M.C. and JAM MASTER JAY..."

"Our father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, forever.."
- Ismael Linares aka Rev. JoKe
Tampico, Mexico

Hip -HOp is My life. I was 5 years old living on 204 th st. in QUEENS, house115-08, My older brother always was trying to be down with Hollis crew I'm just writin' this for 'JAY' RUNDMC is what started me rockin' I like to think I'M one of the best I credit that to them' RIP JAY !!

MADKIDD >>>>NEWARK,NJ

Growing up in Long Island as a teen in the 80's I litteraly grew up w/ RUN DMC. I have a lot of family in Bayside Queens (which is about a stones throw from Hollis) back then my cousin hooked me up w/ an "underground" cassette of Run DMC and it was off the hook! From then I was was a huge fan, and they got me into Hip-Hop. I got to see them at shows a few times and it was "live-er than live".

As I grew up,I have still been a big fan even though times and Rap of their style has changed a little bit, I still listen to their old school all the time. A lot of their music holds lots of good times and good memories for me!

I Moved to Indy about 10 years ago, and of course the flavor out here is a bit different but I still listen to my thang.

Last year, when Crown Royal came out, they announced a show at a low level red-neck club that a lot of talent of all kinds of music and boxing events are held at. I WAS TOTALLY HYPED! Night of the show, there was a small crowd, (for the pioneers of hip-hop I expected a larger crowd) anyway, As the night dragged on, they had several local DJ's spinning their grooves which had a bit of the JMJ old school flavor goin on. At one point someone brought out a piece of floor to break and spin on, and I was busting out, as it reminded me of the old days of RUN DMC and other flava from that time....

So me and some other obvious big RUN DMC fans was right at front and center stage waitin, and waitin and finally someone got on stage and announced that RUN DMC was there, but they werent comin out! As you can imagine, all hell broke out.

Long story short --The ***hole who was promoting the show, was not paying RUN DMC as promised, therefore they werent going to perform!

Now I was dissapointed too, but on the flip side I didnt blame RUN DMC one damn bit. Cant blame them, because if I were promised a certain $$ for something, and it wasnt gonna happen that way, I wouldnt do it either.

So outside we all went after being refused a refund (again, promoter -who already took the $$ --which days later we were refunded) longer story short -- there was cops out, people almost rioting ('cause they were sh**ty too), K9's fights, people gettin cuffed and throw in cop cars....I was Sh**ty, but kept my distance (had to go to work the
next morning -- not goin' to a cell) and caught word that Jay & Run were in this van on the side of the building.....so over I went to at least meet my all time rap idols and to which (for the situation that happened to them) they were pretty cool ( If it were me, I would have been po'ed and left already -- so I was suprized and estatic) they
talked with us for a minute and signed autographs, (which I proudly have framed and displayed in my study)

It was so awesome to finally meet Run & Jay (DMC wasnt there...?) I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT (especially) NOW!!!

Thanx for lettin me share that!
Peace out!
---Indy
JMJ R.I.P!!!!

When I heard the news the morning after someone had committed this horrible crime, I sat up in bed and put my head in my hands in sorrow, shock, and disbelief. It just didn't make sense! In my head, this kind of senseless violence didn't happen to bands like Run DMC. They were the good guys.

It's funny how they opened my eyes musically. As a teenager, I'd always been heavily into punk rock - until I heard Run DMC. The band's catchy rhymes and stormin' DJ powers opened me up to hip hop and changed my way of thinking. Yeah, I was just some stupid white girl, but I knew good shit when I heard it.

Jay - I know you're in a good place right now. Just know that we all miss you to shreds. My heart goes out to your family, to Joseph and Darryl, and to all your friends. I had a chance to meet the band here in Canada a few years ago, and I've gotta say you were one of the nicest bunch of guys I've ever met.

To all of Jason's friends, family, and fans - keep strong. At least we have his fine musical legacy to hold onto.

-Dana Sixty

I am physically and emotionally wounded with the news of Jam Master Jay. I feel as though I have lost part of my childhood. What Jordan was to basketball, Gretzky was to hockey and Pele was to soccer. Run DMC was to hip hop. It was always there but they were the ones to bring it to the rest of the world. I know that my heart is in pain for this loss and it will heal in time but I could never forget what Run DMC meant to me. All moments of my childhood to adulthood have had their music involved around me. If I listen to one of their songs it brings me back to that specific time and all the growing up involved with it. Losing Jam Master Jay was like losing an old friend.

Rest in Peace my friend.
David Montaldo
MaxxL DaKilla GodZilla

We are one human family, and Jam Master Jay/Run DMC taught us that with their music.

Tears and many thanks,
Nora in Manhattan

Jay, you 're the world greatest
you always be the world greatest.
Rest In Peace man..

In 1984 with Hiphop being a relatively new artform to Texans especially. I had a friend who had a cousin who lived in Jamiaca Queens. Sometime around the christmas of 84' I heard "It's Like That" on a re-dubbed, over-dubbed, bootleg of another bootleg that just happen to make it to the south west region of Houston. Up until then I had never considered my self a big music fan but, at that point in my life I realized that this is what I had been searching for. Run, D and J. became an instant influence in my life and they continue on to this day. When I purchased my first set of turn tables the only thing I wanted to learn was the opening for a show when D and J would come out without Run and JMJ would hit Runs name over and over. The greatest live show I had ever been to was RUN-DMC @ Bob Popular in Austin, Tx about 4 years ago and I have been to many! Standing in the front row I remeber how I sang every song from Mary, Mary, My Adidas, Walk This Way,down with the king, Rock Box to 3 in the head, the ave, back from hell. and just a hand full of us knew those last few. I'll never forget during Ooh whatcha gonna do. I was singing and I just so happen to look back at jay. he pointed at me gave me a big smile and a thumbs up. That image of JMJ was all I could remeber the night Jay was murdered.........a little piece of hiphop was also murdered that night...He will be missed!
T.REN
Texas

While at Howard University in the late 70's & early 80's I roomed with Freddie Fred from NYC and he rocked his addidas everyday and was always cleaning them. When RUN-DMC came out the box, everyone in the tri-state area felt they were represented by artist that look just like them. All this brought to my mind Freddie Fred...One...Two...One...Two (Hoodie, Leather & Addidas and all). To the Mizell family my condolences, To the RUN DMC family thank you for representing and bringing some good times to memory. To the "person" who committed this crime, How can you call yourself a BLACK Man for taking another's life. Is all the money in the world worth it? My question to you is WHY???? I hope the authorities figure this out..because if the streets do... I hate to imagine. You have three choices (1) get caught by NYPD (2) Watch your back (3) be a real man and take care of yourself. Just leave a note behind so we know it was you.

One
Roger -Boston/NJ

Jam Master Jay...may the funk be with you. May you family be blessed.

"D-Frost"

I was truly hurt when I had heard of the demise of a legend. I wish to send my condolences to the family. Please keep your heads up. May God ease the pain. I will pray for you all.

Peace and Blessings

Tears are streaming down my face right now, as I read all of the beautiful words and heartfelt expressions of love and kindness towards the memory of JMJ, from all over the world. Even I must admit, that I was not fully aware Run DMC and JMJ's impact on the world at large, until I read all of these words. As for myself, I am also deeply saddened by this news. I've been listening to their music all weekend, reminiscing. I'm 30 years old now. I remember Run DMC's glory years, in the mid 80s, when I was 14-16. Oh, how I LOVED to hear JMJ's scratches. They were just so, unique, so awesome. Sometimes I paid more attention to what JMJ was doing, then to Run and DMC's rhymes. :) And even though I have absolutely NO musical skills whatsoever, whenever I listened to Run DMC, for about five minutes, I wanted to be a DJ, too. That was the POWER of JMJ's skills. I'm sure there were a lot of kids out there, air-scratching along with JMJ on his records. I got to see Run DMC at a free concert at DAR in 1988. I remember we didnt even know they were going to be there, it was a total surprise. Man, we all jumped up when the Three Kings stormed the stage! It was great. JMJ deserves the highest of praises, for what he has done for hip hop, and music in general. My sincerest condolences and prayers go out to his family, his children, and his brothers...DMC and Run, because they were his brothers. May God grant all of you the peace to get through this difficult time. R.I.P, Jam Master Jay.

Maria
Washington, DC

My heart goes out to Jason Mizell's family & colleagues. My prayers are for the repose of Jason's soul & comfort for his loved ones.

caffeinejeanne
Groton, Connecticut

i would like to give my support to the family and friends. RUN DMC&JAM MASTER JAY allways be rockin

Me and "my Adidas"

Eu como todos os DJ´s e Raps brasileiros ficamos muito chateados c/ o fato. Quando o Ran-DMC veio no Brasil, tive a honra de acompanhar 03 shows e que marcaram as nossas vidas. Descanse em PAZ, UM ABRAÇÃO A TODOS. PRECISAMOS DO RUN-DMC.

DJ EASY

When I was rap editor at Urban Network, I remember getting a call saying Run-DMC was in town and they wanted to schedule a walkthru to promote "Down With The King." I can't begin describe how excited I was to meet them in person. After all, Run-DMC is to hip-hop what the Beatles are to pop music. I clearly remember meeting with them (but acting as if I wasn't phased because after all, i WAS the editor), taking press photos, and chilling with them. Before they left, I asked them to sign the cover of of my "Down With The King" 12" single which is still one of my most prized posessions. Jam Master Jay took my business card and said he'd keep in touch. Lots of artists have said that to me over the years, but very few meant it. It wasn't unusual for JMJ to call periodically, tell me about the groups he was working with, and just say hello. If I saw him out, he always spoke, always had a smile on his face, and always had a positive word in his mouth. I know a certain amount of schmoozing goes on in the music business, it's part of the game. But I never got that "industry" vibe from him. JMJ was, will always be, one incredible man who I respect and admire. I feel a profound sense of loss - both personally and for the hip-hop nation. I never imagined that listening to Run-DMC would bring a tear to my eye and I can't imagine why someone would do this to such a positive force in hip-hop. My prayers go out the Mizell family, the Run-DMC family, their friends and the entire hip hop nation. I wish everyone who's hurting peace and healing, and I sincerely hope the coward that murdered him is caught. He may not be here physically, but JMJ will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he touched.
Shannita Williams-Alleyne, Los Angeles, CA

Peace, I would like to say I am just like the rest of you out there who grew up listening to RUN-D.M.C. I can tell you the many nights my cousin and I would spend together trying to do scratches on an invisible turntable trying to be just like JMJ. I am 27 years old and an up and coming Hip-Hop artist(Pure), and I am sitting here typing this message with tears flowing down my face. I am Run. I am D.M.C. I am Jam Master Jay. And so are you, and you, and her, and him, and him. Every album they did, there was always a dedicated track for JMJ. I would like to point out that my favorite was Jam Master Jammin'. And I couldn't wait to see him Jam. Now, some punk idiot has robbed me, and the rest of the Hip-Hop community of the oppurtunity of seeing him Jam again(For those who have not witnessed it). The greatest moment in my Hip-Hop life was when the Raising Hell Tour came to Long Beach, California. I was all but 11 or 12. That was the last major rap tour to come to Long Beach because of a fight that broke out in the crowd. I remember this particular incident vividly for the simple reason that out of everyone who was performing that night, and as much as I loved all of the performers, I only wanted to see RUN-D.M.C. and watch the Master on the 'Twurntables'(Two turntables). I would try to mimic D.M.C.'s voice and I almost have it down packed. But the Master brought his voice to the forefront of the game. Jay,I know that you are busy right now setting up equipment for that huge party up there for the Big Guy. If it's not to much to ask, don't pull the plug until the rest of us get there. We love you Jay. We will forever miss you until we can be there next to you making requests again. I am in the mists of writing a very special dedication track for you JMJ. I hope you will enjoy what the world is doing for you as the way you have done for us.

GODDAMN, THAT DJ MADE MY DAY,
Teary eyed for a long time to come,
Sleep peacefully in Eternal comfort J,

Powerful Asiatic Born

We're not talking ground, we're not talking sky
We're not talking low, we're not talking high
We're not talking big, we're not talking small
We want all of the people on off the wall
We're not talking night, we're not talking day
But we're talking bout Jam Master Jay

I can't begin to talk about how much Run-DMC influenced my life. I'm only a year older than Jay so I feel as if I grew up with them during a time that our culture was reemerging. Run-DMC redefined the newly evolving rap industry, and Jay was the catalyst behind the music.

Upon hearing of Jay's tragic and senseless death, i went into total shock and disbelief. Who would want to harm this individual who taught love and peace in our community? The Lord in all of his wisdom will provide us with the answers we need though.

My thoughts, prayers, and love goes out to Jay's family, Run-DMC, and the Def-Jam community.
So when asked who's the best, y'all should say:
"Run-D.M.C. and Jam Master Jay"

I'm a 33 year old white boy from the burbs who grew up on RUN DMC. I remember back in those days, I lived for breakin', struttin' poppin, lockin, and uprockin. I couldn't even put into words the feelings I had when I got to put some BRAND NEW D cells in the boom box, pop in my new DMC TAPE (no cd's back then) and roll out the linoleum for some B-boy battlin'. Then through the rest of high school when Raisin' hell came out, I memorized all the songs, rapped and did "air turntables". My friends and I all had some funny and exciting times back then listening to "Peter Piper", "It's tricky", "You be Illin" and My Adidas........my job takes me all over the world and I rock my adidas in the first class section of the plane every time......without knowing it, I step off the plane and the lyrics run through my head ......

"My Adidas touched the sands of foreign lands,
with mike in hand I cold took command
my Adidas and me, close as can be,
we make a mean team, my Adidas and me".......
Sometimes I think I'm crazy for holding on to my very old school ways
but I don't care because that was a time in my life when I was very
alive and learning and loving.

I'm just blown away by the amount of stories I've read in the tributes here. I knew RUN DMC and JAY were a huge part of MY growing up and love for hip hop and then to see how many others feel the same way made me want to cry even more. I had no idea there were so many others out there with the same feelings and memories and love from Jay.........and knowing that is helping me cope with this tragedy, knowing that there was something special going on back in the early days.......cultural gaps were bridged, dreams were forming, people weren't black or white or chinese....... we were all just "hip hop" heads So although he will be missed greatly, Jam Master Jay will always have a place in my heart and will remain alive in my soul though his music until my days here are done.

"And like all fairy tales end,
we'll see Jay again my friend"....huh!
-rob

I have been a RUN DMC fan for as long as I've been into rap. In the late 80's when they did a tour of the UK with LL Cool J and Public Enemy I was lucky enough to DJ with Jam Master Jay in a posh club in Manchester after the gig. I remember him mixing the Mac Band's 'Roses Are Red' with Public Enemy's 'Rebel Without A Pause', that was true Jam Master, nobody would have dared that but him. I am so sad, and have shed a tear for one of my true hero's.

DBM
Manchester, UK

he has a little soul, to rock n' roll every record that he touches turned to gold he's well conducted,self instructed his styles were plied, heavily constructed. mechanically inclined, and if you don't mind we add spice to your life time after time and think about times, where he's a long laster we rock our rhymes for the jam master

couldn't wait to see Jam-Master jammin'
couldn't wait to see the Jam Master jam...

im still in schock yo...thing is people should remember what an integral icon of rap music Jam Master Jay still IS and forever WILL BE...my prayers go out to the family and friends of Jam Master Jay. thanks for the music and inspiration you have put in our lives. lastly...please, those in law enforcement, GIVE A CARE and find and prosecute those responsible for taking one of the hero's of hip hop away from us....one

j.krush
san francisco

What should I say - unbelievable and unfair. The Great up in heaven has his own ways but once again it`s too hard to understand.

I grew up (in Germany) with their sound, and its intensity and pulldowns of boundaries still fascinates me until today. I started DJing back then and Jay was one of the first guys I looked up to because of his power and entertainment. Today I`m still into DJing and especially into turntablism and when I look back he will always be there, a pioneer, an entertainer, who still rocks on and on on every single, album and recorded-whatever he pushed out with his guys. Thanks for being an inspiration and for being something like a teacher without knowing most of your pupils.Some of them went very well I guess!

So Rest then In Peace now & all good thoughts and love to your family and friends.

DJ Solestar / Turntablism Germany

I missed Run DMC when they first came out in 83. I didnt get exposed to rap until 1986 when the beastie boys came out. I remember getting my first DMC tape for Christmas in 1986. I had heard the Beastie Boys and other rap, but nothing could have prepared me for the music that was on that tape!! Peter Piper was my favorite track! The way Jay mixed the cuts in with the sampled beats and drum machine was like nothing I had heard before. That album had so many good jams on it. "My addidas" "Walk this way", "You be Illin" "Its tricky" "Peter Piper" were big hits on the radio. Even the stuff that didn't make the radio were dope jams like "hit it run" "proud to be black" and "dumb girl" I was absolutely engulfed in this music and wanted more. Run DMC quickly became my favorite rap group because of their innovative style.

Before I even knew how King of Rock went, I chose to do the song as a karaoake selection at a Six Flags theme park. Me and my friend must have sounded like total idiots trying to rap the song. Later on, another friend let us borrow the king of rock tape and we were jamming to that back in 1986! It was new to us then because we had never heard it before. That's how it was for each album. It was unique and powerful. I finally got to listen to the first RUN DMC album in 1987. It seems like it took a while for me to catch up but by 1987, I had listened to all the albums they had made.

Then the Christmas of 1987 was the year the Christmas Rap album came out and Run DMC's "Christmas in Hollis" was the first track. It was an exciting time to be alive. Hip Hop had made the crossover and was proving to be very popular with my generation. Then the Hollis trio released "Tougher than Leather" and set the bar for future rap artists to come. The new album was fresh, funky, innovative and full of energy. This album was so dope, it hyped up me and my friends to really try and be rap artists. (That never panned out but we still remained big RUN DMC fans.) My friend and I went to the Together Forever concert in 1988. It was the 2nd concert I had been to and it was probably one of the best concerts I have been to in all my life. We were so hyped up back then, we made a rap before the concert.

I even took a pair of binoculars so I could study Jay's scratching style up close.

Jam Master Jay was my initial inspriration to learn scratching and mixing. I started with an old belt-drive turntable and radio shack
mixer. I was fascinated by all the cuts that Jam Master did and I wondered what records he was scratching to make those fabulous cuts. Thus began my hobby as a DJ.

Run DMC was and has been at the forefront of Hip Hop music for some time.
1. They were the first to use rock music in their rap
2. They were the first to collaborate with a rock group like Aerosmith on an album.
3. When MTV created Yo! MTV Raps( The first show dedicated to rap videos), RUN DMC was there hosting the very first show.

I am proud to say I got to see Daryl, Joe and Jay one more time many years later at a club in Dallas ,Tx. They were as fresh and funky as they ever were. I was surprised when Run said a few words about Jesus in the middle of the show. I had much respect for him for spreading the good word that night.

In many ways, RUN DMC were my role models.

"We dont do drugs, but you assume on your own."
"They offer coke and lots of dope but we just leave it alone"

I just want to offer my condolences and sympathy to the Mizell family. God put Jason on this earth for a purpose and he must have accomplished it because God has called him home.

Peace Be Unto You Jam-Master.
DJ CDC

When Run DMC blew up, I was a mere 13 years old. I remember my cousin handing me a tape and saying, "Check this out girl....you ain't never heard nothin like this." And so a true hip hop head was born. I have not the words to express the grief I feel at the loss of one so great. One who not only brought Hip Hop into the mainstream, but one who made me proud to hold my head high and say I'm a part of that culture. J you will be greatly missed, but you live on in our hearts, minds and ears.
Missing you in Texas
Cori

I am a 30 year old staff sergeant in the ARMY i grew up listening to these guys. Me and my 2 friends always wore the RUN DMC Adidas in school. In my small town in West Virginia Rap was not the norm but we alwas stood up for what we liked i send all my love to Jayson's family and the group, I am truly shocked and saddened by this terrible loss.
Eric M. Parsley Fort Hood Texas

More than some mess, it's another senseless tragedy in the hip hop community. We've lost an icon. As a dj, I'm sad that I'll never get to see J spin like my boy E, who's seen Run D atleast 5 times, the first time being his first concert.

I remember back in the summer of '83, I was living in NY, Jamaica, Queens to be exact with my Mom and Grandmother. 112-25 167th St and Merrick Blvd. Run D is from Hollis [5 blocks from Jamaica, toward the Avenue], so is LL. I remember hearing Sucker MC being played all over Kiss and BLS that summer. That was my favorite jam that summer. Marley Marl used to play the instrumental and scratch the words, "Two years..". Even my Grandmother would comment on the "Chicken and collard greens" line. She recalled that song this summer when I visited her in Ca. [93 years old]. Red Alert and Chuck Chillout always played Run DMC....ALWAYS!

All I can say is that I'm sad man. I read an article about J last year on the net. He was discussing how he doesn't deploy gimmicks in his dj'ing. No fancy scratches, just straight up mixing and blends. He was starting to use the cd's for gigs, but preferred the 12's. Now J is gone, a brutha from my era, one of the first true dj's.

To the phantom whom took J away from us, with your senseless act, you've brought millions around the globe closer together with love and remembrance. You've taken a father, husband, son, and brother [to the rest of us], but we're group hugging each other in peace and love. We're carrying on J's legacy of peace and positivity, while you're on the outside looking in waiting to catch your fate. How does it feel to know that your own life means nothing? Even Satan cringed as you pulled the trigger. Given your low level of brain power, you don't have the internet, so you wont be reading this note. Hopefully your partner Satan will brief you on the situation and the magnitude.

J, RIP my brother. Thank God for providing us the knowledge to create Technics 1200's and Vestax and your brilliant mind for putting them to use.

Rest in Peace J.

My prayers are with your family and the entire hip hop community.

dj ccoy

First Tupac, then Biggie, now Jam Master Jay. The rap world has lost arguably it's two greatest solo artists and now has lost a member of the greatest rap group of all time. Jay's influence? Record companies didn't even sign DJ's before Jay came through with Run and D. Walk this Way, the second most played video ever on MTV, would never have been the hit that it was, without Jay cutting up that original track and giving it a new flava. Forget Walk this Way, which introduced a whole new audience to hip hop, and concentrate on the songs that true heads love for a moment. Sucker MC's, Rock Box, It's Tricky, Peter Piper, etc, etc. Jay's thumbprints were all over each of these songs, and these beats are still being sampled today. Live shows ,the basis of hip hop, are still dominated by Run DMC thanks in part to Jay's work behind the turn tables. Run DMC can rock a crowd, something that's been lost in today's hip hop with the heavy use of Dat machines and guess vocals. Run, D, and Jay could do it by themselves, just the 3 of them, and anyone who never saw them live can't appreciate just how great this group was. Jay's legacy didn't stop in the 80's he only continued to build, he made a career for Onyx with a tremendous album, that the groups members are still living off to these days. Many of us have heard an unreleased Run DMC song called "In The Beginning" which was done with Method Man just 2 years ago. Meth says simply "Jam Master deserves a trophy for this track right". Jay wasn't slowing down, this wasn't a case of an "old school legend" being murdered, but rather the end of a dynamic, untouchable DJ who's impact on the game was still as dynamic as ever. I was dreaming of the 20th anniversary album, as soon as I heard the news, the KINGS back together taking the game back to just two turntables and a couple of mics to reclaim their crown. Jay's cut and scratch skills were a major reason I was psyched for the album, on a selfish note it's too bad I (we) will miss out on what was destined to be a hot album.

Forget about Jay the musician for awhile and think about Jay the person. I met Jay once at a concert and he was the real deal, he wasn't flashing Ice and acting above his fans, but rather treating them as equals. He made sure to spell my name right on an autograph, and gave me mad love for wishing him good luck on the new album (which ended up being Crown Royal). I wish I could remember more details of our conversation, but I can't at this time, it's just too hard. What I want to get across is Jay was real, all the stuff you hear on TV from Chuck D, Ja Rule, DJ Red Alert, Eric Sermon, and others is real. Jay was a good person who took the time to make this 19 year old kid (at the time) feel like a friend and not just another ticket they sold. Why is always the good people who have to die young? Some punks with guns think they're hard by shooting an unarmed man in a studio? That's not hard, Jay was hard. Being hard is going back to your neighborhood, setting up a studio, and working with young talent to further the game. Whoever did this will be dealt with, but it will never be justice. Jason Mizell's family, Run, D, and the entire rap community have lost an ICON, a father, and a friend. My thoughts are with everyone affected by this loss.

Elliott Gribble aka Dr.E

There is no reason what has happened. Run DMC is the entire reason for rap music as we know it. They took the game from elaborate, glam such as Africa Bambatta and Grandmaster Flash(all respect to them) and made it closer to home. They dressed more like us, the music was more about the lyrics and Jay used his turntables rather then elaborate expensive synthisizers.
Every Rapper today owes RUN and DMC and Every DJ today owes Jam Master Jay. These guys are living breathing icons.
We miss you Jay you were an inspiration. May you rest in peace always and may this tragedy change things in the rap buissness for the better, needed changes.

S

When I first heard about Jay I stopped everything that was going on that morning... I just read and reread all the news articles, in disbelief. I felt horrible all day. This was on Halloween, and I was scheduled to DJ at a party here in Chicago. I had been looking forward to it all week, had a nice Halloween set planned out, and I was looking forward now to giving the crowd a small Run DMC tribute, to let everyone know what this loss means to anyone who loves Hip Hop, Electro, Breakbeat, House, Rock music, etc. Well, it just so happened that my girlfriend's car broke down on the freeway as we were on the way to the party. It was pretty serious -- a pipe which came loose from the exhaust -- so we missed the party and I was devastated. I really wanted to make things right by doing what I love, DJing, and setting it right for people with a tribute. Then of course it hit me, Jam Master Jay is gone forever. He will never touch another record... He will never play another show. This loss will be felt by everybody who celebrated the positivity and talent of Run DMC.

- DJ Kumar

We still miss you JMJ.

Rest in Peace King of Queens

Nicht zu fassen, daß Du uns schon verlassen mußtest! Ich bin mit RUN-DMC aufgewachsen und war schwer betroffen als ich die Hiobsbotschaft erfuhr. Viel Kraft allen Angehörigen, Nahestehenden und Trauernden. An RUN und DMC: Ihr müßt die Mission jetzt alleine durchziehen und wir sehen uns hoffentlich wieder bei der nächsten Germany-Tour ......... DANKE!

RIP JMJ!

Lu, Schauenstein
Germany

I just want to send my deepest condolences
I'm feeling very sad because a really great man died

R.I.P. Jam Master Jay, your music is always alive

natalie
germany

I am a 27 year old hardcore musician. I don't mean hardcore as in Korn or Limp Bizkit. I mean hardcore like the Dead Kennedy's, Minor Threat, Black Flag, NOFX, and Bad Religion. I first heard Run-DMC when I was 8 years old. I never heard anything like it at the time. I was blown away for the first time in my life. I thought this music was the coolest thing I had ever heard. I used to go get out my 7-inch records and put them on my small record player and scratch and pretend that I was Jam Master Jay. I used to try to come with a name for a rap group that I wanted to start. This was before I even turned 12 years old. In the mid to late eighties to early nineties when everybody was listening to hair metal, I was still listening to Run-DMC and the hip hop that they inspired like PE and Tribe Called Quest and LL Cool Jay.! When I started getting into hardcore, my love for Run-DMC never subsided. To this day Run-DMC still stay in heavy rotation in my CD player. When I found out the news Halloween Day, after 10-15 minutes of tears, I immediately pulled out my Addidas Jacket went and borrowed some other clothes and played my Halloween show wearing all Addidas clothes and a hat and black glasses. My shirt read "RIP Jam Master Jay" followed by the dates of his life. I am still in shock over this and I hope they catch the sorry Mother Fucker that did this. My condolences go out to the MIzell Family and the rest of Run-DMC. I was just in New York two weeks ago on tour and we drove right past Linden Blvd and felt like I had proud like I had just seen something very special to me and my life. Jay will be very missed by his friends and family. I would say Rest In Peace, but I think RIP is more appropriate because Jay always ripped it up.

Jason Richardson
Athens, GA

My deepest sympathy to the RUN-DMC family, and to Jam Master Jay's wife, children, and family. It's always a horrible thing when we lose someone so unexpectedly. We always question "Why". All I can say is God knows best.

I am still in shock over the death of Jam Master Jay. I don’t believe that there are words to describe just how awful, tragic and senseless his death was. They were one of the only few rap groups worthy of the glory of being one of the most influential in our time. I am so devastated. When I heard the news I was like “How can that be?”. They completely isolated themselves from all of the violent topics most rap is filled with today. They collaborated with AEROSMITH of all groups to release “Walk This Way”. They developed a sense of style in clothes and music. They RULED the world of rap and hip hop. Even punk rockers are found to have a copy of King Of Rock in their record collections. I am at a loss, totally and completely. A great man has been taken from us. May his family, fans and friends find comfort and peace. May Jam Master Jay a.k.a Jason Mizell rest in eternal peace. Much love to RUN DMC and their kin. May God be with you always.

Jacob Rueda

I would just like to offer all my sympathy and condolances to Jay's Wife and kids, to Run and to DMC. He was the pioneer and the backbone of rap music and has made hip hop what it is today. He will be sadly missed by all and didn't deserve to go out this way.

Jay-T
UK

When the news came on the ticker here in Germany I couldn`t belief. I was shocked....

When rap came to Germany it was all about the Run DMC and Jam Master Jay stuff. Since the early 80th Jam Master Jay was my No. 1 HipHop DJ. I went to a lot of concerts and god - what he did with the turntables... The world lost it`s greatest Master of the cuts.

Condolences to the Mizell family and friends of Jam Master Jay.

HanzMC, Hamburg, Germany

-Mark Nixon

YOU ALL HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY
I JUST WANT ALL OF YOU TO KNOW THAT HE WAS THE GREATEST DJ AND AN COOL PERSON I MET HIM QUITE A FEW TIMES BACK IN THE EARLY 80'S. TO ALL WE WERE ALL HIS CHILDREN AND LEARN A LOT FROM HIM . 1 LOVE TO HIS FAMILY AND RUN AND DMC AND HIS FAMILY . UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN I WILL BE AT THAT PARTY BIG MONE FROM THE N.E . BRONX NY

damn man i dont know what to say, i just read about jam master jay. i cant believe it. i have a bunch of the old hip hop records from back in the day when it ment something. my condolences to everyone.

-DjOrbit

I saw you guys at the "Together Forever" tour for the first time after listening to the music for years, and was blown away by the energy and excitement of the whole spectacle. This was what, 86? I was a Junior in H.S., and bought a tour shirt, the one with DMC-Beasties arm in arm, swore I'd never wear it because it symbolized the exact thing that our neighborhood and the whole damn country needed, and I haven't. Now I'm 33, I still have the shirt, (UN-WORN!!) and had the distinct pleasure to find out that DMC was playing the Crystal Ballroom here in Portland, Or. and took my wife. We had the best time of our lives at that show, and I immediately went out and bought some new DMC CD's to replace the old worn out cassettes I had. This is the kind of impact a guy like Jam Master Jay has on an average guy from Wherever, USA. DMC rules, and Jay was a pioneer of his craft unmatched by any other. His passing was a shock, and a reminder that senseless acts of violence like this are no answer to whatever it is that may bring us to avenge, react, or just plain do for the F#%K of it. Godspeed Jay, and the best to your family. T.J.

Chuck "Super Chucky" Creekmur
http://www.allhiphop.com/jmj.wvx

Its been two days and I still feel like its a bad dream. Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay were the trailblazers and as I grew up, I got to watch them "lay down law, from state to state." As I've gotten older, their music has been a constant .From 1983 to 1986 they accomplished more in hip-hop than most artists in their whole career. It amazes me when I think about all the obstacles they had to overcome in those years that are overlooked or even ignored now. They brought rap to places it had never been before and brought it with an overwhelmingly positive message, "Since kindegarten, I've acquired knowledge and after twelfth grade I went straight to college". Jay was the one-man band who always kept the balance in the group. I am proud to say that my child's first pair of sneakers were shells and happy to say that I saw Run-DMC in concert one! more time this summer with Aerosmith & Kid Rock. They tore it up. My condolences to the Mizells, Simmons and McDaniels families as well as the Hollis Crew. I only hope that Run & D will continue to make music and I hope that they take back their throne with cuts loaded with drumbeats & electric guitars. Run-DMC & Jam Master Jay. Together Forever

I would like to send my deepest condolences to the wife, children, all family members and friends of JMJ. I was very saddened to hear of his passing and I hope that God comforts you in your time of mourning. Continue to hold your heads up and there is a brighter day yet to come. God bless you all.

Rest in Peace J Master J
Nowahyah/Bronx

We are truly saddened by the loss of THE Jam Master. Who would have thought that rap/hip hop music would have blossomed into the industry that is has become? Jam Master Jay mixed it all up and got it going for all of us. He took a lil bit of this and a pinch of that and scratched his mark on history. He's gone too soon, but only he and those who went before him, now know the true meaning of Peace.

Peace our brother and God speed.
With warmest regards and sympathies to his family,
Alex, Ashleigh, Lesley, Lea and Xander Harrison
Washington, DC

Run-DMC was the group that introduced me to rap along with PE, LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys. The first rap record I ever owned was the "Mary, Mary" 12inch with "Raising Hell" on b-side . That was in 1990 or 1991. OK, that was right after Run-DMC biggest success, but at that time I joined them and - believe me it's still continued - I love them. They're my "all-time favourites". I got all albums twice and a huge set of 12inches, 7inches, CD-singles - I spent a lot of money and time collecting it. Just because I love their music so much. To be honest, no other group of musicians impressed me so much and got my love for such a long time.

Now, I'm just asking myself WHY?!?
Because Run-DMC and JMJ for me embodied the good guys in rap. No gangsta style, no dirty fronting and dissing, no bad words on women, no nasty or bad behaviour like other hip hop people - the smart and nice guys of the game. Supporting anti-violence movements. True to the fan. The eminience of rap!

And now Jam Master Jay is dead and I can't imagine any single reason why he got murdered. J is dead - what a losing for his family, Run-DMC and the whole rap game. One of the good guys is gone. It was a sad, sad day...

My sincere condolences to Jays family and friends.
from Frankfurt, Germany
Gerrit Herfurth

Can i just express my deepest sadness at the untimely death of Jam Master Jay. Thank you Jay for the best gig i have ever been to and for some of the best music of all time.
R.I.P.
Mike

I remember seeing DMC in Chicago for the first time and my mouth was on the floor. The shear energy that all of them brought...there's not anyone else that I know that could bring it like they did with two turntables and a microphone. Years later, I saw them again in South Padre Island, TX on spring break (I made it a point to go see them) still with that same spark and same energy. I shook J's hand that night after the show and got to speak to him for 30 seconds or so. You made want to be a DJ bro. You are
the epitamy of what hip-hop is. I am just in complete shock. I don't even think shock covers the way I feel right now. I'll never be able to see the real DMC in the flesh again and enjoy their energy, vibe and complete love for the fans.

This murder is a classless and senseless act of violence. To the person that did this, know that you have taken away a person that meant a lot to a whole lot of people. This will be solved and everyone will see you for the coward that you are.

Prayers are with you family friends and fans. I just can't write anymore...This is just beyond anything that I could imagine.

Chris - Chicago

My heart goes out to Jam Master Jay's family and friends.
You will never be forgotten Jay, thank you.

Jon (Manchester, UK)

Jam Master Jay -
You made it real. My thoughts are with you and your family. My life is better for having known you. Thank you JMJ. Rest In Peace.

-Aaron

Robert Bailey

"J-M-J are the letters of his name, cuttin' and scratchin' are the aspects of his game..."

Jay will live forever in the hearts, minds and turntables of every DJ that walks the earth today. Everytime we hear a RUN DMC record, whether it be at a party or on the radio, pause and reflect upon the man that was - JAM MASTER JAY - the greatest of all time.

"Stop the violence and kick the science..."
RIP JMJ 2002 and forever.

I have been a fan of Run-DMC since '86 when I bought Raising Hell. It was the first tape that I ever bought, and it has been my favorite ever since. Since then I have all of their albums on CD, and their greatest hits DVD. I love Run-DMC, and I am still in shock that Jam Master Jay was murdered! I cried all night. I never had the chance to meet Run-DMC, but I feel that I have lost a part of me. It was my dream to see Run-DMC live, but now thanks to some stupid, cowardly, selfish b*stard, that will never happen. The music world will never be able to replace Jam Master Jay, and I will never be the same either. RIP JMJ RUN-DMC--Kings of Rock Forever!

From Kansas,
Jacob

I want to first say that I am saddened by the news of a great mans passing.I was a kid growing up in the south bay(S.F.) between 84-87 when I first heard the rhyms and beats that these three put down.I was a little white kid growing up in a diverse neighborhood and they had the beats to keep us all together.I was turned on to another side of the world that I had never seen or heard before and I wanted more.I have nothing but good memories when I think of these three...I loved all the beats that Jay put down and that kept many of party going.I have sorrows for the world for we have lost a great man,friend,brother,father,and son.I want to say to the family of Jay...stay strong and know that God has him at his tables now.Peace to all who knew him,heard him,loved him,and believed in him.

p.s. this is sad times when a gentle man who preached a good word is taken from us....lets not let this happen anymore.
chris sanders
sacramento,Ca

I'm still in deep shock over the news of Jay. I am lost for words to describe how i am feeling at the moment. JMJ has had a big influence on my life and has been responsible for my love of hip hop, he will be deeply missed.

r.i.p jason mizell
Rich (Bristol, England)

My condolenses to the Mizell family. I wouldn't have my turntables without RUN DMC. My first Hip Hop record was the 1st RUN DMC LP. I still can't believe that JMJ is gone.....

R.I.P. Jam Master Jay
DJ Foldout
Germany

His Adidas walked through all our lives,
were adored by uncles, cousins and wives
Jay stepped on the scene with a hip-hop dream
Revolutionized rap, I know you know what I mean
since from his heart he did speak
Jay gave his all every day of the week
His Adidas touched the hearts of the young and old,
Turntables in control, he would rock the show
Jay's Adidas will be remembered by me
I'll bump DMC 'til I'm a hundred and three
Jay's beats and scratches, unlike any other
Are all I hear as I mourn the death of our brother
His Adidas...
His Adidas...
His Adidas.

R.I.P Jam Jaster Jay

If only each of us could walk a mile in your shoes...

birdman1041 - Tucson, AZ, 11/1/02

This moves me deeply.
Run Dmc were the first heroes i ever had. They were the undisputed kings in my world as a kid. they were the ones who made me aware and made a clear definition of hip hop/rap to me at the age of nine. So many times have i been "performing" along with them in my room. They are partly the reason i went on to write raps myself. I am a 26-year old danish based mc, who put out records in my native language.

The spirit of Run DMC gave me so much at a time when i didn't have very much to feel good about. When Jay dies, it's like that feeling is violated. I have put Hip Hop so much in me, and Hip Hop has changed so much over the years -not always to the better- so this tragedy makes me feel like a part of that thing i originally built so much around is destroyed. I listened to Peter Piper today, and i felt so sad. He was truly one of the good guys.

My condolences go out to Run, DMC, and everyone who knew and loved Jam Master Jay. Of course they are the ones who truly suffer from this tragedy.

-Tue Volder (Joe True)
Copenhagen, Denmark

Learning about the death of Jam Master Jay has been one more painful, senseless piece of news. I am not sure if the world is a worse place than it used to be when I was growing up, but today it is quieter, having lost someone who was key, I think, in the direction and music and art in America has moved in the past couple of decades. RUN-DMC were on the forefront of breaking a racial barrier in the realm of rap music without ever really trying. They were just doing what came naturally. They brought people together from all walks of life by their vigor, their powerful music and lyrics, and their love for what they were doing. This love permeated everything they touched and that power made us want to all move together. It was more than rap music to me, maybe because when I first heard it I was so young. But it has stayed with me and always will. Someone who meant a great to the world of rap and hip hop, someone I never knew, but knew through his music and articles and interviews, who reached out to me and to all his fans and gave of himself has been taken away. In death, as in life, his song remains unchanged and his image one to guide us. Thanks so much, Jay, for all you brought to us. For the energy, the love, the song and the rhythm. You will be missed.

John

All my respect and love to Jam Master Jay´s family, friends and people who in this beautiful but tough life that we have to live, have been influenced by the great energy of this REAL MASTER.

Do you want to know my first two copies of records to spin back...? "Tougher than Leather" from RUN DMC. Jam Master Jay was one of my strongest influences in scratching ever. Yesterday sadness reached me when i read the bad news. I never knew him personally but his work and energy still lives in my heart, so somehow he´s still alive. Any track i´ll make will have his soul inside.

We must continue his work, and take him as an example to follow, he willl help us to succed.

So you killers and haters, you think you win something doing that? No, you don´t. You just make us get closer. No hate has place in my heart to you, just love to Jam Master. You´ll never win this battle because we are meant to win it in LORD´S NAME.

I hope Jam Master´s Family and friends can soon find the way to happiness again.
Jam Master Jay Rest In Peace.
Love from Spain. sitamber

I'm an 80's kid, and along with other pioneers, RUN DMC was the best. They are TRULY old school at its best. No one other than JMJ can do on two turntables during his time, and I don't think no one ever will again. There was no one better than him, and in his interviews, he was a humble man. He made hip-hop what it should be! I am really shocked and saddened by this terrible tragedy, and I feel that a part of my youth is gone with him. To the family and friends: I will pray for your strength during this time. RUN DMC: Stay strong brothers, and give him a tribute no one will ever forget. You will always have my prayers, support and love. Thanks JMJ for making my young years great! I will miss you very much!

Deninge
Fremont, California

I can't believe it and it just hurts to hear how the Media is scrutinizing Jam Master Jay's death. My prayers go out to his family, and friends. I pray that they keep the faith and know that God can and will be strong for them during this trying time. Sometimes it was with their music when someone I grew up with had died, that I could recall "the good-ole days". I could see the basement with the old system or extremely large BOOM box playing the RUN-DMC beats and lyrics, shaking the walls. For that I say thanks and God will bless his soul.
Vivienne

More than some mess, it's another senseless tragedy in the hip hop community. We've lost an icon. As a dj, I'm sad that I'll never get to see J spin like my boy E, who's seen Run D atleast 5 times, the first time being his first concert.

I remember back in the summer of '83, I was living in NY, Jamaica, Queens to be exact with my Mom and Grandmother. 112-25 167th St and Merrick Blvd. Run D is from Hollis [5 blocks from Jamaica, toward the Avenue], so is LL. I remember hearing Sucker MC being played all over Kiss and BLS that summer. That was my favorite jam that summer. Marley Marl used to play the instrumental and scratch the words, "Two years..". Even my Grandmother would comment on the "Chicken and collard greens" line. She recalled that song this summer when I visited her in Ca. [93 years old]. Red Alert and Chuck Chillout always played Run DMC....ALWAYS!

All I can say is that I'm sad man. I read an article about J last year on the net. He was discussing how he doesn't deploy gimmicks in his dj'ing. No fancy scratches, just straight up mixing and blends. He was starting to use the cd's for gigs, but preferred the 12's. Now J is gone, a brutha from my era, one of the first true dj's.

To the phantom whom took J away from us, with your senseless act, you've brought millions around the globe closer together with love and remembrance. You've taken a father, husband, son, and brother [to the rest of us], but we're group hugging each other in peace and love. We're carrying on J's legacy of peace and positivity, while you're on the outside looking in waiting to catch your fate. How does it feel to know that your own life means nothing? Even Satan cringed as you pulled the trigger. Given your low level of brain power, you don't have the internet, so you wont be reading this note. Hopefully your partner Satan will brief you on the situation and the magnitude.

J, RIP my brother. Thank God for providing us the knowledge to create Technics 1200's and Vestax and your brilliant mind for putting them to use.

Rest in Peace J.
My prayers are with your family and the entire hip hop community.
dj ccoy

It's so hard to put my feelings into words. For two days I've been trying to get through this. I can't imagine how Jay's family and friends are feeling. The whole world is suffering from this loss. My favorite line keeps going through my head:

God damn that DJ made my day

He made so much more than that. The music of RUN DMC was a large part of my youth. They set the standard for all of the music I have listened to since then. When I listen to the old songs, I feel like I'm visting some old friends. Now, one of those friends is gone. We'll all miss you man.

His name's Jam-Master, call him Jay
The crowd goes wild when he starts to play
Everything is correct, and A-OK
Jam-Master's on a move, but his sounds will stay

Peace,
Bill S.

O dear god what have they done, I am so sorry and so sad, I loved his work its so hard to believe, rest in peace big fella rest in peace.

Shy Keenan from the UK

I would just like to send my condolences to D and Run and of course all of Jay's family. This is a tragedy, and it always seems like the majority of this stuff happens to the best of people.Unfortunately, God's plans do not always coincide with ours. Jay, thank you for the wonderful music you guys have left us with, and your innovation that i'm sure inspired many other young hip hop dj's like myself. You can document how much Jay excelled by the continuous bragging D and Run did on him in their lyrics. I think there is not nearly enough of that in today's music, but that's just one of the things that stuck out, to me.(another example was FP and Jazzy Jeff) Everybody new Jam Master Jay did his thing. Rest in Peace brother and may God give your family and friends strength and peace.Maybe I'll run into you on the other side.Peace-Jason from North Carolina aka Dj KnowOne

I first heard Sucker MC's in 83 on a album call Electro1, & that's what hip hop was before sucker MC's, it was electro then RUN DMC & JMJ came out & changed all that. the first time I heard it I was hooked & followed them from that day on, then in 86 they dropped peter piper & my adidas, man to this day it's still got to be the best track I've got in my collection. I still wear my shell toes daily, (I have about 6 pairs), Run DMC & JMJ changed my whole life, made me think positive & I still listen all their music today. I don't really know what else to say, just had to say something.

my heart goes out to all JMJ family, DMC, Run & to anyone else that knew him, & to all fans that he inspired now he joins scot la rock, cowboy & many other hip hoppers making music in heaven

peace
Kelvin UK

Couldn't wait to see Jam-Master Jammin
Couldn't wait to see the Master Jam
He's a one man band, in his own right
Jam-Master jams to the broad daylight
No instruments needed, just two record players
A stage, a crowd and two rhyme-sayers

He's the better of the best, best believe he's the baddest.

I am a white, jewish kid from Long Island. Raising Hell was my first intro to rap, and I still know all the words to that album. And, even though I don't celebrate Christmas, I still look forward to seeing Christmas in Hollis on MTV once or twice a year. Thanks to RUN-DMC, I got into all different types of music growing up including rap, hip-hop, jazz and house. RUN-DMC has always been THE icon because of their music and moreso because of the people they were and are. Every success in rap today owes it all to Run, D and Jay. I have been a fan since I was 10 and one of the highlights of my college years was seeing the Kings of Rock, Rap and of Rhyme perform at Maryland in 1997. God bless Jay's family. Thanks for the memories.

First Rap Concert ever was DMC / Beasties together forever, and I have been a huge fan ever since. DMC got the white kids into breakin and Poppin and Jay breakin off the beats weather he knew it or not took a huge bite out of racisism in this country. He was the introduction to Rap for probably 90% of my age group. I hope his family and friends know what an intricate part Jay played in so many lives. God Damn That DJ Made My Day.

Rock On Jay
KA

1985. I was 14 years old. Freshman in high school. My friend Ronny Rodriguez and Ted Smith went with me to our first-ever concert.

It was Run DMC & Jam Master Jay - playing at The Front Row Theatre (which was torn down and is now a Wal-Mart or something) in Mayfield Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. That night was one of the coolest concerts I've ever seen. Being my first-ever concert, I wasn't sure what to expect. But I will tell you this - with the hundreds of shows I've seen since, from Tori Amos to Skinny Puppy to Iggy Pop to The Cocteau Twins, that 1985 Run DMC show remains one of the best.

And if anyone reading this was there - yep, I was the nerdy white-boy in the pleather, red, Michael Jackson "Beat It" jacket... God, I can't believe I wore that...

Rest in peace, Jay. All wild DJs you did tame...
Respectfully,
Eric Muss-Barnes
http://www.wyndfeather.com

I couldn’t believe the news when I heard the great king pioneer of rap music had met with such a tragic fate.. You see, RunDMC is the main artist in the soundtrack of my life.. “God Damn that DJ Made My Day!” I’m from the old school… RunDMC, BDP, Just Ice, Biz Markie, LL.. I believe that was the greatest time of rap music.. when it was about rockin to the beat.. not shooting people up. I don’t understand why people today idolize some of these rappers who are just thugs with a mic… When RunDMC broke the charts back in the early 80’s it was essential be down with the Kings, no matter who you were.. Black, White.. whatever it didn’t matter, they broke the boundaries between race. As tears run down my face, I am breaking out all the RunDMC jams, to pay tribute to and mourn a man who brought so much joy to my soul. His legacy was one of beauty, beats, love & hope. Much sympathy goes out to his family, wife & kids, Joesph & Darryl & all the fans brought together under Run’s House. God Bless your Soul Jam Master..

Thanks for all the Joy you brought to so many people’s lives.. You will never be forgotten..
Just a white girl in Brooklyn…
Terri Katz

Jam Master Jay was the first of a list of a few New York DJ’s that I started listening to when I was young little dude. The beats that he came up with were mind boggling.

I was overjoyed when I saw that Aerosmith and Run-DMC were doing ‘Walk This Way’. The whole world got to see just how mind boggling and amazing Run-DMC are.

The last time I saw Run-DMC was at the infamous Christmas Show in Seattle where Run-DMC were a surprise Guest (KNDD was the Radio Station.). They played for 10 Minutes before the promoters pulled the plug pissing off not only the Band but the crowd as well. (Chants of Bullsh*t!!, Bullsh*t, Bullsh*t!!, Bullsh*t!! Were heard from the crowd long after they left the stage). However, those 10 minutes were the most amazing I’ve ever seen. Run-DMC is one of the few Rap/Hip Hop artists that are awesome not only on wax but in concert as well. Jay’s contribution can never be replaced.

Rest in peace Jay! Christmas in Hollis will never be the same.
Peace,
Aaron - Seattle, WA

I just wanted to express my feelings about JMJ. I had just seen them at the Tweeter Center this summer with Aerosmith. They played about 40 minutes and it was truely the best. I had said to a friend, before I go I want to see Run DMC. I never expected Jay to go this
soon. I am glad I got to see his greatness. Run DMC was such a part of my life through grammer and high school and through my adult life. Jay, i love ya bro and I will miss you. Peace and love to his Run, DMC, his friends and mostly his family. My prayers are with you all
Barely able to speak these words. Rest in Peace Jay.
Paul

We'll see Jay again, my friends.

Roxanne Murphy

It's senseless. Absolute. Why did he have to die? Who will gain from this? I'm tempted to abandon hip-hop all together, but that would be akin to allowing theives to run me from my own home.

Peace.
Richard Thompson

Jam MasterJay was a truly gifted person. I grew up listening to RUN -D-MC and was in awe of the talent that Jay had. Seeing them live at MSG is a memory I will have etched in my mind forever. He was Magic on the Turntables. Jay was truly a groundbreaker in the rap world. To see his life end due to senseless violence is tragic. God Bless, his family and the remaining members of Run D Mc. The entire music world lost a legend Oct 30th. R.I.P. Jay

Patricia
Queens, NY

WZUP, I NEVER ACTUALLY KNEW ANYBODY THAT WAS SOMEBODY IN THE HIP HOP ERA, BUT IT HURTS TO SEE OUR PEOPLE DYING OFF BY THE SECOND. IT SEEMS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY TUPAC GOT AROUND AND BIGGIE GAVE ONE MORE CHANCE AND RUN DMC BROUGHT THE LYRICS, BUT HOW CAN ANY OF THESE PEOPLE BE TRULY UNFORGOTTEN?IN THE BEGINNING GOD MADE A PLAN AND HE DID IT WITHOUT CONSULTING THE PEOPLE THAT IT WOULD AFFECT MOST, US. BUT HE DID GIVE US A HEADS UP, HE TOLD US TO LIVE RIGHT AND BELIEVE IN HIM AND THE PROMISED LAND IS OURS. NOT AN UNACHIEVABLE GOAL, AND WHAT WE NEED TO START RELAYING TO THE VIEWERS AND LISTENERS IS THAT NO MATTER HOW MUCH NEGATIVITY IN THE WORLD WE SEE, WE NEED TO NOT FOCUS ON IT BUT LEARN FROM IT AND LIVE ON. JAM MASTER JAY WAS CHILLING AND BEFORE WE KNEW IT HE HAD NOTHING ELSE TO SAY, HE WAS GONE. HIS LIFE ENDED IN A EXCLAMATION MARK. MOST PEOPLES LIVES END IN A PERIOD OR A QUESTION MARK, AND THEY LEAVE US WITH QUESTIONS OR HARSH STATEMENTS. BUT HE LIVED AND WE SHOULDN'T FOR ONE SECOND MORE PONDER ON THE FACT THAT HE'S NOT HERE ANYMORE. LETS LOOK AT THE DASH IN BETWEEN WHEN HE WAS BORN AND WHEN HE DIED, THAT SHOULD BE OUR LIFE'S LESSON, HIS LIFE. LIVE ON BROTHER, LIVE ON JAY.

How sad. It's really, really, really unbelievable.

For me, Jay's passing is particularly resonant because of what it symbolizes. In some ways, it is also the death of that youthful idealism that so many of us once had, much of it from the music, and in particular from Run-DMC. Run-DMC really was our Beatles.

Jay-thanks for the music and the inspiration.

DJ Stretch Armstrong

Dear Jason Mizell,

I'm speechless... Wednesday night I felt how the earth quaked around the world. After that it started to rain and I knew there was happened a tragedy. When I opened the newspaper I realised what happened. A few million people didn't just lost a great musician, no they lost a special person, a friend they listened to so many times. You was there with your music when we laughed and when we cried. With your honesty and love you showed us what a real man has to be. With your infinite talent you inspired a whole generation to go on the streets and make music from their hearts.
Jason, I just want to let you know that the whole world mourns and that we'll keep you in our hearts until the end of time…
Love to your family and your friends.

Matthew, Germany

Here a dutch boy who is really angry Why him? When I was young i grew up with their music. They were like a teacher for me. The music touched me so that i bought it listen to it every day. And now the MASTER is gone but not in my heart . I want to give respect to his family and friends THe JAM is never out of this world .PEACE
RODRIGO

I first heard Run DMC when I moved to NYC in late 82. Being a white kid from the CT suburbs, I had never heard anything like them before. They were the soundtrack of my first days on my own. The excitement of their music will always be intertwined with those days when I was becoming a man. My heart goes out to Jay's family and friends and neighbors. Now I'm a Father and Husband and doing the best I can. Though my turntable is gathering dust, I still have my 12" of King of Rock and It's Like That. I'll never part with them. Thanks for tattoing your beats on my soul.

Andrew Mills
Los Angeles

I just don’t under stand why this has happened. Why take a life, especially this man’s life. I grew up with the music of Run DMC. My little brothers knew the lyrics back and forth to the song “It’s Tricky.” They were no more than 3 and 4 years old at the time and they used to entertain the whole family by playing the RUN DMC album with the volume on low and they would do the entire rhyme from start to finish with such passion and gusto that everyone would catch the fever and we would turn up the music and dance and sing like there was no tomorrow. My mother would even join in.

People that give such gifts to the world do not deserve to have their life taken away in such a brutal and barbaric fashion. What could Jay have possibly done that would warrant this? I thank you Jay and I thank RUN DMC for bringing joy to the life of millions of people. You inspired people to find happiness in the simple things in life, the truly beautiful things in life like rockin a rhyme or my Adidas.

We love you.
Rebecca

Jam Master Jay touched the hearts and minds of millions. As a child of a couple of hippie parents, I grew up thinking I missed out on something big in the sixties and seventies. I was seven when RUN DMC¹s first single came out, and I remember thinking, wow this is it! These guys are great they are the big thing for me and my generation. I bought their records and tapes with change from my piggy bank and hung out in my neighborhood breakdancing and blasting RUN DMC on the ghetto blaster that I got from Santa Clause. Amidst all the mainstream crap and cheese of the 80s, RUN DMC brought something real to the table. RUN DMC paved so many roads and opened so many doors, their legacy will be alive forever. I hope you still have that great smile up there in heaven, there is so much love for you down here. Rest in peace.

Lian- Boston

To all Hip Hop fans of a group that didn't need no band...

I grew up in Da' Bronx listening to Funk, Rock, Reggae, Latin, Jazz. I went to the block parties where Hip-Hop was born, though I'll be honest enough to say that I never dug the knuckleheaded behavior of some of the people. I remember walking on Orchard Beach during the summer of '83 hearing "It's Like That" and "Sucker MC's" constantly-B-Doom-Bap-Bap-B-Doom-Bap, and Jay's scratching, thinking to myself that Queens was now officially "in the House". Three years later came Raising Hell and then the whole world became "Run's House". The thing that was most amazing about their sound was Jam Master Jay's music. People talk about how "Walk This Way" was this big unification of Rock and Rap, but for me, the first time I heard "Rock Box" with that RIPPING guitar sound, the cowbells, and Jay's heinous beat, I lost my mind. Then came the Black and White video that MTV actually played
(the first video by a black artists after Beat It, if I recall correctly) and the whole country now knew about this thing called rap.

What I really want to share is this: WE, as a community and as a society, need to deal with the ACCEPTANCE of guns and violence as a normal part of life. ENOUGH!!!! I suggest everyone read this column written by Bob Herbert of the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/31/opinion/31HERB.html because it says much about our overall tolerance for violence. I also say this everyone-IGNORANCE IS THE REAL ENEMY. Educate yourself and arm yourself with knowledge, not guns. A well-trained mind is the greatest asset we can have in this life. Don't let yet another Brother making a positive contribution be gunned down.

EVERYONE MUST HELP THE POLICE SOLVE THIS CASE!!!!! Don't let this go on like Tupac and Biggie where the swine who perpetrated this tragedy get to live out their lives untouched.

Tall Paul from da' Bronx.

Jam Master Jay Tribute.pdf
Silvia Gonzalez

I have had the honor of knowing Run DMC and JMJ for the past 13 years. I have the honor of calling Jay a friend. I am so overwhelmed by grief with this senseless act of violence. Jay loved performing and his fans. He was the one who loved to hang out with fans after shows just to get to know them...just to make THEIR day.

The last talk that I had with Jay was because he wanted to sell my candles. I had given him one as a gift and he thought they were the best in the world! For the funeral, I'm sending his favorite scented candles and all 57 pages of the tribute on this website. I think his friends and family would like to see that even through his death, unity and love prevail. I'm sure it pleases Jay. He was truly a kind person with a huge generous heart. This is why his death is so tragic.

One thing is for sure, Heaven is rockin' with the best DJ this world has to offer. RIP Jay. When I see you again, I want you to be spinning Peter Piper....ah, that was always my jam.

If you are like me and you don't want to see the end of Run DMC, please support them. They need support now more than ever before. Go buy their album(s). Go buy their book. Request your favorite Run DMC song on the radio. Go to their concert! (I hope they continue).

My sincerest condolences to family, friends and fans.
Sandria

When I went on the Run DMC site to post a tribute to Jam Master Jay, I was so overwhelmed with the amount of tributes already posted. I read through them and cried, and remembered the beginning. I am a 45 yr old black woman so I remember when they first came out. My sister who is 30 was a huge fan; she and her friends. I was partying off of them in the clubs, and my sister was partying off of them at house parties. But I didn't realize the impact that Run DMC was having on the then young generation. I didn't realize that until I read the tributes to him. Wow! Tributes from every corner of the world, from all colors, sexes and age groups. They all wrote about their feelings, their first introduction to Run DMC, and the impact that the group had on their lives. But what struck me was these people who didn't know one another, came from totally different backgrounds, and cultures all agreed on one thing...Unity. Run DMC was about Unity. It taught that young generation to unite as people. It taught that generation that their differences meant nothing, it taught them to embrace their differences to learn from their differences, and to just feel the music and
party!!! God Bless Jam Master Jay, God Bless Run DMC, and God Bless us all. Feel The Music...and just Party!

Tamara Yeldell

My deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans who are now suffering so deeply from this gross injustice. I'm well into my 40's, grew up on folk, pop, and rock. My crossover moment was when I heard Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five perform The Message. The message got through, and I started seeking more of this controversial new form of _expression. There were other inspirations, Stetsasonics, Newcleus... THEN I picked up RUN-DMC. So Jay, I can't say you introduced me to Rap, but when I heard You Talk Too Much, You Be Illin', King of Rock... well life HAD changed. You impacted my life, and the lives of those I've touched. Thanks, man.

I just spent almost two hours reading every posting in this blog. When I heard about the murder Wednesday, I was shocked and saddened. I brought a DMC CD to work Thursday, but never had the chance to play it. That will change today. When I read the tributes here, I was brought to tears (repeatedly). The immensity of this tragedy has finally struck home.

I rock Adidas and only Adidas, and so do many others, but I see that around the world there will be many more of us, as fans who long ago retired their shelltoes are dusting them off in honor of JMJ.

Indeed RUN DMC are "The Beatles of Hip-Hop," and indeed this act of senseless brutality is entirely like the murder of John Lennon. As is evident from these tributes, RUN DMC, unlike any other rappers, helped open the ears of people all around the world, country hicks and city slicks, to rap. They inspired many to stop thinking "Black-White" and to start thinking "People." They led rap from being an obscure art heard only on college and public radio, published only by small local independent labels. Now, most cities offer at least one or two commercial stations focusing entirely on this genre, and rap artists headline the Grammy Awards. They opened the door for rap to evolve from a purely vocal form, with scratching, sampling, and HBB providing the background for the lyrics, to a musical hybrid of rock and rap, leading us to an age where rock bands rap and rap bands include instrumental backup. I've been playing "Crown Royal" all morning, enjoying their unique ability to blend styles with artists from Fat Joe and Kid Rock to Everlast and Third Eye Blind. RUN DMC had so much inspired talent, and Jay was their conductor... THIS IS A TRAGEDY!!! The times they are a-changin', and Jay, Run and Dee made it happen. RUN DMC is a legend, and it's particularly sad that it takes this tragedy for us to be reminded of this fact.

Like the attack on the World Trade Center, this act fills me with rage. To the mindless, ignorant, slimebag who perpetrated this murder, I say we may not have found Osama, but we WILL find you!!! You, scum, be ILLIN'!!! Better start watching your back.

To the family, friends, and fans, tens or hundreds of thousands are with you. To Jay, as Martin said earlier, (jmj, da wo du nun bist, findest du vielleicht deinen frieden. ich wünsch es dir), Jam Master Jay, perhaps you'll find your freedom where you are now. I hope so!

Jay, rest in peace - you've earned it. You left the world a better place for your being here.

Bob
Worcester, MA ----- Equal opportunity means everyone will have a fair chance at being incompetent. Laurence J. Peter

I've never been a Rap fan - I'm a white guy from rural West of Ireland thousands of miles from LA or NY. I know damn all about the whole scene though I'd heard about Tupak as my cousin in LA once did security for him and because I'm a news junkie I'd also been familar with the turf and gansta wars that seemed to surround this type of music.

But I was an eighties teenager and, as such I was familar with Walk this Way, probabaly one of the only rap songs I could readily identify and from all I've read it would seem that Master Jay was a truly good egg in the scene and not only would his death seem to be a tragic loss and a waste but also the stamping out of a rare beacon of sense in the whole scene.

My sincere sympathies go out to his family, friends and associates in their grieving at a personal loss.

P Jordan
Mayo, Ireland

I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to those closest to Jason. As Jam Master J I have had the pleasure of working with and knowing the man. I am deeply saddened by his tragic death. He was and always will be The Jam Master.
Love and respect.
Keith Forbes

when I was 8 years old, the first album that I bought with my own money was "Raising Hell" I remember breakdancing to it in my basement on the cement floor everynight and scuffing my knees, but I didn't care, I was loving the groove. Jam Master Jay was always an inspiration for me and I've always looks up to him as one of my heros. I've been dj-ing for six years now, and that might not have been a possibility if pioneers like Jay didn't lay down the paths of turntablism. In 2000, I had the honor of sharing the stage with Run DMC when they were on tour with Mixmaster Mike and Rahzel. We had them at my college for the SpringFest Concert. I was the opening Dj and I am proud to say that I shared the decks with a legend. Jam Master Jay will be missed and I send my regards to his wife, three children, and all those that were touched at some point in time with his greatness and kindness.

Dj Snoyl, Boston

I was the ultimate minority growing up, a white kid raised in a black neighborhood in Huntsville, Alabama. Every memory I have of the old hood has RUN DMC playing in the background. This group never got hung up on race or gangs. They drew no lines. They had no limits. They brought in guitars and Jay cut it up like only he could. They weren'y interested in labels. Music was Music and there blending of all kinds only goes to show that in there eyes, people were just people. I think alot of people type so much about themselves when offering condolences to Jay's loved ones because we feel we are his loved ones too. As RUN DMC had no limits, no prejudice, and no ill will toward anyone they taught those that loved them to grow as they did. They are engrained in me and I feel as everyone else does.
When we lost Jay we lost a part of ourselves. RUN DMC was a part of me even before I knew who I was and I thank them for helping me in who I am today.
Nothin but love JAY.
Casey Brown
Huntsville, Alabama

I was very shocked to hear of the senseless death of Jay. Its always seems to be the good people who are taken from us much too soon. I wanted to say how important Run DMC's music was to me as a teen in the early 80's. The music brought together kids of all different races. They gave us common ground, and that common ground gave us new friendships & a better understanding of each others cultures. I have friends to this day that I can directly attribute to their music. The music always had a good lesson behind it and was guaranteed to have a good beat. When things were tough at home, your music gave us an escape. Jay, you have touched more lives than you will ever know. May God bless & keep your friends and family, and provide solace to them in this very dark time. You have your wings now, but will always be in our hearts.

Tina
Georgia-USA

I never have been a rap fan but back in the eighties when I graduated from high school, RUN-DMC were a group that I listened to and enjoyed. Jam Master Jay will be missed ut never forgotten. May his soul be at peace in heaven. He is an angel now and God did this so he could watch over the rest of the group. My sympathies go out to his family and friends. Rest in Peace Jam Master Jay From an old fan!

Hi, I've found the last day or so the saddest time in my entire life. Run DMC and Jam Master Jay represent everything that is good about hip-hop, it's such a shame that parts of the media always generalise hip-hop stars as thugs. The best night in my life was when Run DMC came to Manchester to play at The Ritz last year, what made it so special was that it was a small venue with just a few-hundred people there. To top it all off I was one of a very selected number of people to get a shirt signed by Jam Master Jay, there's no way that is leaving my possesion.

Alex Farrell
Manchester

Jam Master Jay, thank you for helping to shape who I am. I started playing your records on community FM radio in 1985 in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia the moment I got your first album. I then got myself some decks at home, and started to not only try, but ACHIEVE. Thank you for the gift you have given us, and I'm sorry that we took you for granted, I just kinda thought you'd always be there. But most of all, to your wife and children, to Joe, Darryl, Russell, all the Hollis crew, as a fan our pain is but an iota of the sheer devastation you must feel. Our thoughts and never ending love for you endears.

ROCK IN PEACE, JAM MASTER JAY
BJDJMC
GHETTOBLAST POSSE, CPR (7LTN) 103.7 FM

Master Jay, to us you are the king of hiphop. No words can express how we feel about this loss... You're in our hearts forever...

Love always, your Belgian fans

R.I.P Jam Master Jay

Seit dem ich 11 Jahre alt bin, bin ich ein Fan von RUN D.M.C . Und bis heute hat sich daran nichts geändert. Diese Gruppe hat mich durch viele Phasen meines Lebens hindurch begleitet. Um so schrecklicher war es für mich als ich die Nachrichten am Donnerstag hörte, ich dachte das kann doch nur ein schlechter Scherz sein. Mein Herz fing heftig an zu schlagen und ich dachte warum gerade er ?

Leider hatte ich nur 2 mal die Gelegenheit RUN D.M.C live on stage zu sehen. (1991/Batschkapp/Frankfurt + 1998/Stadthalle/Offenbach) Bis heute denke ich gerne daran zurück. Außerdem bin ich sehr froh 1998 auch Autogramme ergattert zu haben. (Its like that T-Shirt)

Ich hoffe nur das RUN D.M.C Jay zuliebe zusammenbleiben, und die Mission weiterführen. Außerdem müssen die Täter nach amerikanischem Recht verurteilt werden!

Desweiteren sende ich mein herzliches Beileid zu Jay`s Familie und Freunden. Und natürlich denke ich an alle RUN D.M.C Fans arround the World. Könnte noch stundenlang weiterschreiben aber das wesentliche ist gesagt.

Andreas
Wiesbaden/Germany

Jam Master Jays death is a huge and unjustified loss, not only to Hip Hop but also to the world.

He was a man who lived for the good of everybody.

If only God or Buddha had seen what was happening could they not have stopped that person from pulling the trigger and made them realise that if anyone could have helped them it would have been Jason Mizel.

Your music lives on, your legacy will live on in everyone you touched.
Mark Holman / Southampton UK / Fan Since Brighton and Brixton in 1986

As a white kid living in Manchester, England in the early eighties there were not too many ways of learning about different cultures around the world. The internet was still a flicker in some computer geek's eye, and even if there was cable back then it would probably be as useless as it is now. But hip-hop, and especially the music of Run DMC,Sugar Hill, PE and BDP was an major influence on me. It showed me worlds that I could never imagine, and thoughts I would never initialise myself. I remember after listening to Proud to be Black sitting down with the Encyclopaedia Brittannica and finding out as much about the people who were mentioned. And the influence did not just come from words but the music itself. The precise, harsh chop cutting style and stylish beats would live not just in my head but in my heart too. And it will still live there. Jay may have died physically, but emotionally he will still lived on. He will live long after the grooves have worn down on the twelve inches used to cut "bad meaning good". He will live long after the CD skips on Its Like That. He will live long after the MP3 crashes while playing Rock Show. May we all live to be that great, and may his greatness live on. It is the true mark of a man that for the vast majority of people out there who knew of him, the first thing they think of is love.

I was walkin' down the street on the evening of the 30th, headphones on, listening to 'Beats To The Rhyme'... Right around 'And you can't touch Jam Master Jay 'cuz he's number one...', well my batteries died. I pulled off the headphones, looked at my phone, and saw I had a message. Checked the message, and it was a loved one informing me of Jay's death...

First tape I ever bought was 'Raising Hell'; I still listen to it today. Jay's gonna be missed...

His turntables might wobble but they don't fall down,
Brenddan Jones, Vancouver, Canada

WAT IS ER NU GODVER.... WEER GEBEURT!!EEN VAN S'WERELDS BESTE ARTIESTEN IS VERMOORD!!!HOE KAN DEZE SHIT TOCH ELKE KEER WEER GEBEUREN,HIER IN NEDERLAND[GANJALAND]ZIJN WE ALLEMAAL ERG GESCHOKT EN VERBAASD. JAY WE LOVE YOU AND WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU YOU'RE IN OUR HEARTS[AND CD PLAYER-FOREVER]

One of the greatest dj's is killed!The day the earth cried! Everybody is talking about it,JAY was a great musician,I'm gonna miss him and his music for sure.....Everybody here in my town in Holland is down[not from the weed]and everybody is talking about it-They already miss the MASTER YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERD RIP JAM MASTER JAY

Nov. 1, 2002 - The Shelter - New York - approx. 2:30 a.m.

At a Halloween party given by Louie Vega, a Run-DMC medley was played as break dancers brought back the early 80s ("when did you first fall in love with Hip-Hop").

After about 10 minutes, Vega announced: "I know everybody in this room knows who Jam Master Jay was." Then he asked for a moment of silence for the fallen star.

A room crowded with about 500 people instantly fell quiet as the lights dimmed. Not one single sound could be heard. All present reached into the cosmos with their minds to feel Hip-Hop's greatest D.J. There was not one soul who was not touched at that party at that moment.

That's the kind of respect Jay commanded.

Rest in Peace, Jay.
"If the G-O-D be in me, then a king I be..."
Joskilove
11-1-02

words can not pronounce our feelings in this moment. i´m 20 years old boy so i get knew run-dmc as they was a legend yet. and now i have to see that the man, he was my idol, lost his life by a murder. sorry i can not say more now, teardrops in my eyes. i light a candle for u tonite Jam Master.

DJ Taip from Magdeburg / Germany

Just wanted to register my disbelief, shock and utter sadness at the death of JMJ. Your fans in England are thinking of you all at this time guys and send you the most love from the bottom of our hearts. This extends to everyone involved with the band and especially those related to Jay.

Why does this bullsh*t happen to the best of them.

Rest in peace Jay. Gone but NEVER forgotten. You produced the soundtrack to my life.

Rich, London, England

Deepest condolence to JAM MASTER JAY from Japan. We CLUB CITTA', a gig in Kawasaki, had the opportunity for RUN DMC to perform here at our gig 2 times in the past. RUN-DMC as we all know is a pioneer not only in the history of Hip Hop, but in the history of music. These 3 kings stand strong in the hearts of Japanese b-boys & b-girls as true heroes, and many Japanese DJs turn their tables wishing they could cut and mix like Jam Master Jay. We here in Japan pray for JMJ's soul and for his family, friends, Run and
DMC. JMJ will always be remembered by the hip hop community in our country. In our everyday life we have got to try and try and try real hard and one day, all violence may disappear.

CLUB CITTA'
Kawasaki, Japan

Mein aufrichtiges Beileid und Mitgefühl gilt allen Angehörigen, Verwandten und Freunden vom Jam Master. Ganz besonders auch Run und D.M.C.

Es kommt mir wie gestern vor, dass ich zum ersten Mal Run D.M.C. gehört habe; aber es ist doch schon eine Weile her: es sind gut und gerne 13 Jahre. Mein erstes Album war Tougher than Leather und bis heute vergingen viele Jahre mit vielen Alben aber das beste wird immer Tougher than Leather bleiben.

Auf einem Live-Act in Bremen im Modernes habe ich sie dann gesehen; es war der Hammer – die Vorgruppe (Fanta 4) kannte damals kaum einer – alle warteten auf Run D.M.C. und wurde nicht enttäuscht!

Heute habe ich vom aktuellen Hip Hop keine Ahnung mehr (ich werde ja auch nicht jünger) aber Run D.M.C. höre ich immer noch gerne – ich bin schließlich damit groß geworden.

Und immer wenn ich in Zukunft meine alten Platten von dir höre, denk ich an dich…

So JMJ you have to walk this way. Rest in peace!
André
Garlstedt (O-Beck City)
Germany

I'm not black. I'm half Chinese and half Caucasian, but that didn't matter. Back in junior high school we all listened to RUN-DMC and the Beastie Boys. It brought people together. It helped to erase racial barriers and it established a common ground where people from different backgrounds could relate. The music was so different and so new. It was an exciting time.

When I read about JMJ’s death in the NY Times I couldn’t believe it. How? How could JMJ have gotten shot? Who and why would someone do such a thing? What is wrong with our society? Why is it that everything that is good has to be killed or destroyed? Why did this man, this father, this brother, this son, this human being have to be killed. The world was robbed by some coward who will never fully understand what he has done. May God have mercy on his soul.

Rest in Peace Jam Master. You will be missed.
Anthony
California

I'm still deeply shocked about the news i heard yesterday, my deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and supporters. More than the half of my life i was attending these three guys from hollis, their music and their career, Run DMC will always be something special to me. In the mid eighties when the whole Hip Hop Thing came up here in Switzerland Run DMC set the rules for the whole scene, when i look back i have to say they were a class of their own and there was nobody who did not paid respect to them. Among others JMJ was one who inspired me to start djing more than 12 years ago and Run DMC Records were the first i played back in the late eighties. I will always his remember his appearance at their concerts and will keep him in my mind as a creator who was never out for trouble, one who opened doors for many...

may your Soul rest in Peace... ONE LOVE!
DEEJAYERIK from Switzerland

Why the good die young?can anybody tell me?i can remember the first time i saw a music video in tv i saw walk this way and today i´m proud of Jam Master Jay for making music for helping me surviving everyday through all these crowds of snakes and fakes.He was special DJ, he knew how to rock the crowd.... Rest In Peace Jam Master Jay and all my love is for his wife and the 3 kids he left and of course for Run DMC.
Marcello from Germany

We just wanted to say that me and my brother grew up with the music of Run DMC and like somebody else already said: RUN DMC was the soundtrack of our youth. It was so sad to hear this.

Ben and Otto van den Toorn, The Netherlands

ich war gestern in einer bar mit einem freund. wir tranken beide ein bier. beide sind wir rapfans, der ersten stunde. old-school-typen eben. wir sind mit run dmc aufgewachsen, hören die tracks heute noch und finden sie immer noch saumässig. plötzlich kam einer rein und verkündete den tod von jam master jay. wir konnten es nicht fassen. ich glaubte es erst, als es heute in der zeitung stand. ich bin schockiert. ich frage mich: "verdammt, was soll das eigentlich?"

ich wünsche den angehörigen von jam master jay kraft.

urs, zurich, switzerland

what can I say, these guys soundtracked my youth.....Jam Master Jay RIP

JP
LONDON

This is the day the music died. I hope they find the people who did this and bring them to justice. All I can say is that I have been very fortunate to have grown up listening to Run DMC. My dad tries to explain to me what it was like when Elvis and Buddy Holly were alive but I never fully get it. Years from now I am going to tell my kids about this great trio from Hollis and let them know what great rap and great music is all about.

Jam Master Jay- rest in peace brother, we'll miss you. Heaven is a better place with you there.

LTC
Chicago

Only to rap with the stars, rest in peace we'll see you behind the stars..........
The one and only Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell 1965-2002)

Jelmer stolp'' The Netherlands''

A man of conviction has been taken from this earth. Was a fan in my younger years, but has always admired the actions of JMJ and the other guys of R'DMC. Its a bloody shame that the good guys seldom win. If anyone knows something about the bastard who did this; inform the law. Dont let him get away with taken a legend from us. Let JMJ's legacy be of hope peace and love for all.

RIP JMJ, will think about you.

J A Y are the letters of his name. I can still remember the first RUN-DMC release and what a rush it was to listen to. It was a time when hip hop was more innocent and socially counscious. Now you have to dig deep into the indie hip-hop bands to find meaning beyond all the fluff.

As the collected comments on this site show - one of the more powerful effects the music of Jay and his cohorts had was to unite people of all races and creeds. You could see it at their shows, in the record shops, and now here. Let us continue to pay tribute to this wonderful man as we try to reach out to others that may seem different than ourselves. In the end - we are all one people.

This music helped me solidify this thinking as a teenager and has never left me since - thanks for the beats, cuts, and scratches beloved Jam Master. I'm sure they have dope turntables, wherever you may be...

it was a dream [wake up]
just a dream [wake up], [get up]

Everyone was treated on an equal basis
no matter what color, religion or races
we weren't afraid to show our faces
it was cool to chill in foreign places

-Sean G. SF/DC

I remember meeting Jay back near the end of August this year during the tour with Aerosmith and Kid Rock at the Nissan Pavilion. My husband and I have a friend who grew up with and was best friends with Jay. Our friend moved away from home a long time ago and unfortunately lost touch with Jay and the band…but he was so happy to find out they were going to be in the area, and was able to let Jay know we were at the concert. It made me feel so good to see two long-lost friends re-united…I could have gone home after seeing that reunion and been wonderfully happy.

I was lucky enough to be able to visit and meet them and, family, and friends on their tour bus. I remember showing pictures from my digi-cam of my then six-month-old daughter to his wife, Terri…meeting their kids…and having meaningful conversations with my husband, our friend, Run, and Kid Rock. They were all so down to earth and so pleasant to be around that I really felt like I was just talking to friends. We were even so fortunate to see a legendary performance of "Walk this Way" from backstage with Jay, Run-DMC,
Kid Rock, and Aerosmith…the energy of it all was phenomenal. Having such a personal experience with all of them was wonderful...so much more that I could have ever asked for…it also helped me understand how famous people really are just normal people …having the same experiences and emotions as everyone else. I wouldn’t have and didn’t ask for anything from them…but it was nice to be able to take a couple of pictures to remember it all.

I will never understand how someone could be as senseless and selfish as to take such an incredible and caring person as Jay out of this world. The world is at a loss without him. I can’t believe Jay is gone, but at the same time I feel so grateful and blessed to have met him.. To Run, DMC, and all of Jay’s family and friends, I wish that there was something more that I could do to help with your unfortunate loss. Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences and prayers…know that you’re not alone. Take the time to remember Jay for who he was in life. He is in a much better place than any of us could possibly imagine…

My Deepest Sympathies,
Gabrielle Masten & Family
Springfield, VA

I wish to send my prayers and condolences to Jason Mizell's family and the remaining members of RUN DMC. The world has lost a talented musician, rapper, and social comentator. His talent shall never shine again.

Jeffrey Williams
The Big Blue Pigeon

Jay,

I was a white kid who didn't fit in with my neighborhood. After listening to your skills on the tables, I pieced together my own gear from what I could get my hands on. An old Technics from a guy in the paper, a Panasonic from a friend, and an old Radio Shack mixer without a crossfader. I made it work though and soon got good on the tables by emulating what I heard you do. This gave me an "in" with some of the folks that I otherwise might not have been able to find a common thread. My scratching even made me a few bucks here and there. Jay, we felt the same about the way that rap music took a turn. I also felt that the violent side was not what hip-hop should be. Hip-hop was about making bad times good, and putting a smile on one's face. Jay you and the crew did this for me in ways that I could never repay. You did not deserve what happened to you. You are in a better place now--watch over us all. RIP.

Freddie, "Fresh 45", retired

I'm as white-bread as they come. I'm a 40 year old computer technician in Nashville TN. I grew up on Run DMC and their awesome jams. I spent the day today at work making my own tribute CD to Jam Master. Today was a cold dreary Halloween day in Nashville. I put the top down [in the cold] on the way home and blasted my fav rap group (Run DMC) sounds. Three people leaned out their windows to high five me. One woman was crying. Damn what a loss to the music world! It really sucks. My best memory is the MTV Video Music awards when they jammed with Kid Rock and Aerosmith. Run DMC gave hip hop a respectability never before heard of. I read today where someone called Run DMC the Beatles of hip hop. I totally agree, and I am just as sad today as I was the day John Lennon was shot and killed in front of the Dakota. Godspeed Jam Master! May your turntables in heaven never skip a beat!

Clint Yokley
Nashville TN, USA

My prayers go out to the family of the late -great Jam Master Jay:
Back in 1983-84,I was a 16year old,and all over people with big radios were blasting Run-Dmc.I, like everyone else was used to Rap-Pioneers like;The Sugar-Hill Gang, Africa-Bambata and Zulu-Nation, Grand Master Flash and theFurious-5,(Flash and Melle-Mel oooo-weee! ) The Cold-Crush Brothers(now that's fresh),wait...remember when Sparkie-Dee was out,most of the time rappin' over used, disco break-downs.Then when Jay, and `nem came out, it was just the right time,the music changed,,with thick original beats,and I could'nt stop playin'"Jam Master Jay" from there first album,rewinding it back to the begining,each time it ended.
I expected them to fade away,(like so many other one-hit/one-album Rappers,but during the 80's,they were all over,magazines,posters,etc.,I remember when they appeared on a Hip-Hop show,(that only came on once)called,"Graffitti Rock"...STOP LYIN' YOU DON'T REMEMBER IT !!!,(I think the network was afraid,it could have blown-up) Run-Dmc was battling Legends... Kool Moe-Dee,and L.A.-Sunshine,(that was so dope! )they could've chosen any other Rappers,but Run-Dmc just high-lighted the show,with that battle...Yo Man!...damn...I'm sayin'...WHY????? I just can't explain how much this bothers me,that JMJ is gone,and how he inspired so many others,how the routines that he,and Run-Dmc did at shows was on point!...I remember watching and interview with Legend Chuck-(The incredible) D,he talked about how JMJ never made mistakes at shows,and that was an inspiration to his group "Public Enemy".This will be a sad day for the Hip-Hop World,please stop the hate and violence, JMJ has done so,let's do all we can to bring back the peace and fun memories associated with OUR music!!!
A true lover of Hip-Hop
Ali-Bop Newark,N.J.

Having just reviewed the movie "Brown Sugar" I was taken back to my teenage years in Southern Cali during the 80's. I dusted off my vinyl's and began to play "Peter Piper", "It's Tricky", "MY Adidas" ... you get the picture. A smile lit up my face remembering all the fun I had with my friends while choreographing dance routines. I then realized how much RunMC and JMJ were a part of my life. Last night that smile was turned to tears. I now know how John Lennon fans felt and my childhood memories are forever changed - it's almost a if now I have to remove those years from my past because they are now too painful to recount. My heart goes out to both his family and his "family".

The Diva
thediva@3blackchicks.com

Don't stop, but pause.

JMJ and Run DMC will live forever in my mind. The first tape I ever bought was "Tougher Than Leather". The group was such a positive force in influencing who and where I am today, and my perception of rap, music, poetry, and human nature.

This senseless act was against everything Run DMC stood for.
My sincere condolences to Jason Mizell's wife and children.
Rest in Peace Jam Master Jay

This is soooo direspectful to me that it hurts me to my heart. Run, D.M.C and Jam Master J were the main reasons why I went to the fresh fest concerts back in the 80's. I grew up on the guys. I really don't know what to say. I just don't understand why. This one has really left a bad taste in my mouth about hiphop. I am praying for his family, friends and all of us fans who have to deal with this. There is just so much violence in this world that it is unbelievable and I am so tired of it.

what can i say? i'm saddened and depressed. ever since i heard Run DMC for the first time they were my idols, especially Jam Master Jay. they made hip hop what it is today, and all the real heads know what a great loss the music world has experienced. my deepest sympathies go out to the families, friends, and fans effected by this this tradgedy. the viloence must stop!
- mrc

I don't think I can say anything that hasn't already been said by so many fans already but without a doubt this is an enormous loss for the hip-hop industry. It's incrediable how someone you never met could touch your heart so much in life and in death. My husband and I grew up together breakdancing off of Run DMC and now at 32, married to my breakdancing partner and two kids later our children also had the opportunity to appreciate their music as well(they definately know Run DMC). JMJ they don't make 'em like you no more.

To Mrs. Mizell and children I say to you be strong and know that Jay will always be with you. To Run & DMC, your brother will help you bring peace and comfort to you as well as society. Keep doing your thang and staying positive and believe me Jay is scratching up a plan right now for you to follow out right now, BELIEVE THAT!

The Rainey Family, Chicago

I was shocked when I saw the news last night. One of the most revolutinairy groups in Hiphop's Past, Present & Future has been shot. Sadly violence is still around. From the other side of theocean thoughts go out out to family, friends & fans.

MRT from tha Lowerlands (Netherlands)

I can remember 18 years ago listening to "RUN D.M.C. and JAM MASTER JJJJJJJ". Watching him do his tricks are for kids routine and juggling wax like I tie my shoes! (FLAWLESS) Definately his influence and presence will be missed. Thanks for all you have given. Keep it on the ONE'S AND TWOS'!

doughboy S.L.C

To Jam Master Jay and Run DMC, the first rap group to extend the hand of friendship to the rock world. You all opened my eyes and mind to a whole new form of music that I'd never listened to before and for that I thank you. Seeing you with Aerosmith in Toronto not 2 months ago to the day took me back to my youth and you stole the show. Godspeed Jam Master. This week music lost one of it's true giants. All I want to know is why?

S.
Toronto Canada

Peace & Blessings from the Illadelph,
We will always remember 'JAYSON MIZELL'...
son,
brother,
husband,
father,
friend,
- Know that your name will be forever on our lips... Your spirit forever present in our hearts... We will remember the 'gift' of you,
You who have touched so many lives...May you rest
With condolences to Mrs. Mizell & your children... Stay strong.
~Nichelle Phila., PA

We lost a creator, father, husband, friend and true Hip Hop legend. It is truly a sad day. Jay, you may be gone but the beats you left behind will ensure you are never forgotten. Rest in peace J.

Chad j.

Im a 32 year old father of three, and i have to admit that i always heard about hip hop music, but RUN-DMC and (rip) Jay put me on. Its one more life lesson that we all have to live with, but it hurts..... GOD BLESS JAM MASTER JAY and keep him and all his people safe. OneLuv. Ruckuz, Hartford,Ct

JMJ's death put both my brother and I at a loss of words…. It's times like these where hip-hop artists need to strap on sense, and ask themselves what THEY are doing to help the community. JMJ was far from anything negative, he put light into peoples lives and entertained millions. Next time you go into the studio and put down ur lyrics, think about what YOU are saying to the world -- you lifting people up, or putting em down? THINK about that…. We'll always be "Down With with the King, JMJ"

HARDNOX [Dan and Jim]

Run-DMC have opened my eyes to rap music when they first came about. The main thing that got me going was the beats from the Master himself - Jam Master Jay. I cannot believe that such a thing happened to one of the pioneers of hip-hop. This sort of thing should not have happened at all. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are out to his family and to Run & DMC.

Earl Thomas, Jr.
R.I.P. Jam Master Jay!

We will all miss the King, Jam Master Jay.

PLEASE STOP THE VIOLENCE......

i just want to share my thoughts and prayers with the rest of the hip hop community. I wish them the best of luck to Jay's family and the rest of RUN DMC.
also, id like to thak RUN DMC for all the good memories and classic material. You guys are truely talented and gifted. hopefully you will use this in a positive way, and not let this misfortune keep you from blessing the world in the future.
I am only 17 years old. i know im kind of a youngin, but just to let you guys know, u turned me onto DJing. U cant be a dj without loving RUN. Theres no possible way. Once again, thanks guys. The world loves you.
~Zach "DJ Tay K. Hit" Walter

I’ll miss you greatly......

In 1985 I saw Run-DMC, The beastie boys and LL Cool J in Philadelphia at the Spectrum. As a, then, young black male being raised in a white suburb of Wilkes-Barre, PA I had few positive black example, other then my father, to emulate. J, Run and DMC showed me it was ok to be who I am, even if the black (or white) community didn't accept me, when they collaborated with Aerosmith on "walk this way". With out J, LL never would have been able to "Rock the Bells" and I like so many others never would have stayed on the road that is right. Through their example I learned you can make it if you do what is right instead of what is easy. My sadness at this lose... Damn that DJ made my day! Run DMC didn't care what color you were, just if you could rock the beats. They are truly Gods soldiers. The TRUE 3 musketeers, now that J has fallen the rest must carry on. My son and millions more still need you. God love and bless you J as you have bless me...

Mark Chester
Dallas, Pa

A sad day!!! I grew up in Portland, Oregon...a million miles from Hollis, Queens....but thanks to my Best friend Steve Walton (now a San Diego Sheriff Deputy) I began my lesson in Hip-Hop Culture by listening to the incredible album, "Raising Hell". Throughout the 17 years that have passed by since hearing that album, many Hip-hop artists have made their impression on me. However...for my friends and I, we always made it back to Run DMC! A thank You goes out to The Jam Master who always made me rock the White with Black Stripe(no laces needed), and always made me remember that you didn't have to be a thug to truly be "hard"! Thanks Jay! RIP !!! Mal Williams, Portland, OR

As I sit here thinking about what I want to say I am truly speechless. My heart, my Prayers and condolences goes out the RUN DMC, Mizell Family and other friends, Family Members and Fans. The more I think about this senseless crime the more my head hurts. RUN DMC & JMJ was not about violence but about uplifting and uniting, so there is nothing to me that could justify this crime on JMJ life or to the HIP-HOP community. For almost 2 decades RUN DMC and JMJ has made my day. Being a Native New York I had the opportunity to recited "Sucker MC" since 1983 and was shocked when radio station outside of NYC did not know RUN DMC & JMJ. I was going through a RUN DMC withdrawal, I really wanted to go back home. To this very day I still have VHS with RUN DMC videos I taped from 80's. Then in 1987, DEF JAM was my first concert at Philadelphia Spectrum. And boy what I did to see this concert: I was there the first morning of the ticket sales. I cut short my visit to see my grandparents and after misplacing my tickets, I brought another set of tickets for me and friend to attend the concert. It brought tears to my eyes just to thought of losing my tickets. I did not want to miss out on this opportunity in my lifetime. Then the news of yesterday brings tears to my heart. To tell you just how much JMJ was on my mind, just hours before his demise I was telling a friend about Jam Master Jay and the school he co-founded, Scratch DJ Academy and how his sister should go check it out. It might be an experience of her lifetime. But now, the Hip-Hop community has lost an ICON, a Teacher, and caring Gentleman who along with RUN DMC promoted peace, education, love, and unity. "To us there is No Reason for this Senseless Crime but Remember GOD knows it all. And for those who committed such a senseless crime, Remember it will all come back to you in due time."

LTD......May God, bless the DJ that made my Day

To a white boy growing up in the sticks, RUN DMC opened a whole new world. The likes of Grandmaster to Egyptian Lover had been tickling curiosity and dance moves, RUN DMC stepped onstage and blew apart all that I'd known. Before there was wonder, and suddenly there was amazement and awe.

After Jay I would never after believe a proper crew without a DJ on equal footing.

I will mourn the loss of a great.
Isaac B

I just wanted to say that Jam Master may be gone.. but the beats and memories still will live on. Keep on listening. Rest in Peace Jay. GM., Pittsburgh, PA.

You wonder what will happen in your life next;
You life live to the fullest and to the very best.
You wake each day with new array;
Praying for a safe and much better day.
Going along with your merry busy day's start;
You never think about the stopping of a beating heart.
In a blink, a flash, a crash, a shot... it all could be gone;
Are you living life now, because you might not see the dawn.
We all know we are going to go to heaven one day soon;
Hope you've enjoyed life immensely and you lived no gloom.

Written By Lady Di ~~ He will FOREVER be in the hearts of those who KNEW the MUSIC!

Rest in Peace,Jam Master Jay.One of the greatest legends of rap music is death. I can't really believe it.After the community has lost another great man (remember Scott La Rock & Big L.) our goal in rap music should be to go on and bring the message back to the younger folks.We must keep going on to denounce social nuisances,we must fight back with wisdom & knowledge against this increasing violence. My condolence goes out to Jay's family and i hope all of these peeps in here give you the power to survive this sad times.

Daniel -- Hannover -Germany

I was saddened to here of Jay's death today. Being a little white italian guy from Queens who never owned a RUN DMC album you wouldn't think I'd be so affected. Of all the Rap groups that have ever been there was one that rose above the rest. They had the heart and soul that all the others seemed to lack. They tried to send out a message with a positive voice. Sadly it was like a whisper in a crowd of screams. Some of us heard you. We may not have bought the CD's or gone to the shows but the message still came through on radio and especially in TV appearences. We wished that more listened but still many more did than you may ever know.
Thank you Jason, Joseph and Darryl.
My sympathy goes out to Jay's wife and children, his family and also to Joseph and Darryl. Don't give up the dream. You got it right.
G. A. Rivara
Forest Hills

Man, I'm speechless and confused. I met JMJ about 2 or 3 years ago at the Sea-Tac Airport through a co-worker of mine. I was running bags for some skycaps when my co-worker and J walked through front door. My coworker said J I want you to meet somone and J instantly yelled, from about a hundred feet away, "what's up yo?" and walked towards me and embraced me. I was shocked he acted like we were old friends or something. He was very humble and down to earth. I could feel the genuine compassion in his face and voice. So, we walked him out to his gate and rapped a little bit. I don't remember the exact conversation, but I do remember that it was something along the lines of me doing the right thing and God Bless. I took those commandments seriously and I could tell J really cared and meant it. Thanks J.
P.S. Someone like J will never die he lives on through everyone that he touches. Everything that he touches does turn to gold. ~Nehemiah

We will always remember.............One...............................

Mr. Jam Master Jay,

Rest In Peace! The hip hop community has definitely lost a true pioneer. RUN DMC was and still is a group of intelligence brothers. My heart felt condolescences go out to the family.

Sister from the LBC

From the land down under comes much sorrow from the passing of yet another of the Hip Hop greats. Australia was lucky enough to witness several of Run DMC's concerts and I was there for them all. What can I say. I know what I feel, but how do you express it or turn it into an understandable sentence or phrase? It's too hard. I first got into Run DMC when I was about 10 (1983) years old. I've been listening to these guys now for roughly 19 years. Damn man.

All I know is GOD must be having one big house party or something up there because he's got some of the best from our music
kicking it up there with him. Maybe too many.

Keep it real and keep listening to the phat tracks of wax.
PEACE, RESPECT and LOVE to all who are a part of the scene,memories and what it's all about.

Chris Maxwell
Australia

His name's Jam Master, Call him Jay, the crowd goes wild when he starts to play. Everything is correct and A okay, Jam Master's on the move but HIS SOUNDS WILL STAY.
Much love to JMJ.
Rest in Peace
A. Lorenzo (Australia)

Thanks Jay and Run-DMC for bringing my sorry, cracker ass rap. Your success brought people together. Of all the people to suffer something like this, when you stayed positive, helping others, and were all about hope.

You made my day.
Matthew Jamison

Just read through all these messages twice. Saw messages from Germany, Buenos Aires, Croatia... from people who were trying desperately to put into English what they feel today so they could share with all of us that this loss is universal. It transcends age, race, language. Jay's beats speak to all of us.

Reading through these messages, though, so many are written in past tense... he gave us, he taught us, he meant to us. His music, his lessons, his GIFTS to us are eternal... as long as there are turn tables or boom boxes to play it loud and proud, he's here.

Back when rap was new and different, Run DMC took something old and made it theirs. I still can't listen to Aerosmith's "Walk this Way" without wishing it was the RunDMC version. And when you listen to the radio today, how many songs can you tie back that kick through the wall... Run DMC breaking down walls and taking over!

Some people look to Lennon in comparison... I say that if you look at Lennon, Hendrix, Morrison, Cobain, Tupac, Biggy, even Lisa Lopes, you'll quickly realize a big comparison - you know who they all are, and what they did that made a difference to music and culture and life as we know it, so that's proof that they didn't die when the stopped breathing. For some it took their death to make them legend... for others, including Jay, they were legend already.

Jay's gone from us today... and that is a sad loss for the music he will never make. So mourn him... I certainly have been all day and will for a long time Mourn him and miss him, and remember him in the ways you need to so you feel better. But don't give him up for lost... he's not lost to us. He's in so much of what we are today, how can we think him lost?

So to Jay's kids, from a mother many thousands of miles away who can't stop thinking about you, I'm so sorry, but please know that your father impacted the world in a way that few people ever will. He made something real and lasting that will not be erased by time or trends... and he did it through goodness and kindness and humor and for the sheer love of it.

God Bless,
Ona Kolosky,
Orange County, California

Sympathies to all associated with DJ Master "J." Where are we heading as race? Very sad! Very, very sad!

Thank-you Jason, the WORLD owes you so much...

Nick: United Kingdom

Peter Ellenby
Ellenby.com

My heart goes out to Run, Darryl, and the Mizell family. Jay sent a powerful message across the world. It was a message about pride, about respect between peoples, a message against drugs and violence as a path to greatness. It was a message about how to know right from wrong, to dance and laugh, to shout and raise some hell. It was transmitted full-force through the universal language of drums and scratches, but it was bigger than that, it was bigger than music itself. Everyone heard it, millions of people jammed to it, many of us live it today. The musicians he inspired, the love he shared, the lives he affected could fill every stadium in the world - and they did. Look around at these messages here, they reflect that. Jay gave love, the most powerful shout of them all, and in this
dark time we give it back to you. We are with you.

I'm not lying, ya'll, he's the best I know,
and if I lie my nose will grow,
like a little wooden boy named Pinnochio,
and you all know how the story goes.

Jason Price

Let's hope God has some decent tables and a good system for Jay to spin on. R.I.P. Montreal, Canada

our hearts out to you
d

It may sound a little old-school in 2002, but all I can say right now is... Word.

The tributes on the site speak so much to what I'm feeling. The seminal rock rap scratchmaster went out way too soon. Reading the tributes says so much of what I feel from this loss. It's so hard to understand right now what has happened, so I appreciate what's been said that much more.

Run DMC has a unique and irreplaceable spot in in my growing up, my evolving love of music as a kid, and in my development as a musician.

I wish that I could buy all the records again, and have the proceeds go wherever Jay would have wanted them to go.

I'm so confused as to why this happened. I know for sure his work wasn't finished. Perhaps it't fitting that he went out in a recording studio, doing what he did best, which made him -- and all of us influenced by him -- so happy.

Jay, you were The Teacher, the Inventor.

Peace to all touched by Jay's work.
- Jeremy

Waking up to this news was absolutely numbing. In 85, as a college student, RUN, Dee and Jay were hotter on our campus than anything going. I bought every album and CD they had out. Jay's cuts got to me (and alot of other people) like nothing else. Their music was unique and created a whole new genre. These three guys, with a little help from Rick Rubins, put together the cleanest, hardest hip-hop/rock blend ever seen. Now an innovator, leader and role model for young musicians is gone for no good reason. "There's three of us but we're not the Beatles!" No, Run DMC and JMJ weren't the Beatles, they were better. Rest in peace Jay. God bless his family and friends with strength and courage. I don't see how but maybe something positive will come out of this tragedy.

RL
Atlanta

I am so sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to work the Tibetan Freedom Concert in Wisconsin a few years back, and was able to see Jay and Run DMC perform live. I have a heavy heart, not only for those closest to Jay, especially his wife, sons, siblings and mother, but also for the millions of kids who will never have the opportunity to see the Jam Master perform in person. I can only hope that somehow, Jam Master Jay's message will only become more powerful with his loss.

Jay said once that what was most important to him was, "Believing in something and being a part of something you believe in and watching it work and coming from it..."

Let's believe that one day we won't lose another hero to senseless violence. Let's take Jay's positive message and put it into action.
Do what we can to bring about peace to our streets, and Jay's loss will not be in vain.

Peace.

R.I.P. Jam Master Jay, thank you for the music.
My condolences to the familiy and friends.

Man, I once smoke a jay with jay. He was out in Sydney 1998 or 1999 (cant exactly remember) and came to one of our clubs, I sat next to him in the VIP and we shared a smoke and I got his autograph. We just chilled and he came across as a really top bloke. The whole time I was thinking, "I'm sitting next to one of the original godfathers of hip hop" I couldn't believe it and to this day it has been the pinnacle of my whole club managing experience. Jay, thanks for the memories, RUN DMC thanks for the music. Zee-01

Adriano Zullo

my cousin in america emailed me as soon as it happened, when i checked my mail later i thought it was a mistake as i read it. i walked into the living room and flicked throught every news station i could. i finally found one report about it but i didnt believe it. i watched 4 more reports on different stations in the next 10 minutes, then it dawned on me. i cried, for the first time since i was a kid, then i was just stunned, i couldnt even talk. after id calmed down i went and listened to raising hell, kings of rock, run dmc, and crown royale. to everyone whos finding it hard to deal just listen to some of their old shit and enjoy.
RUN DMC AND JAM MASTER JAY!!!!

Rest in peace to Jam Master Jay,one of the founding fathers of hip-hop,a man who birthed a movement that will keep him alive in spirit. Rest in peace to a legend who was gunned senselessly like 2Pac,Biggie,Freaky Tah,& Big L b4 him. RIP to all them as well as Eazy-E & Big Pun who were tragically taken from us too early. Like Too $hort put it:"You can take back all the things you did,but you can't take back the days you live." Jay will live on through the music of Run-DMC. One love to the family of Jay & to Run & DMC. This is truly a sad day for hip-hop.

Your #1 boy
Sambo Slim

A dark day for music and the world. Will we ever learn? The first hip hop I bought was Raising Hell. It changed my whole outlook and feeling about music.

Jam Master Jay forever in our hearts, in our minds and our ears

Rest in Peace Jason
Joel Meyers

God needed a DJ, and he choose one of the best. Gone too soon, but never to be forgotten. See you in heaven my friend. Thanks for all the jams over the years. God bless and keep the family, Rev. Run and DMC.

LKG
Phila, PA

from all AUTRALIAN FANS OF RUN DMC ( and there is alot of us ) R.I.P TO JMJ

Though the 80's and early 90's RUN DMC was the only rap ( or music) group that i was totally down with. Now i listen to alot more rap artists but RUN DMC WILL ALWAYS BE NUMBER 1 TO ME.

I remember seeing Run DMC at the Fox Theater in Detroit in the early 80's....years before they recorded "Walk This Way" with Aerosmith and MTV was just starting out. We and my 2 friends, Tonya and Moria saved all our money from our part-time college jobs just to get tickets and "designer" jeans for the concert. I can still see and hear both our grandmothers warning us not to get in trouble, and to be home by midnight. When we arrived at the concert, there were people standing on the rafters and sides of the theater because it so packed. When the guys finally came on stage, with their signature leather jackets, gold chains, and white addios shoes, we knew that we all were seeing the start of something big....that this new music called rap was here to stay and there was no going back. It was one of the best concerts I had ever been to...and we had so so much fun. I will truly miss Master Jay and his style. His passing takes me back to the early days of rap and hip/hop...Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow, LL Kool J, Heavy D...when the music was fun....women wern't called b**** or h***, no gangsta crap...just cool music about school, your hood, your family, or the social/ecomonic/political realities of the time...a voice for our generation...and you could actually DANCE to it...imagine that...Master Jay...you will surely be missed but will live on forever in your music and in our hearts....RIP Brotha...Aloha.

www.keithcorcoran.com

I respectfully offer my heartfelt sympathies to Jam Master Jay's family, friends, and colleagues. Jay's beats were like the heartbeats of life. By age 19, he was the master of an art form that didn't exist 30 years ago but now pervades musical cultural throughout the world. His humanity enriched the lives of the human race. In joining my fellow fans, New Yorkers, and present/former residents of Queens, I remain hopeful for a world that perpetuates the spirit and practice of living life fully and working productively for which Jay was known.

Barry

JMJ was the spine of Run-DMC, my introduction to Rap music 15 years ago. I dead-set played Raising Hell so much on my record player I could predict every crackle that was on it. I clearly remember when they toured down-under and we watched them in Sydney when they toured with Derek B. This is so sad because you were left with the impression that JMJ was a top bloke!

Rob from Cronulla, Australia

I've been listening to rap music since 77 and Run Dmc is my favorite group. No matter how much hip music has changed these guys in my opinion cannot be touched.

I was lucky enough to see them in DC in 86 with the Beastie Boys it was awesome concert. I just wanted to cry when I woke up to the news this morning, i sat at my television in disbelief. How could someone who didn't promote violence or negativity against others be chosen to be taken away so soon???

I've been reading the letters of fans who have been listing to them like me for about 20 years. I didn't know there was so many. Run,
Dmc and Jay are truly the Ambassadors of Hip Hop taking the sound from streets and taking it all other the world for other to enjoy.

I'm glad that I'm old enough to have listened to birth of hip hop in the late 70's and early 80's there will never be a time in music when
you saw the birth of an industry and a art form.

My condolenses go out to the Mizell family, the MacDaniels and Simmons families also.

To Run Dmc extended world wide family we had a brother taken away from us but he has left us a musical gift that we can treasure for the rest of our lives.

Rest in my peace my brother.
Leonard M. Jackson
Run Dmc fan for life since 83.

Run DMC, Jam Master Jay and their music have been a huge part of my life--really a major part of who I am as a person. The fashion, the vibe--everything. People who have only known me even superficially from years ago remember me as "you're the guy who loves Run DMC. Thats cool! You still listening to them?" Yep--I haven't changed. I was at work when I found out and spent the longest shift of my life in denial, not allowing myself to react. I never cry--ever. I'm not trying to be a tough guy, it's just the truth. When I got out of work I called my new wife of 5 days and I had to pull the car over because I couldn't drive. The tears came flooding over my face and I still can't snap out of it. I'm sincerely crushed. I never get headaches either--my head and neck have been pounding all day despite huge amounts of ibuprofen. I can't believe this. That bullet went right through Jay an into my heart and soul. Some people are saying we need to celebrate his life. I can't celebrate. Not yet. I'm happy for whoever can, but I can't do that now. I hope to God Run and D continue to make music as a way of honouring him. Jam Master Jay has made the music that is the soundtrack to my life events. My heart pumps blood to the beats of Jay and always will. Peace and condolences to Jay's family, Run, D, Runny Ray, Smitty, the whole crew, Russel, fans and Jay himself. We love you Jason.

J-A-Y are the letters of his name
Now that he is gone, I will never be the same

Love and Peace to all Run DMC Jam Master Jay fans
Mark

When I heard the news,the only thing I could do was scream and cry. I feel like I've lost my brother!Why would anyone want to take an icon away from the world? My sympathies go out to the family, friends,and fans of Run-DMC as a whole and Jay in particular. Pleas people, let us band together to makes sure that this fool is caught and punished to the fullest extent of the law. We can't allow this assassination to go unpunished, as with the murders of Biggie and Tupac.My heart is heavy tonight, and it's because one of the most amazing musicians in history has been snatched away from us long before his time. The only solace that I can find is in knowing that Jay is in a much better place than any of us.... But that doesn't stop the pain.

REST IN PEACE JAM MASTER JAY

I have just heard the news. I simply can not believe it, Iam lost for words. I have been a Run DMC fan since my early teens. Their music changed my life, forever. Simply the True Kings of Hip Hop, the ulitmate the best. At this time I would like to send my sympathy to Run DMC, Russell Simmons, Jam Masters Family, Krush Groove and the Def Jam Family.

Heaven is gonna be rockin to the hands of J.
All my love and respect dj be:lie:ve (Edinburgh, Scotland)

I grew up in the Midwest, which meant that my first exposure to Hip-Hop was the Run-DMC/Aerosmith "Walk This Way". Although Run and DMC's rhymes, Steven Tyler's singing, and Joe Perry's god-like guitar riffs were incredible, it was Jay's ability to cut up the original that set that song apart. He was a true artist of the turntables, in every sense of the word. He will be missed, in both the Rap and Rock communities. May God Bless his family and Run-DMC.

Steve Young
Bondurant, Iowa

The tears are there. Thanks for teaching us all. I love you, man.

WAK

just heard the news....being a fan for a long time...THROUGH THE WHOLE 80'S RUND DMC was the only rap group i was down with...well any music group for that matter..they were it

i am now into alot of rap groups..but they are always number 1

i was lucky enough to see them in concert once over here in Australia - about 5 years ago

RIP JAM MASTER JAY

A KING HAS DIED.

I am deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden tragic murder of one of my lifelong idols of Hip Hop Music - Jam Master Jay. Do you remember the times? Now that's the Old School. Almost 20 years ago man. Going to RUN-DMC Shows with Jam Master Jay cutting & scratching RUN D-M-C and he really worked that sh*t OUT too.

Another brother... Gone too soon.

Oh my God, I am emotionally affected by this MURDER. I mean, he was one of us - A true head. Nothing unreal about him at all - not hard not soft - HE WAS HIP HOP. A true B-Boy. An Artist. He was an AQUARIAN like me. HOW CAN YOU FORGET THAT SMILE HE ALWAYS HAD!

May the Good Lord comfort everyone who will no doubt be affected that ONE OF THE KINGS OF ROCK and HIP HOP has been slain. May Peace be with you. Blessing to the MIZELL Family, the Simmons Family - The whole HOLLIS, NEW YORK and the whole Hip Hop WORLD. One of yours was taken tonight. One of the worlds greatest DJs becomes a TRUE LEGEND.

Rest In Everlasting Peace
Jason Mizell aka JAM MASTER JAY
1965-2002

We'll Never Forget Him - Jay... who's HOUSE, crowd... JAY'S HOUSE....standing ovation and neverending applause

Raven Fox & Family
New Jersey, USA

I just wanted to send out my deepest sympothy to the Mizell family. Several years ago I designed their kitchen and worked with them as a family. I have never met a nicer "high profile family. I'm deeply saddened on this day. I have since moved away from NY but, still would like send out my condolences.

Trina Dreher

I'm am extremely sad to hear the news I woke up to this morning. Jam Master J and Run DMC were extremely influential to me as a kid growing up in the suburbs of Toronto Canada. I followed their success from the age of 10 on. All through the early years of Hip-Hop, bands like Run-DMC, Boogie Down Productions, Public Enemy etc..made the difference. Hip Hop would not be what it is without the contributions they made.

Jam Master J earned the title of my personal Icon in my high school yearbook in the late 80's. Years later after university, marriage, a successful carrier I still carry the music and experiences Run DMC afforded the world with me still. Although I no longer follow the hip-hop culture, the influences of the pioneers are a part of who I've become. The world has lost one of those pioneers this year, and he will not be forgotten. Long Live JMJ.

Paul Blaik

RUN, DMC, RUSSELL, and families:

Let me first say that we're praying for all of you in Charlotte, Atlanta, Phoenix, New Jersey, New York, and Chicago. We love you all.

Like most, I've been a RUN-DMC fan since I was child. As a 28 yr-old black man, a 9 yr-old Christian, and a 4 yr-old songwriter/composer RUN-DMC means a lot to me. I remember the first RUN-DMC song I ever heard was "Jam Master Jay". I must have been about 11 yrs old. It was on a tape that included various songs by artists such as the Fat Boys and Afrika Bambatta & The
Soul Sonic Force. I was amazed at the unison in which RUN & DMC threw rhymes back-and-forth like:

"J-a-y are the letters of his name
Cutting and scratching are the aspects of his game
So check out the Master as he cuts these jams
And look at us with the mics in our hands
Then take a count, 1-2-3
Jam Master Jay, Run-D.M.C."

It was pure mastery - and Jay's beats...

My most vivid memory however was when I was 12 yrs old. We had moved from Chicago to Atlanta. My brother & I went out to a friends house to play Basketball. On that particular day however, no-one was playing ball. A local girl on the block was throwing an impromptu house party while her parents were not home. I was one of the guys they let in, and someone threw on this LP... I then heard the coldest beat I've ever heard to this day, and a voice rang in with charisma and focus saying:

"Two years ago a friend of mine
asked me to say some emcee rhymes
So I said this rhyme I'm about to say,
the rhyme was Def and it went this way!"

I holla'd. I was screaming. RUN-DMC & JMJ, Thank you for introducing me to true, non-violent, cold-krushing, hip-hop.

In closing I'd like to say that I too lost a family member to violence. My cousin was gunned down due to gang violence in Chicago in 1994. I had given my life to Christ not long before that, but God led me to speak at my cousin's funeral. We were notified of the murder while in-route to my Grandfather's funeral in Missippi. He had died of prostate cancer only 6 days prior. We were crushed. My Aunt had lost here Father and one of her Sons in just 6 days.

At the funeral I said this "[my cousin] is gone, but there is nothing wrong. God knew when he would go, but we didn't. God doesn't make mistakes. Right now it hurts, but after today I'm not going to let this crush me. I'm not going to let this destroy me. I'm not going to go out and commit a crime, retaliate, or curse God and die. In fact, I'm going to serve God all the more. You see, [my cousin] is gone, but there is still nothing wrong.".

Jay is gone, but there is still nothing wrong.

Rest in Peace Jason.
- D.A.Lesley

p.s. - Everyone please remember Christ, the Resurrection, and the Judgement. RUN-DMC knows the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Do you?

I am a better person for having RUN DMC in my life. After hearing RUN DMC I went out and spent all my paper route money on a set of turn tables, I never wanted to be an MC, just a DJ. Jam Master Jay was my hero, it's never easy saying good bye to a hero. Thanks Jay.

Gregor

I'd like to send out my condolenses and prayers to JMJ's wife, kids, family and friends. What a sad event that leads to a widow and kids with no father. What a great day for heaven, who received the best mix master that ever was.

Jam Master was such a class act, being in a band where he seemed to always be in the background, but completed Run DMC to make them the best.

I hope Run and DMC complete their album and go on tour in memory of JMJ. He will be missed, but what a great way for fans to express their thanks for his greatness. Showing up cheering like never before, rockin the house while JMJ looks on.

I grew up listening to them in a town of 3,000 in Northern Wisconsin about 19 years ago. I'm still not sure how that happened. I
remember the days when my friends and I would be playing ball and having Run DMC jammin from somebody's boom box. I remember seeing them in concert once with Dr Dre, Onyx and another group I can't remember. Run DMC were the best. They had the loud music and bass, but you could actually hear what they were saying. I recently saw them in concert with Aerosmith where they only played for about 20-25 minutes. I was disappointed, but now glad I was able to see them all toghether for the last time.

Peace to all Run DMC fans, God bless you all and God bless the family of Jam Master Jay.

Rob
Milwaukee, WI

This is truly a sad day. He was a great person. I met him through a friend Lisa, from LA. He was genuine. He will never be forgotten. The MAIN DJ!
Rest in Peace Jay.
Dre from St. Louis.

I'm not lyin yall
he's the best i know
and if I lie my nose will grow
like a little wooden boy named pinochio
and you all know how the story go

we'll miss you jay

we mourn, but forever the lyrical signature will play in our heads: "run dmc and jam master jaaaaaaaayeeeeeeeeee..."

today i sport my adidas
cool is to adidas as greek is to pitas
my feet steppin down the street make a beat
kinda ironic with these sneaks on my feet
cause they've always been the sneaks that i wear
i think about run dmc and my very first pair
who the hay would rap about sneakers anyway?
never thought about it cause the beat would just play
back to the reason why i sport the stripes today
its my own little way to pray for jam master jay
so its not just about the best brand of a shoe
its really about my love for music as i grew
its about appreciation of an inspiration
a track to my life's soundtrack compilation
i'm taken, back by the realization
way back to a young boy's imagination
in the eighties, a white little kid
got a little soul from the scratchin that the jam master did
and the time flew by now i look to the sky
and think about the fact that a beat can never die
and now that jam master jay passed away
there's a lyric in my song that i want to relay:
"everyone in some way
has a part that they play
in the lives of everyone
the impressions are all but gone"
-alex arden, featuring lyrics from my track, "everyone and yourself"

jam, i sport my adidas for you today, rest in peace, although we know you'll be making better beats in a better place...

i am very saddend by jay's death. he did a lot for his community, culture,and his family. i will miss you jay. rest in peace. much love. much love

Growing up in a town in WEST VIRGINIA yes West Virginia in the 80s. I was listening to Flash, Bambattta, Whodini. Then came RUN DMC. I was so moved by the slammin beats and rhymes I went out and got two turntables and spending every nickel on records. Can you even imagine that.....Thanks for the music Jay, ...it was good stuff. No one cares about the music anymore just someone talking about killing a guy or bangin a girl or the money they make... I cant even relate to it anymore
Freeze
Charlotte NC.

To Run-DMC, family, friends and fans,
I listened to Run-DMC since day one, like so many others. I was a 13 year old little white girl when the first album came out and I fell in love. All through high school and still to this day I play the tapes over and over and over again. They stood for everything positive in rap. Their beats and rhymes were unmatched. I'm now a 32 year old banker and I still rock the shell-toed adidas sneakers that I wore back then. Thanks for the music, the memories and all I can say is I hope they catch the @ssholes that took away our DJ.
All of my love and prayers to all of you!
Kim Donoghue

I AM SRRY ABOUT JAM MASTER JAY.. I AM A BIG TIME FAN OF RUN DMC .. I HOPE U WILL BE OK..AND JUST KNOW THAT U HAVE JAM MASTER JAY IN YOUR HEART AND SO WILL ALWAYS Y FRIENDS around the world.. god bless and take care
from GARFIELDFREAK19 AKA ROB PEACE..

To all the people close to Jay's heart and all the fans that grew up on Run DMC & JMJ's music and to all those that may of heard it for the first time recently, this is a hard reality that makes no sense to me as I'm sure to all the fans, friend and family of Jay. I think I now know how my mom felt when Elvis died. Run DMC & JMJ have always been a staple in my record/CD collection. The turn tables will never be the same again. I hope that the 20th anniversary album will not be put on hold too long and that some of the worlds best DJs, like DJ Hurricane or Mix Master Mike, will be considered to step in for Jam Master Jay. His Presence could never be replaced or duplicated, but the Run DMC legacy should still go on in his memory. While some hip hop/rap record companies recently celebrated there 10 year anniversaries, RUN DMC is about to celebrate 20 years of, what I remember in 1986 most critics calling a fad, a ground breaking, barrier crossing career that was the most influential in the entire music world, not just the hip hop community.

God Bless Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizzel and all that are affected by this horrible tragedy.

M.E.B.

This is definitely a great blow that Hip Hop / Rap has suffered in this day. One of the pioneers of rap has fallen to the ignorance of others and what is termed today as “hating”. I grew up on these brothers music and reminisce my teenage years every time I here their songs. At 33 I consider my self an old school brother. This hit close and has sadden me. To JMJ: Today I threw on my Adidas for you god, Rest in Peace.

Daniel L. Feliz

jam master jay rest in peace!!!! you'll always be remember as the greatest of the greatest

Ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!! This is so CRAZY! A peaceful, talented, trailblazer...gunned down by a gutless punk. When I first started listening to Run DMC, those were the times of innocence... where a real man would settle disputes by words or throwin' hands. Now we got a whole generation of punk asses that settle things by taking lives. I cry today because I lost a music pioneer, but someone took away somebody's Daddy, Husband, Friend, Son. Where did our respect for life go? Damn! Jay you will live on in memory and music...The chicken hearted bastard, that did this, can't EVER take that away!!!
Until we meet again...RIP.

Sherrie - Baltimore

To his compadres, I hope that you're chillin' the most, and to his family I offer condolences and I pray for you. May heaven smile upon you.

-Easy E (Enoch Walker), Roxbury, MA

I don't know what to say, but I'm struggling to hold back my tears. I've grown up listening to Jay, Run and Dee and I still listen to them on a regular basis. I always looked up to Jay as a great DJ, and, even more importantly, as a wonderful, happy human being. I've even gone to such lengths to imitate him as to wear Adidas, Lee, and a huge dookie rope on a regular basis, even while doing such a menial thing as grocery shopping. I can't explain it, really, but I feel like I've lost a longtime friend. I actually feel sick to my stomach about his brutal, senseless murder. I miss him greatly, but I look forward to seeing him again soon, in a new system where things like this won't happen anymore and everyone will live in peace and harmony. Until then, I will try my best to endure and
carry on his happy spirit in my life each day.

See you soon, Jay.
King L Rock, NY

I would like to express my condolences to the Mizell family as well. As a longtime fan of Run-DMC, I was SHOCKED when I heard the news this morning. I am a diehard "old school" rap fan, and credit Run, D and Jay with many fond memories. I have seen them in concert numerous times, and they NEVER dissapoint. I don't think there are any words to describe how sad of a day this is for the hip hop community.

RIP Jason Mizell - you will be missed

Brent Edick
Portland, Michigan

I wish i knew what to say right now.All i know is thanks to run dmc ll cool j and all the other old scool rappers i love hip hop! Whene i first heard aerosmith with run dmc i was hooked.As far as im concered run dmc is still the dopest rap group of all time.Thank you run dmc and thank you jam master jay.r.i.p see you when i get there keep the turn tables warm.

Allen mc namara
toronto canada

This is dedicated to Jam-Master Jay, RUN DMC and their families!!!

R.I.P. Jay

With you I lost a part of my life, when I was feeling bad I listened to your music, and that gave me strength to carry on. When I heard my first RUN DMC song "The Kings" I was really amazed what good music this is, so by and by I got more of your songs and I started to like it. I bought my first turntable and began to rap to a simple beat. After a few months I was joined by 2 friends and we loved it to make some old school hip-hop. Our first song is called "The old school" and we made this song 'cause we wanted to be like y'all guys. It's not a real famous song but we got a airplay at a german college radio station. We want to send our tribute to the best DJ ever, we're very sad about the things that happened, we miss you Jay, and if you can hear me now, with your music you've made 3 young teenagers that wanted to rock very happy, rest in peace Jay!!! We hope your family and friends do well, God bless you, truly yours

Danny & A.D.N.

As a DJ myself I have always looked up to Jay as the guru of it all. I started spinning twelve years ago after breaking to RUN DMC music since the early 80's. Last year I got my first chance to see Jay up close and personal at the Tom Tom Club in Milwaukee. I will always remember Jay's smile when I shook his hand. Jay, I know your in a better place rockin' the decks like you always have! Rest In Peace Brotha.

Jonn Hawley

my condolences guys. run dmc was the first rap group i ever listened to. keep your head up and stay strong for jay and every body in qborough.

My first exposure to Rap was RUN DMC. The loss of Jay is a loss to the musical community, the spirit of brotherhood between all communities which he stood for and it brings more sadness into a world that musicians like Jay tried to enliven and enlighten. May his soul find rest and solace.
MGB, WG RI
'We know others to the extent we know ourselves'
- Guitar Craft Aphorism

The first concerts that I ever went to were the Fresh-Fests that they had in chicago. I can remember DMC being on stage with Jam-Master-Jay being on the turn table trying to get the crowd hype enough to bring Run out. These concerts help shape who I am today and are among some of my fondest memories. I got into hip-hop and rap music in the early 80's in chicago while most people were getting into house music. Going to those concerts let me know that I made the right choice.

Rest In Peace JAM-MASTER-JAY and thanks for giving me memories of some of the best times of my life.

I remember the first time I heard RUN-DMC; sometime in May 1984, while listening to KQAK "The Quake" in Alameda, CA in my car at the beach, I heard the most amazing song to me at the time. It was "Rock Box", and while it didn't change my life, I was anxious to ride this new wave of rap-rock hybrid. Three years later, "Raising Hell" was the soundtrack to a road trip through the West with two women we met in Australia. Just last year, the RUN-DMC/Kid Rock "event" at the Grammys (or was it the AMA?) brought me to tears. And now, out of the clear blue, this.

When will people learn that the music can never be silenced? Was Tupac and Biggie not enough? I didn't appreciate the genius of Tupac until after he was gone, but JMJ...he IS the beat of a generation! This hurts us all...

R.I.P Jam Master Jay,

You will be missed. You as along with the other members of Run-DMC had become like close friends to me. Although I never met you in person, the music Run-DMC Produced was off the wall and it made me happy and still does. Each song to me marks a interesting moment in time. Both Good and Bad. I saw the movie Tougher than Leather and I didnt think the movie was not that bad as crictics say it is. It's actually quiet descent. Anyway. Those left behind will surely miss you and God Bless you into the Kingdom of God, and
bless those dear to you.

Chris Duncan & Andy Tatterson

seit dem ich 12 jahre alt bin, bin ich ein fan von run-d.m.c.! diese drei musiker haben mich durch viele phasen meines leben begleitet, ich bin froh, dass ich eine derartige gruppe habe kennenlernen dürfen. auf einem konzert in herne / deutschland habe ich die drei getroffen. das konzert war ein echtes erlebnis. jam master jay wird immer ein mitglied von run-d.m.c. bleiben. eine bitte: run und dmc, bitte macht weiter! lasst den geist und die visionen eures dj´s in eurer musik weiterleben. jmj mus durch euch weiterleben und in den herzen und geistern der wirklichen rapper seinen immerwährenden platz finden.

jmj, da wo du nun bist, findest du vielleicht deinen frieden. ich wünsch es dir.
dein freund,
martin

I want to send my deepest condolances to the Mizell family, Run and to Darrel Mac. As a fan who grew up listening to RUN DMC, I have to say that this loss is by far one of the most devastating of them all. Rest in Peace Jam Master J......

-Mike Suriani

Great pain in Republic Of the Dominican Republic porla unexpected death of Jam Master

Rafael

Jay, No one will ever spin those wheels like you did my man. Hip-Hop has lost a genuine dj.
Tony

Word. My sympathies go out to JMJ and family. This is definitely a tragic moment for all of those that loved hip hop and all of those that JMJ touched whether personally or through hip hop...

Wifey lost a husband and mommy lost a sun-
Babies lost a daddy and can’t nobody find the gun-
Run and D. lost a brotha and hip hop lost a hero-
I’m waitin for the credits thinking I’m watchin tarantino-
Shyt makes me wanna cop some fresh shelltoes and a new black brim-
For the rest of the year no more fitted hats and tims-
Hiphop been cut to the white meat now watch the tears that bleed-
Been searchin since the beginning and still can’t find no peace-
I grit my teeth to try and hold the pain inside-
And reminisce back to my favorite year of 1985-
Back when hiphoppin was about pop lockin-
Tick tockin no stopping and minimum glock poppin-
You will always be remembered ”Raisin Hell”-
Like in Krush Groove when u was about to do LL-
Run DMC rockin with out a band how that sound-
The turntables have wobbled and they just fell down-
Is death a part of life or is life a part of death-
No one likes seein death so I pray to Christ and it helps-
So I get on my turntables to release the pain-
Cutting up the emcees sayin Jam Master Jay-

Inspired by Jam Master Jay….10/31/02…rest in peace homey.
Dee Cassius

REST IN PEACE JAM MASTER..............
CHRIS D, CHRIS A , DAVE H,

SANTA CRUZ, CA

This one is hard for me to swallow. Strange as it is for some, Run-D.M.C. was the most influential musical group I listened to in
those critical pre-teen and early teen years, and I find this news very sad.

When I was 12 years old, I bought Run-D.M.C.'s self-titled debut album at Quincy Records and Tapes for $7.34, and it remains to this day the most listened to album in my collection. More than any rap, R&B, rock or metal album in my collection, those nine songs bring me right back to my roots whenever I put it on. Rock Box remains one of my all-time favorite songs, and among the general masses, it's entirely underappreciated that that song created the rap-metal genre. Bringing rap out of the neighborhood and to the mainstream was Jam Master Jay's vision, and everyone from the Sugarhill Gang to LL Cool J to Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul and Eminem have the trio from Hollis, Queens, to thank.

Run-D.M.C. brought just the right mix of upbeat rhythm & rhymes, a hardcore and funky style and lyrics that were both positive and silly. You might remember "Christmas in Hollis" or "It's Tricky," but that stuff, as fun as it is, ain't the roots for me. Strange that I was
inspired to hit the books in seventh and eighth grade when listening to D.M.C.

I'm D.M.C. in the place to be
I go to St. John's University
And since kinde-garten I acquired the knowledge
And after 12th grade I went straight to college
I'm light skinned, I live in Queens
And I love eatin chicken and collard greens
I dress to kill, I love the style
I'm an MC you know who's versatile

Why were these silly ass lyrics so important to me? I don't know, but I loved it, and it stuck...

Run-D.M.C. was right atop of the tide when rap was largely singing about your cool stlye, your def car, your neighborhood and your friends.

For all you sucker MC's perpetratin a FRAUD
Your rhymes are cold wack and keep the crowd cold lost
You're the kind of guy that girl ignored
I'm drivin Caddy, you fixin a FORD
My name is Joseph Simmons but my middle name's Lord
and when I'm rockin on the mic, you should all applaud
Because we're (wheelin, dealin, we got a funny feelin)
We rock from the floor up the ceilin

Chuck D said it best, when he mused in Bring the Noize, "Run-D.M.C. first said a DJ could be a band, stand on its own feet, get you out your seat..."

Thanks for the rhythm and rhyme, Jason Mizell.
- - - - -
Kick off shoes, jump on the jock
Listen to the Jam Master as he starts to rock
His name is Jay and he's on his way
To be the best DJ in the US of A

J-a-y are the letters of his name
Cutting and scratching are the aspects of his game
So check out the Master as he cuts these jams
And look at us with the mics in our hands
Then take a count, 1 2 3
Jam Master Jay, Run-D.M.C.

I did not know Jason personally but nevertheless, a part of me felt crushed when I heard this devastating news. RunDMC's music paved the way for many, if not all, rap artists today and it is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that I give my condolences to RunDMC & Jason's family.

Michael Williams
Queens, NY

When is the violence truly going to end. Jay was doing his own thing and somebody took it away from him for no appearent reason. Run & DMC lost part of their own souls last night when Jay was taken away. I think back to when I was little and mom didn't want me to buy the "raising hell" album strictly because of the title. I bought it anyway and memorized every lyric on that one and "tougher than leather". I grew up on their rhymes. Jam Master Jay was a creative soul that should be honored as such.

Bryan

"Run DMC first said a deejay could be a band
Stand on its own feet, get you out your seat "

damn no better tribute spoken, no greater prognostication made.

feeling nostalgic, I pulled out Apocalypse this past monday, don't really know why, still one of my favorites. just wanted a trip back. ended up pulling Raising Hell next. as with many of my peers, dmc was my intro to hip hop back in the 80's. unbelievable stuff. was always a fan of rock, some reggae. but always amazed me how this man and his two frontmen truly did cross divides and bring races together, long before I heard Walk this Way. remember being at HS parties and seeing everyone I mean everyone shouting the words to Mary Mary. J's passing brought all of it back in a flood this morning, amazing how what I used to think was just background music for living was actually a canvas for those times.

hearing the radio today, especially hip hop, made me appreciate my man J's talent even more. no one spins today, not the art it used to be. as much as todays hiphop artists owe this man, the least they could do is heed the call for peace and responsibility. all of this look at me, what I got, ho this, ho that. every new artist pushes me further away from hip hop, closest to spin these days is in techno. TRUE spinning died last night.

J...rest in peace Brother...and thank you for bringing your art and love to this world...peace all.
TK sa

I just received a text message from my girlfriend in London telling me the news about Jay, I just wanted to offer you my condelences and true respect to RUN DMC and their families. As a latino living in Australia all i had while i went to school was hard times and lots of lack of confidence trying to come to terms with my life and family past, and I swear on my life that your music really saved me from a lot of bad things and your music helped me express myself and communicate with people and helped me become the person that i am today. I feel saddened and i forever share your glories and memories.

The music will never stop and it will always be Run's House!
Ritchie Ramos
Australia

WHY ? WHY ? WHY?
January 21, 1965 - October 30, 2002
Rest in Peace Jam Master
-- FROM G.E.R.M.A.N.Y ---

I am white kid from a farming community in the mid-west, I wasn't a big fan of rap and my love for rock was on its way down. I just wasn't excited about music anymore - it was all played out to me. Everything had been done. Then I heard "King of Rock" and something changed, it made me believe in music again. RUN DMC gave a rock-n-roll kid a reason to like rock-n-roll again. They helped change the face of music and caused a generation of musicians and poets to look for a new way to express themselves. I will always be a fan of RUN DMC. I thank them for making me believe in the power of change and renewal. I hope they know Jay is changing and renewing and they will meet again. My prayers are with you all and his family. God Bless!

Eli Loesch and the Full System Purge crew

JMJ was (is) the best. I wasn't interested in mustic until I heard Run DMC. Thank you for sparking my interest in hip-hop back at age 12!

Matt Lund, age 29, Seattle

I am a 56-year-old white Male, who grew up on Rock and Roll and Jazz. Although not into Rap, all of us will miss Jay, as he and Run DMC tried to bring us together. It is about peace, Man, and the music. Rest, my Man.

Lewis Green

Sorry this happened. Jam Master and the rest of Run DMC are iconic. They set trends and pushed the envelope for modern music today. Where I came from is a small agricultural area in the south of Texas. It was not an urban area and not very diverse as far as cultures go but when I heard Run DMC I was blown away and introduced to a world I did not know existed. A world where people fight everyday to better themselves and still carry on that fight.

In 1985 and 86 my first rap records were Run DMC and Beastie Boys. "Together Forever" read the poster on my wall of the 2 groups. Run DMC did not teach violence and their lyrics were uplifting and full of spirit. Jam Master, your spirit lives on. You have to be in a better place, anyplace but here on Earth is much better. We will always remember your contribution to music and hope that all the people you touched will progress to making this world a better place.

We love and miss you Carry on the spirit...
Chris Laurel
Austin, TX

I would like to thank RunDmc for all the good times they have given us, I understand this is a tough time, especially for the group and the family. My condolences are you with you all!!..As the fore fathers of Hip-Hop, I want to thank you for that sound that is greatly missed, today's rap is just not the same, but I at least I'm happy that your sound will continue to be heard forever and your memory will live through it. Enough is enough, when is all this nonsense going to end, I hope this is a lesson to us all that we need to stop glorifying violence, it seems music video's today are all about that. I hope your originality wears off on them!. Thanks for all parties, good times and all the memories!..may your soul rest in peace!

Mike-Philly

there are just no words to say.
jam master jay will always stay.
although his body passed away.

thank you so much for being the best dj ever.
rest in peace
merlin,germany

I lived and breathed RUN DMC throughout my teenage years. I danced at the very first Fresh Fest back in the day and I tried to live by the advice given to me in the Lyrics. RUN DMC was the only thing that made any sense to me then and seeing the way I've grown up my musical tastes are only offshoots of what they built. Someone has already said it, but Jay is the equivalent of any Beatle, to me he's even more important. Who in Hip-Hop would be anything without RUN DMC?

I'm at work wearing a pair of no-lace Adidas with 'JMJ' written on the front, it's all I could give back for the years they gave me. I'll probably be heading out to Queens tonight to try to cope a bit better. Biggie and Tupac were different stories in my life, equally sad, but they came along later and I was able to deal. Jay, Run and DMC defined my youth and now I feel like I'm missing part of me. Being a musician of sorts, everything goes back to your roots, for me, that's RUN DMC and JMJ, the first group I ever loved and the last group I'll ever love.

'His name's Jam-Master, call him Jay
The crowd goes wild when he starts to play
Everything is correct, and A-OK
Jam-Master's on the move, but his sounds will stay
Couldn't wait to see Jam-Master jammin'
Couldn't wait to see the master jam'

-Faith
Brooklyn, NYC

got damn,THAT DJ made my day !!! R.I.P. JMJ
DJ NASTY MUTTAH ; KASSEL-GERMANY

I have followed these very influential guys since I was a kid...I am devastated to hear what has happened. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the RUN DMC Family.....

RIP JMJ!!!

It's the middle of the summer and you get to the park early to claim your section of the park for the barbeque. The day gets hot and you turn on your radio - not the little ones we have today... I'm talking about Boom Boxes with dual high speed tape decks for dubbing, red and green LEDs, and a battery compartment for the eight D batteries you kept in the refrigerator last night - the kind on LL's Radio "album" cover.

Your listening to a Mister Magic Midday MegaMix (Frankie Crocker won't be on for a few hours) and he has the technics spinnin' the hits... White Lines, The Breaks, Roxanne... when it drops:

Two years ago a friend of mine
asked me to say some emcee rhymes
So I said this rhyme I'm about to say,
the rhyme was Def and it went this way
Took a test to become an emcee
and Orange Krush became amazed at me
So Larry put me inside his Cadillac,
the chauffeur drove off and we never came back

then...

War going on across the sea
Street soldiers killing the elderly
Whatever happened to unity?
It's like that, and that's the way it is

then...

J-a-y are the letters of his name
Cutting and scratching are the aspects of his game
So check out the Master as he cuts these jams
And look at us with the mics in our hands
Then take a count, 1-2-3
Jam Master Jay, Run-D.M.C.

and you lose your mind and rap along with the masters because you played the album over and over the week before until you memorized every word and break.

Thank you for memories Jay. Rest in Peace. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

Nobody understood when I played them in the 80's in my small white town. 3 years later they "got it" when it got big. RUN DMC was a big part of growing up, and I still LOVE the beats.

"God damn, that DJ made my day!"

mdk Rockport

Wanted to offer my condolences on the loss of a true hip-hop and rap legend. Jam Master Jay will definitely be missed, but his influences will never die.

May Jay's memories live on forever.

The End
St. Louis, MO

Run Dmc's music has been so meaningful to me - it was the soundtrack of my youth. It still moves me today. I'm am shocked and saddened to hear about this horrible crime. My condolences to Jay's family and loved ones.

Albert
Miami, FL

Ich möchte den Angehörigen und der Band mein Beileid über ihren verlusst aussprechen.Ich wußte nicht wo ich mich auf der Website eintragen konnte, deshalb schreibe ich an den Webmaster.Vielleich kann er mir weiterhelfen.

Sascha
German

With two turntables
This man was able
To spread some Peace and Love
He's no longer here
But don't you fear
He's smiling from Above
-Saul Goode, Berkeley, CA

whats up its mike dean from rap a lot records/ deans list enterprises/ www.deanslist.net . i just wanna say how messed up it is to see another friend dead for no reason at all. i deeply saddens me to hear this news because jay had such a goodness about him an shared it with everyone. my condolances to his family and the extended family at def jam. rest in piece.

mike dean
TANYA HERRON & MIKE DEAN

I am a listener of all kinds of music from rock to rap and all in between. All I have to say is that this man introduced me to rap. As soon as I heard "You Be iLL'in" I was hooked. So thank you Jay. Thank you for introducing me to rap and a differant culture. Because of you I am a more well rounded person and so thankful that I grew up with your beats. We all march to your beat and YOU set the bench mark for all DJ's.

Derek,
CHI-TOWN

When I found out last night JMJ was killed,I was furious and sad..It brought me back to when Biggie and Tupac were killed..There has to be a reason behind this senseless and cowardly act..I'm hurt because Run-DMC and JMJ we're in a sense part of our family..They we're part of my upbringing,a part of the best years of my life..JMJ was not a gang member,he never promoted violence,he help people and help out in his old stomping grounds,and still met the fate of a gangster..I want to send my condolences to his wife and his 3 kids,his family and friends...and most of all,to his fans..the ones who appreciated his work..."God Damn,that DJ made my Day"
R.I.P. J.M.J. You'll be missed.

Angel

Hey guys i loved you guys groing up and i still loving throwing in your disks. Just gotta keep the music alive, Jay will live on in the music. I was definitly sad once i found out what had happened, you know everyone is here for you guys. May better days shine true.
Muchlove,
Craig

I am truly saddened by death of Jam Master Jay. I remember when Run Dmc came to Berkeley, CA for the old school hip-hop concert. (September 1999) I joked with Jay about signing my shirt, I also gave Dmc tips on where to get a good pedicure for his sore feet. The hip-hop industry will never be the same.. I feel like there is no more hip-hop at this point. This was and is the greatest loss... Rest in Peace Jam Master Jay!!!! You were really the G.O.A.T. (GREATEST OF ALL TIMES) My prayers are with the family and friends of Jason Mizell..

Sharee Tidwell

I am a rockin' white dude in his early 40s who doesn't even like Hip Hop too much. But I recognize the talents within. I grew up in the 70s and 80s and I recognized the talent and positive vibe within the Hip Hop scene, spearheaded in the early 80s in the New York
area by Run DMC. This is a positive force; Run is truly the Beetles of the Rap scene. I was crushed to hear the tragic news. My prayers go out to band, family, and longtime fans. This is a tragedy in music. God Bless Jay, Run and DMC.
David Emswiler
Angleton, Texas

My name is Keith Middleton, every one at work and throughout my community know me as WildChild. I'm currently in the New York cast of STOMP and have been for the last seven years...I star in a new IMAX film called PULSE..I write and produce music for artists, commercials, plays etc....I've seen a lot of things....but to hear this HORRIFIC news of Brother Mizell...man, I'm just so upset about this....HE IS THE REASON FOR a lot OF US GETTING INTO THE BUISNESS..HE IS THE REASON WHY a lot OF US WENT AND GOT TURNTABLES.HE HAS INSPIRED ME TO PRESS ON, TO BELIEVE IN THIS ART FORM CALLED RAP MUSIC,
TO REMEMBER HIM IS TO KNOW WHAT HIP HOP IS
TRULY AN ICON
I LOVE YOU JAM MASTER JAY
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS.and.....RUN, D, and RUSSELL
REST IN PEACE
SINCERELY,
"WILD CHILD " KEITH MIDDLETON

THE TEARS I CRY

NOT ONLY OF LOVE,BUT THE THINGS I MISS,
HIS LOVING WORDS,HIS SPECIAL KISS.
NEVER WOULD I THINK OUR LOVE WOULD DIE,
IT LIVES IN MY HEART AND THE TEARS I CRY.

WE WILL MISS YOU FOREVER JAY!
GOD BLESS ALL OF US....

-MARY BRISCO,DETROIT

I'm 30 yrs old so I remember when Run DMC first came on the sceen. Not only were they phenomenal rappers. They were pioneers.They were trend setters. You couldn't be seen in school back in the day without your shell toes. And people are still rocking Addias till this day. Now I know there were rappers and rap groups before them, but no one had ever or will ever bring rap as far as they did. They crossed all racial and social backgrounds. Whether you were from the projects or the burbs you loved Run DMC. When I heard on the news last night that Jay had been shot I was truly saddened. Run DMC and their music was such a huge part of my youth. It's almost like a part of my childhood died with Jay's death. We have truly lost one of the great ones. Jay, you may be gone in body but your spirit lives on in all the people you touch. I just want to say thankyou for all the joy you brought me as well as your many other fans through your music. JMJ R.I.P 1965-2002. You will truly be missed.

i am extremely saddened by today's news. he will live on in our hearts and in his music. all of my thoughts and heart go out to
the family. nobody should have to go through something like this!

take care all,
carrie

R.I.P.JAY,
YOU WITH GOD'S FLOW NOW.

Jay's Djing skills were out of this world. He inspired me to become a Dj myself and work as hard as I could to do what he could do. He was a true inspiration and idol and changed my life more than anyone but him could know. And now, with this horrible tragedy, I just wanted to let him know, your top dog in my book man. Everytime I step up to those tables, I remember what you taught me. Rest in Peace Jam Master Jay.
DJ Reptile
Boston, Mass

peace and blessings from Chicago

My heart is very heavy today. I'm old enough to remember when RUN DMC was the only game in town. JMJ was the driving force for RUN DMC and his beats are still some of the most complete compositions in the history of modern music. The world lost a truly great musician. I can only imagine where this thing we call hip-hop is going. The continued violence - black on black violence that is associated with hip-hop has reached the point of no return.

For anyone who cares, in G-D's name do what you can to spread this message: The killing of us can only be stopped by us.

G-D knows better than we do and Jason Mizell has made his way back home. Peace to the Mizell family and the RUN DMC family.

R.I.P. Jam Master Jay

Met Run DMC back in 92 and the dudes were real. I lived on Hollis and 198 street. I will miss the brother. May the Creator be pleased with his newest Angel. Let's all Walk this way. Peace!!!!!!!

I am deeply saddened and shocked by the death of one of my all-time heroes. I remember when break dancing became the big thing. It was like 81 and I was nine years old. A couple of years later I heard "Its Like That" and was blown away. I then began to see them on BET and later on MTV. The more I saw of them, the more I liked them. After many friends and people at school had moved on to the next big thing, I proudly wore my Run DMC addidas sweatshirts and shoes. In 86, I went to a local store and bought two cheap turntables and a mixer. I still dj to this day and its all because of an article I read about Jay and his first equipment. I had heard other dj's before him, but he was the one that really inspired me and that I first studied. In fact, I really didn't know what I was doing. There were not a lot of dj's in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 86. So I read all I could about him and watched a lot of videos. I even tracked down Bob Jame's Mardi Gras record after reading that was the break used in "Peter Piper." I also remember seeing them at the old 9:30 club in D.C. in like 91. It was perfect. The old club was small and I got right up to the stage. I think I sang along to every song they did that night. I remember Jay coming by and shaking my hand from the stage at the end of the show. There will never be another show with his great scratch intro. I'm going to miss that too.
I can't believe he is gone. This is a huge loss to the hip hop world. My sympathy goes out to the Run, DMC, his family and friends. R.I.P.
Shane Stoner
Richmond, Virginia

Jam Master Jay - R.I.P - May you always keep cuttin and scratchin
At 12 years old RUN-DMC were the reason I got and stayed into Hip Hop.
Peace to the Mizell family

Pete Nice UK

i just read mtv.com saying he's dead. Well, he hardly made longer music than i live (I'm 19 right now) and i'm deeply shocked that good people (maybe the best, thinking of Big L, Tupac and Biggie) are always killed by f***ing idiots! My thoughts are with his children, his wife and his familiy...peace! (..more than ever, just look at today's world!)

Jurek
Gernamy

RUN DMC are the reason that Rap is where its at. A world wide representative of Hip Hop Culture. I still rock Adidas to this day. Jay you are an Icon in the Music Industry and 100 years from now people are still going to remember you and what you and RUN DMC did for the Hip Hop Community. This is the house that Jay built and it is and forever will be undistructable. My prayers of strength and comfort to the Family of Jay, Rev. Run, Darryl, Russell and the whole Hip Hop Community. From Asians to Latinos, there isn't one DJ in this world who can't say they owe who they are to Jay,

Synbad

97.9 the Beat -Dallas Texas

We have got to stop letting our ignorance persevere our intelligence. We are so worried about passing the blame or envying others' success, that we ourselves forget to strive for success. ¡Biggie, Tupac & now Jam Master it's ridiculous! Word to the wise we're living in hell (look around you and think about it) and those of us who maintain the faith may make it through this game we call life. Make no mistake about it there's a plan for each one of us we either fight against it or for it. My condolences to Jam Master's family, truly a great loss.

¡RUN DMC originators of this music industry that we call Hip Hop!
¡Peace & Love!
Jeffrey Merced

Shocked and saddened, today.

You will always be The King, my friend.

What a tragedy. I grew up with this music. Still got all my RUN-DMC records to show it. Hope they catch the coward that did this. RIP Jam Master J.

Nez
Germany

Tribute to Jay

The music of Run DMC and Jam Master Jay created a bond between friends, races and religion in my neighborhood. Even with prejudice and stereotype filling the world outside of our small Baltimore suburb, kids of all creeds and colors could smile, laugh and mouth the words of every rap song written and performed by this trio. Memories of filled venues rocking to the awesome beat that Jay would throw down, coupled with the smiles on all my friend's faces as our favorite rhyme was being delivered. These are the images that have continued to swirl once I learned of Jay's passing. Jay, thank you for helping me experience a world where a three to four
minute poem backed by a brilliant mix of bass and melody could open the door of peace among people of vast differences.

Rest in Peace

My name is T.J. Kelley and I'm a Morning Radio Host at a Top 40 radio station just north of Atlanta. Working in the media, I hear stories of celebrities dying weekly, but none have affected me like this did.

In the same sense of being sad, I also laugh a bit. I remember being "The White Kid" stationed in San Vito Italy with the Air Force when, I think it was "Krush Groove" came out...the same movie where we saw L.L. Cool J for the first time.there wasn't alot to select from moviewise on the base, so I went to check it out....that was my first REAL experience w/ rap music, and was INSTANTLY into Run DMC. Being a closet dj anyway, what he could do with turntables amazed me, and I became an INSTANT fan. My best friend Mark and I immediately sent home to the states for the latest RUN DMC tape (pre-CD) and literally wore IT OUT! Doing our own parodies to songs like My Adidas, It's Tricky, You Be Illin, hell...even NOW at 36 years old, I can recite every lyric to every song on that CD.

Anyway, the things I learned in those early days, as a HUGE fan of the Jam Master molded me into the mixologist I am today. My beats REEK of old school...and they're not just old school.....Jay lives on at every club gig I do...believe that....

That's about all I've got. We talked about this on the air today, and it really touched the audience. Although our demographic is 36 year old females, THEY ALL grew up listening to DMC, so Run, Daryll Mac, KNOW this....Jay was loved and respected even in the little suburbs by the soccer moms in and around Atlanta.

God Bless to all the families, and the fans.
To step off the format for just one second, Billy Joel nailed it when he said "Only The Good Die Young".

Peace.

T.J. Kelley
Host/Producer
Q102, Rome Georgia

I'm 34 and grew up on Roosevelt Island in NYC. I wasn't just a big Run DMC fan, but the lyrics and music helped me a LOT. The music is a soundtrack to my past...if I hear "it's like that...and that's the way it is..." I am sitting in a stoop between classes with my old pals (we used to sing the lyrics while cutting class, heh)...if I hear Rockbox, I'm hanging out with my pals after our little league game...it's a part of me. I have an autograph from Jay (Run DMC was at HMV music in Mahattan and I was working there)...I took it out...says "Peace." When will there be peace?

I am deeply saddened by the lost of the pioneer dj of all times. I remember my first tape was of run. Coming from a low income family, I remember listening to it through an old cassette player. It'll always remain etched in my memories. My condolences go out to the family of Jam Master Jay and the whole run family. He definitely was the king of rock and a king he shall forever remain. His loss has affected me greater than any other loss from the music industry. RIP Jam Master Jay..........

I heard the terrible news of JMJ's passing on BET last night. Run DMC was one of the groups in the first concert I ever attended (New
Orleans, summer of '86). Since then, I have been a fan for life. Jam Master Jay/Jason Mizell was an awesome DJ. He's definitely a legend and will be sorely missed.

As a child of the 80's I honestly have to say that I have never been a big rap/hip-hop fan. The rap/hip-hop groups I did like were very few & far between. Run DMC was one of those few groups that I could stand, and found that I enjoyed listening to, they're still the only rap CD I have in my collection. I also respected them for the contributions they made to up & coming artists as well as the way they found ways to give back to their community. Rest in Peace Jay, you were one of the good guys, and the world is a little more empty with you.

I am 32 from Houston and a father of 2 boys. I am about as middle class “white guy” as it gets…..But I have all of RUN/DMC originals on vinyl and grew up listening To the trio and singing classic lines such as : “When I woke up this Mornin’ and Got out of bed, I had some really fresh thoughts goin’ through My head: they were the thoughts that came from a wonderful dream, it was The vision of the world working as a team”

I am very saddened by the loss of JMJ…The one in charge…with his human Rock beats that are truly large…..Thug violence has hit us again….Sad, pathetic…waste of life….Hope someone feels thick after making so many people sad and Without A friend….Father….Husband…..World Wide Pioneer….JMJ is gone, but not forgotten…Hey thug….all you did was bring out millions of folks from the woodwork to Show you how much the man meant to them….Opened a can of worms…Hope you can look yourself in the mirror…..Makes plenty of sense….kill someone who preached peace…?.

RIP……..JMJ DMC GOT ME THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL …..SORRY TO HEAR THE MAN PASS THANKS FOR ALL OF THE GREAT SOUNDS AND FOR PAVING THE WAY

Mike from H-TOWN

Jam Master Jay,
We owe you so much, and you gave so much back. A perfect example of a life well-lived. The scum who did this haven't changed the fact that your music and your soul will live forever. Run-DMC was the first concert I ever saw, and since then I have never doubted that being a musician was one of the best ways I could spread Peace, Love and Happiness. I will continue to do so, and think of you whenever I make someone smile with my music. Go with God now, child of Light.
-Saul Goode the UltraNada, Man!
Berkeley, CA

I jumped out of my bed this morning hearing about the news.

I grew up listening to RUN DMC along with the other pioneers in the 80's. He was struck down at a very young age (two years older than me), and I am saddened by another tragic loss in the hip hop community from MY era!

I pray for Jay's family and friends. Please stray strong during this transition. I also pray that the perputrator comes forward or is
caught. He was one of the members that made hip hop what it always should be!

I just wanted to extend my best wishes to the entire Run-DMC family on behalf of Jay. Run-DMC and Jay were obviously mentors to so many of us and they really spoke to poeple of all races on many levels. Reading the tributes on the web site made me cry and a big loss will be felt by not only the hip-hop community but the entire world and anyone who has ever heard Run-DMC. Jay was an inspiration to me as a DJ and I can remeber wanting nothing more than to be able to cut up Bob James' "Take Me To The Mardi Gras" like Jay did on Peter Piper. To this day I still throw that routine into my sets but the next time I do it I think I will get a bit choked up. We'll all miss you Jay!-----Dave "DJ CUTUP"

With a heavy heart, I send my condolences to the family of Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay) and the remaining members of Run DMC.

My brother who is a police officer in Washington, DC and loves TRUE hip hop called me last night and informed me of the horrible tragedy. And that is exactly what this should be considered. . . a TRAGEDY!

Besides the important impact that Jay made to hip hop and music in general, he was first and foremost someone's son, brother, father, husband and friend. The state of mind of our young black men today is deteriorating faster and faster every day. They don't care about anything but themselves and have a total disregard for another human life. God will be their final judge and jury.

Kids today don't understand nor will they never know what true hip hop is. We as a community are so quick to call music from a mere 5-10 years ago "Old Skool". They were the masterminds of this game and were not respected and treated that way from the mainstream of today. The new artists who are out now singing about killing and the other nonsense that take precedence in their songs should go out and buy the Run DMC greatest hits albums to learn what this artistry SHOULD be about. They are all currently on a one-way train headed for disaster if they don't change their ways and take some accountability for what they are saying that is poisoning the minds of the next generation.

Jam Master Jay . . . . Rest In Peace! Those of us 30 and older will never forget you and will always give you PROPS! God bless his family and real friends during your time of sorrow. God will never give you anything more than you can handle . . . remember to keep Jay in your hearts forever.

Clarissa
Hollis, NY

I am deeply saddened to see that senseless violence has taken the life of such a great musician. Though I no longer listen to the Hollis Crew regularly they live on in my mind from my teenage years. I hope the perpetrators are caught and that NYC offers full vengeance with no remorse. Maybe they should throw them into the streets of Queens and identify them. The world is a lesser place now. May the crew carry on. RIP JMJ. You will be missed and remembered always.
REGARDS,
Jeffrey A. Bowman, M.B.A
Boca Raton, Florida

When I was a dorky Fairfield County 15 year old, my tastes and worldview were transformed by the Saturday night DJ Red Alert radio show that I could pull in from KISS-FM in the city if I positioned my boombox antenna just right. With my lawnmowing money I went on a quest at the mall record store, trying to get to the heart of this exotic world of rap. I got no guidance from the clerk in the Whitesnake tshirt, but managed to come away with some good stuff (cassettes of course): Doug E. Fresh, Kool Moe Dee and Run
DMC. I have many fond memories of rocking 'King of Rock' on my new Sony Walkman in the halls of Ridgefield High, laughing at the clever, goofy lyrics, marveling at Jay's samples and feeling like I'd hit upon some great, deep secret in discovering this tape.

JMJ RIP.

'His name's Jam-Master, call him Jay
The crowd goes wild when he starts to play
Everything is correct, and A-OK
Jam-Master's on a move, but his sounds will stay'

-Christopher Weber

but I want to express my desire for justice. I want to see the perpetrator of this crime brought to justice, and I want the music community, the fans, the media, and the politicians to take this case seriously and pressure law enforcement to make solving this crime a priority. We cannot stand by while another positive black man, a true role model, deserving of the title, is gunned down in cold blood and his case left unsolved. Our community, true fans of hip-hop, deserve closure to this. Jay, we won't let you go out like this.

Justice for Jam Master Jay
-Paul Rodriguez

i would like to send my thoughts and prayers to the family of jam master jay what else can be said about this guy who helped pave the way and lay the foundation of hip hop....his legacy will live on and he will never be forgotten thankyou jam master jay for what you have meant to me and the hip hop world we love you.....steven.....miami,florida

Peace,
Our love and best wishes go out to the family of Jam Master Jay, to the members of Run DMC. We've been fans for years. It breaks our hearts to hear this tragic news and we can only ask the question "Why has his life been taken from him and those that know him in this evil way?" May Allah bless you all during this hard time.
Hyram Abiff and Joanne Muhammad (London,UK)

With all due respect, unlike the deaths of Notorious B.I.G and 2-Pac, Jam Master Jay is very tragic. Jay's loss will be felt.

This is going to sound stupid...I put my Adidas in the air, in honour.

May the beat never die.

I am just shocked at the death of Jason Mizell,it's just so unbelievable that this has happened.I have been a huge fan of Run-DMC since I was seven years of age.They are the true kings of hip hop music.My heart goes out to his family what a terrible loss.This day in age you never know when it's your time,his time came way too soon.He'll be remembered as one of the best...Rest In Peace Jason... -Dewight-

Jam Master Jay, DJ Run and DMC gave us all a gift. In the early 80's when their music was given to us, it gave us more than just a beat. More than a rhyme, and more than 2 minutes of entertainment. It gave us all equality. It didn't matter if you were white, black, latino or asian. We all listened to the music, and we all enjoyed the message. We danced to it and lauged with it, we played it at our parties, and played it in our cars, and all the while, removing the barriers of race, religion and creed.

You will be greatly missed!
-Mauricio Pineda

Not a fan of rap but, in light of all the violence surrounding it, you have my deepest sympathy in your loss. Seems he was the exception, not the rule. What a loss for your industry. God grant him and his family peace in such a tragic event.
CLH

"As You Remember Me"

If only you could see
The place God has taken me.
If only you could feel
The peace that came and healed.

Think of the smile on my face
As I entered this heavenly place.
Think of the love I have for you
And the prayers I send to comfort you.

And as you remember me...

...remember, your love lives inside of me.

Elizabeth Roberts Whitney

I would like to offer my prayers and sympathy to Run Dmc, Jay's family and all the fans of Run DMC.... I have been a fan of Run Dmc sine their first album and was blessed to have met Jay way back in the late 80's in Boston. I have always enjoyed their music and Jay's way of laying beats and scratches down to make some of the best hip hop that has been created....... He will been sincerly missed by me and millions of fans... I would like to let his wife know... His memory will live on as " the KING" a true pioneer in hip hop and who's talent will never be recreated.

Peace & Much Love,
From your Cali connection
DJ Alpine Dee

RUN DMC is the best rap band ever formed. They never played into the gang stuff and were a positive influence to everybody, especially their hometown. I've never felt this bad about seeing somebody who I have no direct contact with die. This is a dark day for everybody.

David Vititoe

My girlfriend called me late last night to tell me she'd heard the news on the radio. I've been very sad ever since. It's hard to believe the Jam Master is gone. I grew up in a very restricted household, where I couldn't listen to "unapproved" music. When I got to college, my first experience with rap was hearing a Run DMC song blasting out of a room on my floor. I've been hooked ever since. It's a sad, sad tragedy that one of the Kings of Rock is no longer with us. Rest in peace, Jam Master Jay. The only other thing I can think of to say is, "Goddamn, that DJ made my day."

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND DEEP SIMPATHY TO THE FAMILY JMJ THIS BY FAR THE GREATEST LOSS IN HIP-HOP. IF JAY CAN HEAR ME NOW AND READ THIS NOW I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU JMJ FOR HELPIN MAKE HIP-HOP HAPPEN AND I WILL MISS U FOREVER.

ONE
OMAR

As a student growing up in rural England I bought their first album in '84 and watched them get the recognition they deserved with their the big hit Walk this Way. I am sure their are other fans from all walks of like from many different parts of the world who are sickened and saddened by the killing of Jam Master Jay. Prayers for his widow and his children from whom he has been cruelly taken.

David Chaudoir
London

I'm a chinese guy that’s been living in L.A. all my life. I grew up listening to run dmc all through my late elemntary and early junior high years. They inspired me to be myself and keep it real. My name is Jason too, so I felt like I related to him more than anyone else in the crew. May you rest in peace Jay. May you continue doing your music up there in heaven with Tupac and Biggie.

Jason Chuan
Los Angeles

To Run DMC, the family of Jason Mizell, and all the fans:

Please accept my heartfelt condolences to the whole Run DMC family at the loss of Jam Master Jay. Here's to Jam Master Jay: the `big beat blaster' and `best DJ in the US of A.' May he rest in peace.

In 1984, I first heard Run DMC on the car radio after church in the parking lot of St. Peter's in Springfield, MA (on 90.7 WTCC – college radio was the only way to hear such music on the radio there then). "Hard Times" played in a commercial for an upcoming concert at that time. I bought Run DMC's first album, RUN DMC, a few days later with money I'd earned delivering newspapers. Track 3, "Jam Master Jay," was my favorite song to which to break dance. Now age 30 and with a son of my own who is three weeks old, I am deeply saddened at the loss of a great person, DJ, and entertainer. In fact, I had just put "Jam Master Jay" on a mixed CD that I made to celebrate fatherhood this past Sunday. A piece of my childhood and musical life has died with the murder of Jam Master Jay. But I know that is nothing compared to the loss his family feels.

In my opinion, for what it's worth, DMC's lines from "Sucker MCs" sum up what Run DMC is all about (i.e., perseverance and great beats with positive rhymes): "I'm DMC in the place to be, I go to St. John's University; and since kindergarten I acquired the knowledge - and after 12th grade I went straight to college...." Jam Master Jay was there providing the beats and he remains in our hearts.

Rest in Peace Jam Master Jay.
Very Respectfully,
Joe Holstead

Can I just say that I am sick right about now?

I have loved Hip Hop since I was old enough to know what it was. I knew the first time I heard "The Message," that this love affair would last a lifetime.

The first hip hop album I had in my personal possession was "Raising Hell." Man, I have loved Run DMC since.

R.I.P.
Jam Master

My deepest Sympathy goes out to the Mizell and Run Dmc Family, especially to Jays wife and 3 children who I know is going to miss him dearly as a husband and father.

There is always tragedy in this world, especially among the African American Race. We should not hurt each other we should love and help one another. I know its a struggle but we all can make it just sticking together and doing whats right in life. I wish I can make a difference in this world, but I know it would only matter to those who care about stoppng the violence.

Life is to short thats why we have to live life to the fulliest like Jay did. He made a difference in his life and contribute it to others. He was the master plan to hip hop, he was gifted and brilliant for the things he did and beats he created he was the man. Run Dmc Grand Master J was all I knew growing up in the eightys. They were the best Hip Hop group around. We partied to there music at the 99 center parties we had. To me all there songs were hits, and always will be.

I pray that who ever did this to Jay be captured and pay the price of taking another human beings life, leaving the ones who loved him in hurt and pain and not knowing why.

JAY
You will be missed Truly
Love Trina
From Pittsburgh

you three gave me and my friends countless hours of fun and inspiration. never heard negativity from y'all just creativity. jay, rest in peace and thank you for the lifetime of good memories i have which you're creativity helped create.

Although I do not consider myself a fan of Run-DMC, I recognize with his death the hip-hop community counts another tragic loss - the list of 2pac, Notorious BIG, Big L, etc. seems to grow every day. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

S.S.

Hi. I didn't know who else to write to. My heart is sick. I just heard about JMJ. Man I can't believe it. I've been a big fan of Run-DMC since the first time I heard King of Rock. JMJ was a true artist, and the group as a whole was one of my first musical inspirations. Who would do something like this?!?! Jay was a good man. He brought a lot of joy into this world through his art and performance. And now someone has robbed us all of that. There's a hole in my life today.

I don't know who will read this, but to Jay's family, I will pray for you. Find joy in knowing that he with with God now, and remember that big smile of his. To Jay's brothers in music, God will give you peace. Run-DMC is not dead. It cannot be erased by a single senseless act like this. The person who did this will get what they deserve. But for now, we can all put on our favorite Run-DMC disc, shed a tear for Jay, and give him the respect he deserves as a true pioneer and legend.

Down with the King,
Toben Barnum

Growing up in Hollis, seeing Run, DMC and Jay on a regular basis. My heart is saddend by the tragic loss. I can honestly say from expirence that Jay always had something positive to say to us young guys on the AVE. Although they were stars they never were to big to stop and holla at us. Right or wrong we knew and respected thier advice. From Dollies to Frannie Lou, Hollis Crew for Life. Jay was respected, and a sincere soul. He nor his family deseved this. My prayers go out to the Family and the music Industry as a whole.

198&110th Ave.

I was shocked out of sleep this morning when I heard the news on the radio about Jam Master Jay. I fell back to sleep then woke up for real about 2 hours later thinking "Nah, I dreamt that. " I turned on the morning news and there it was. I am still in shock... Run-DMC was such huge part of my youth. Not a day goes by that I'm not saying one of their rhymes in my head.

I always refer to my great friend Josh as "Jay" (Josh is pretty mean with a couple of turntables). I was a metal-head in high school and one of my friends gave me a mix tape with Rock Box, King of Rock, and Hollis Crew on it - I was hooked from that moment. My brother and I would trade rhymes - I was DMC and he was Run. We both were Jay - scratching on the dashboard, on someone's shoulder, in the air... The highlight of our high school lives was seeing the "Together Forever" tour with the Beastie Boys in '87. Fittingly, the show was the night after we graduated. Run-DMC was the soundtrack to our senior year. This is a truly sad day.

Mike B.
Oceanside, CA

I am sitting at work fighting back the tears since hearing the news of Jay's death this morning. I grew up loving Run-DMC. My condolences to the Mizell family. God bless.

Nicole, Philly

I just want to express my deepest sympathies to Jason's family and friends. I was very sad to hear the news this morning.

I have a bit of beef with Don Imus (Imus in the morning) who, this morning, spoke of the incident in quite a glib manner. One of his co-hosts even went so far as to say "who cares". I was even more saddened by their apathy. Just thought I'd put that out there.

Ben Arnold
Washington, DC

Well I don't know how to put it to words....shocked...upset...angry...sad...who knows. What I really know is that I am going to miss him. I don't know him as a personal friend. RunDMC's music made you feel like you were a part of the family. The music that they made the whole country could relate to not just New York.

I am praying for his wife and three children for I know they are really greiving at this hour in there lives. As for fans like us we have posters, music and memories that will last forever

I'll be wearin me adidas for u man, Rest in Peace.

Marki, sheffield Uk

A piece of my childhood passed away on 10/30/02. I'm sure he will be jammin' with Big, Tupac, and Scott La Rock in Heaven.

My name is Stephen of SWC Productions out of Boston Ma. I have to say that I am truly devastated by this senseless murder. I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with Jay. I do not see how anyone could hurt such a generous, God loving spiritual person. I met Jay when he and the rest of Run-DMC came to Boston FREE OF CHARGE to do a show for me in the name of "Say No To Drugs" "Stop The Violence" and "Stay in School" for Black children in Boston. Either God really needed him or the Devil is hard at work because this was a good brother, with a good heart! My sympathy goes out to his friends and family especially Joey Simmons who has shown us all that Rap is not always negative. I love you brother cause you personally brought me back to God and my life has been prosperous, abundant and full of love on all levels ever since. Keep your head up Joey, stand strong in Jesus name!

I grew up in Africa and rap came to me in whatever form I could get it. If someone had an album, a video tape of fuzzy dubbed videos, it would make the rounds until it was dubbed into something so run down you could barely see or hear the picture. But Run DMC was always there and there was never any sense whether they were new or old because they were always so tight. I don't how many takes they did in a studio, but something about how Run and DMC rhymed off of each other was to perfect to take seriously sometimes. And Jay cutting over it the whole time. Think about a song like Peter Piper and how much it means when DMC is saying, "not bad meaning bad, but bad meaning good," and Jay's cutting under it. Then think of how many DJs use that beat, what those first real srcatches mean to DJs and how Jam Master was as much a
legitemizing of the DJ as Run and DMC legitmized rappers. You think a pseudo super star like Funk Master Flex came up with his name out of nowhere? It started with Jam Master Jay. No DJs had as many songs about him as Jay and few have had as much influence. What's most frustrating, of course, is that Run DMC was never about the guns and violence people could point to when Tupac and Biggie got killed. I don't know what Jay did on his own, but in front of people, in the limelight, he was never about guns and violence. He, like his group, was a about good times, good rhymes, and where it fit, which was a lot, social conscience. He will be missed. Hopefully, with the world becoming the war torn place it's becoming, Jay's old message of good times and a good head, will do something about the gun and ridiculous reality obsessed raps out now that often set a precedent for these things to happen. My love for rap started with Jay, it will have always started there and what that means to me and a large majority of people, will never be taken away.

Alex de Lucena
New York City

I have followed the group literally since I was a child, and I wanted to pay my respects, to Mr. Mizell, and send my heartfelt condolences to Run DMC, and the rest of his family. In honor of him, I created this image, and I felt it appropriate to pass on.

God Bless at this difficult time,
DeMarcus F. Young

My condolences go out to the RUN-DMC and Jay's family. As a white metal-head kid living in BFE Michigan back in 1986, the music of RUN-DMC opened my eyes to a whole new world. Sixteen years later, Raising Hell remains one of my favorite albums of all time. Rest in Peace Jam Master.

Merrick

I just wanted to send my condolences to the family (that includes friends) and fans. It's sad to know a positive man was cut down by trash. Now we are left with trash posing as art but his art was REAL and will last FOREVER. I want to say thanks for the great music. On behalf Chloe and Ian-Peace and much Love. God Bless.

I send my prayers to Jay's teenage son who came to the crime scene.
Why this happened to an old skool family man I hope we all find out
Why?

Prayers to the family and fans!!!
RIP

I am so saddened this morning. I saw Run-DMC at Rock in Rio way back in the day. At a show that had all types of performers over several nights, their set was by far the best. They screamed "Rio" punctuated to the beats of their raps - and it was unforgettable, how they channeled the love and the groove.

I am so sorry for the world's loss, with Jay being taken from us. Let us pray to end the violence, that this murder does not beget more people losing their loved ones. Please stop the violence and let rap rock on. Peace -

Celia Joyce de Mello

you three gave me and my friends countless hours of fun and inspiration. never heard negativity from y'all just creativity. jay, rest in peace and thank you for the lifetime of good memories i have which you're creativity helped create.

Heaven's got a new "Master" and his name is Jam Master Jay!
Thanks for some of the best memories of my childhood!
R.I.P. - God Bless.

Eric

Rest in Peace, Jam Master Jay.
Hope you know what you meant to a group of inner city boys stuck on a group home for troubled kids way out in the country in the 1980's. Come to think of it - maybe their nerdy older white counselor learned something about them through you, too.

-- Alex, Sonoma County

I am sending out my sympathy to Run/DMC, Russell Simmons and Jam Master Jays family's. The Krush Groove/Def Jam Family. I also want to let you know that RunDMC inspired my life. I bought your first album and went to your first touring concert, The Fresh Festival when you came to Roanoke, VA. The one out of the group that inspired me the most was Jam Master Jay because he was the DJ, and being a 12 year old upcoming DJ myself ,he inspired me to follow my dream. I have been DJing 20 yrs. now and I'm currently going to school to be a producer. Basically what I'm trying to say is that Jam Master Jay will be greatly missed but also greatly appreciated by those who's lives that HE & RunDMC has touched.

Sincerely,
Jeremy (DOC) Stockton
Roanoke,Va

I grew up with you guys and it is so hard to believe one of you guys are gone. I loved Grand Master Jay I been to most of the concerts I even remember when Jay had a group called the Afros. Rest in peace Jay you will be remembered and loved and God bless Run and Dmc because you have to go on without a brother and a friend God bless Jays family.

Love Althea and Duane Seels & Family

God Damn that DJ made my day...

What a sad day. My condolences to the Mizell family and Jay's friends.

I can still remember the first time I heard Sucker MC's and Here We Go, unmistakable beats by Jay. I found Run DMC in 1983 and it was the first music I ever loved and led me directly to the Beastie Boys and the rest of hip hop - not to mention my avid exploration of the samples and beats they utilized - which led me to Jazz, Funk, Rock and the wide array of music I listen to today. Back in the day, when DJ's were the "producers" Jay brought the "big beat" records and cut tracks that would turn into what later would be called classic Old School Hip Hop.

On Run DMC Albums, introduction tracks like Rock the House, Sucker DJ's opened Run DMC records like all records should open and tracks like Peter Piper, Beats to the Rhymes, Run's House and even Down with the King are some of my favorite showcases of Jay's skills.

Live was a whole different story - I was lucky enough to catch the Raising Hell Tour at MSG - holy shit. Jay opened shows with a style that was all his. Over the years, I caught shows at small venues and amphitheaters - and Jay made sure that Run DMC always was "Rocking without a band!"

Growing up / living in the NYC Metro area and by working in the event business, I was lucky enough to me Run, D and Jay a couple times - D and Jay on Sullivan Street in the village one day was the best and most recently, all three about a year ago at an art opening at benefit show at a small club in NYC. Every time, Jay was really out of his way nice and funny as hell.

To say Jay was an influence on me and Hip Hop community is a tremendous understatement. Jay was a hip hop pioneer and a musical legend.

RIP Jam Master Jay

Turntables might wobble but they won't fall down

Shawn Morrissey
Jersey City, NJ

They will always be together forever! RUN DMC helped bring the melting pot of America together. May J. rest in peace knowing he helped bring people of different origins and races together. My condolences to the family and the group! My dad knew of one lyric and he said it to me every now and then "You talk to much". He was just joking but I still laugh when I think about it.

Melvyn Rexrode
Woodbridge, VA

Dear Everybody
I wanted to let you all know that I am real sorry for your loss.I know that is a very sad and tragic day for all of you.I write this message because nearly 22 years ago,I was in your position when I heard on the news that John Lennon was assasinated in New York City by Mark David Chapman.My condolenses go out to all of you.Again,I am sorry for your loss.
Sincerely Frank R.Schoonover

To all the family and fans of Jam Master Jay, receive a salute on this hard time. All the fans of Run DMC in Mexico are with all of you.

Wow I cant breath. Is what I am seeing for real? Jam Masters gone. It feels like yesterday I was wearing my red Adidas and breaking to some Run beats. We lost Pac, Biggy and now Jay? Whens it going to end? In the past three years I have lost my brother, my best friend, and just last week I learned my sister has cancer. Hip hop helped me to deal with my grief, but what do I have to help me with this grief? My black leather cap has long since been retired and same whit my Adidas, but I will bring them out of retirement for one last break for the king.

Long live DMC

All I want to know is why?

Mauryce Thomas

When I was much younger in 1985 I saw run DMC in concert in Phoenix, AZ I'll never forget it . Becuase it was the best concert I'd went to; it will forever be a great memory. Thanks for the memory.You brought all ethnic' s togerther like nobody could at the time and for that I thank you! I'm sorry about our great loss; And wanted to somehow give my condolences to his family, friends and fellow fans. May God Bless you and fill ya'll with his peace.
You shall be remembered Sir. Jam Master Jay.
May you rest in peace. For always may you be remembered.
Frances
Glendale,Az

I am saddened at the senseless killing of one of HIP HOP's true pioneers. Jam Master Jay represented all that we could hope for as HIP HOP became respected due to his talent and that of RUN DMC. I think back as a college student, when I first caught a glimpse of this crew from Hollis Queens at the Fun House Night club back in 1986.They were the "buzz" on the street. Nobody had broken out in the Rap game like they did. The music defined them, and that was Jay's major contribution.The look gave them style;Shell Top,Addidas,Lee Bootlegs,leather Jackets and the Kangol's,come on, who could beat that. We have lost another soldier. May God Blessings be upon his
soul and that of his family.
Peace
Themba Sibeko
South Africa

MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND ALL WHO CARE.

Jam Master J , was and is someone I wanted to be like, spent hours
and hours trying to get the cuts and mix down like he did.

THANKS JMJ FOR BEING A HERO TO SOMEONE THAT DIDN'T HAVE MUCH TO LOOK
UP TO.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND RIP
DJ T-ROCK

it's very sad that a legend like jay had to be gunned down. i was just thinking of true-school rap songs that would make today's "hip-hop" songs shrivel up and Run-D.M.C-Jam Master Jay's would blast anybodies. i hope all future d.j.'s had a chance to see the Master at work. there never was, never will be another Jay.i hope all families touched by this terrible tragedy an eternity of strength and love.
john 5:28,29 john 11:25,26

As friends of "Kid Rock" (aka Bob) there was never a more exciting day than when my husband and I got to see him perform with RUN-DMC and Aerosmith. Bob's face lit up as we talked about growing up on RUN-DMC's music. Despite touring together, he still could not believe he was performing with one of his all time favorites.

After the show, Bob introduced us to Jay. Sadly, this was only last month (9/12/02) and we did not get to know him more than on that one night. We are tearful, today, but thankful for the many years of music and positivity that he brought to a world filled with violence and anger. Also, for the kindness and courtesy that he and the rest of RUN-DMC extended to us that night.

May his memory and musical abilities live on and may God bring peace to his wife, children, family and friends.

RS
Ohio

I have only slipped away into the next room.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy ways you used to.
Laugh as we laughed at the jokes we enjoyed together.
Sing, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be the household word it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near.

R.I.P. Jam Master Jay.........

Goddamn that DJ made my day!

He was a good man and will be missed in the hip hop
community dearly.

Dan Schlissel

I can't tell you how saddened I am at this. I have been a fan of Run-DMC since their first days on MTV and the radio, while I was a teenager. My group of friends was the "different" group at school, and one reason was because of the music we listened to. Run DMC and all the other "old school" groups and DJs have always been my
favorites, ever since then. I was proud to be different then, am still that way now, and can sincerely say that Run DMC played a part in that, and for that I am forever grateful. All my sympathy goes to Jay's family, friends, and all of us who have always loved Run DMC and everything they stood for.

Teresa in Washington, DC

Having grown up with RUN DMC and JAY this tragic event has really taken a toll on me, by my own surprise. The beats and music that JAY produced for RUN and DMC where like no other and it moved you, made you think at times and at times it made you just want to jam. I've always loved rap and will continue to love and support the positive rap artists, but this idiotic killing of "Great Artists" just has to cease. "Music is made to sooth the soul, not kill it."

My prayers and sympathy goes out to JAY's family and close friends.

Clarice Lewis

Run-DMC and JMJ are huge ICONS of Rap (Hip-Hop).

They are the only enduring trend from NY that has forever permeated the Boston Street Scene for so long.

Roxbury is an inner-city neighborhood in Boston, (of note, it tried to cede from Boston to form its own city). The culture in Roxbury has always been working class blacks (of lower income, but very proud). When Run-DMC released Sucker MC's off its Run-DMC album. The community (as all over the country I'm sure), found its voice. Found its soul and found its HERO'S. I can't begin to thank you guys enough for giving us an identity, courage and a voice during the Reagan 80's. It was the best feeling in the world to know that we have brothers and sisters out there living and experiencing the same vibe. Run-DMC brought us all together and kept us rocking for years.

Adidas are a trademark in Roxbury, made famous by Run, D, and Jay. If you don't own a pair you can get bombed out. We have a park here called Adidas Park and it is has served 2 purposes, it unites the youth of the City and it is a small tribute to our mentors, our brothers and our friends, Run-DMC. Run-DMC related goods are probably the only NY import that continues to do well in a very Boston minded community. The Beantown and the Big Apple may be fierce Rivals in a lot of areas, but one thing is for certain; even though they are from Hollis, Queens. Run-DMC and JMJ will forever be welcome in Roxbury.

Farewell, Brother Jay. May you rest in eternal peace, rockin with Big and Pac.
Holla for you Boyz in the Bury.

Pause - (JMJ's song) Whose House - Jay's House.

Jeffrey D. Anderson
Roxbury, MA (2nd Home of Run, DMC, & JMJ).

Since the days of my youth, I have filled many joyous moments with Run-Dmc's music and faith. From breakdancing on cardboard in the streets to graffitti writing in the urban sprawls and highschool dances we all loved to hate, the college parties where everyone wanted to be a Dj and even the jutebox at my favorite pizza parlor. Jason Mizell/Jam Master Jay you will be greatly missed in life, but may your memories live on in those who loved you for you music, your spirit, your pride. Rest in peace my friend, for today is a sad day for the world of Hip Hop. God bless your family and friends.

We're not talking ground, we're not talking sky.
We're not talking low, we're not talking high.
We're not talking big, we're not talking small.
We want all of the people on off the wall.
We're not talking night, we're not talking day.
But we're talking 'bout Jam Master Jay.

One Love,
Eric

I feel sick & sad today. I have been in the music business 30 + years. I have been able to meet a lot of incredible artists. I was very blessed to be around Run DMC on many occasions. I can not believe that we have lost Jay. He was a beautiful person. News of his MURDER is so shocking. For me it is very similar to when I first received news of the brutal killing of John Lennon. Jay and his brothers in the group, opened so many doors for hip-hop. The hip-hop explosion began with RUN DMC. They broke down barriers and changed the scene forever. Run DMC are the Beatles of hip-hop. My heart goes out to them & their families. This is so unexpected and devastating to the
entire hip-hop community worldwide. Who ever did this MUST be caught. This can not be another unsolved murder in our world. This hideous crime must be solved. We all know that Jay will be in a better place and we also know exactly where this killer will spend his eternity. Today we ALL might wobble but we won't fall down, and I will always say "THAT DJ MADE MY DAY"

Violet Brown

I don't even know what to say right now. When I woke up this morning and saw the news I was in such shock....and I still am. I've been listening to Run DMC as long as I can remember. When ever I hear Walk This Way, it always takes me back to this summer when I was in Pittsburgh at the Kid Rock and Aerosmith concert and they sang that song together. It's so hard to believe that I just saw Jay not to many months ago at that concert and now he is gone. What is this world coming to? Killing is not the answer....especially on an innocent man who was nothing but good and warm hearted. My heart goes out to his family and the group. There are no words to express how upset you are I'm sure.....but just know that my prayers along with many others are with you at this time. Jay may you rest in peace...you will be missed terribly.....but will NEVER be forgotten.

Duckybaby, PA

"I've learned that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon"
"I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words, it may be the last time you see them"

Its like a piece of my teen-age years have been torn away from me...
RIP Jay....
My condolences to Jay's family, Run and Dee......

Shell

I HAVE GOT TO TELL YOU GUYS I WAS RAISED BY YOUR MUSIC... IT IS BECAUSE OF YOU THAT I TOOK AN INTEREST IN MAKING HIP HOP A PART OF MY LIFE. I HAVE BEEN MAKING RAP MUSIC FOR 14 YRS I DO IT FOR THE LOVE NOT THE FAME. PEACE TO JAY, YOU'LL BE MISSED ON A WORLD WIDE SCALE. MUCH LOVE TO YOUR FAM... THEY ARE IN MY PRAYERS. JOE & D. I JUST MET YALL BACK STAGE AT THE KID ROCK CONCERT IN CLEVE.(BLOSSOM) IT WAS A HIGH POINT IN MY 31 YRS OF LIFE. I KNOW THAT RUN DMC IS DEFINATELY TOUGHER THAN LEATHER...STAY UP!!!!!!!
REST IN PEACE TO BROTHER JAY...YOU'LL ALWAYS LIVE IN OUR HEARTS.

JOHN BIANCHI
(JB SKETCH ONE)
CLEVELAND, OHIO

Today is not a good day.
I am totally shocked.
I found your site by accident and am glad I did.
I have been searching for a lot of the MP3's you have.
Are you still offering the "Offer"?

Long Live The Kings Of Rock!!!
Chuck

I jus had to say something and didn't know where to send it to. I am 30yr white boy from a white middle class town in Illinois, outside Chicago. I grew up with more black friends then white and spent most of my free time on the other side of town so I am truly in mourning after hearing the news today on my computer when I arrived to work. I came up with these guys and bought all there records, my good friend and I even went out and bought the dark blue puff jacket when they first wore them and Addias with the fat laces were automatic gear requirements for us. I find it hard to believe that a Rap Icon giving back to a community that so few ever do once they hit star-dom can be taken so easily by such a coward. I have faith that Jay's family will press on and come through this and GOD will give them the strength to push forward! REST IN PEACE JAY.
John

Rest in Peace J!
Heaven will be rocking, the world will miss your music.

JMJ is someone who has worked so hard to bring peace, unity, and education to the world of rap. He's not suppose to go out like this. This is a true tragedy.

James

Beats to the rhyme.
We just lost our John Lennon- Jay was the backbone of the most influential music act of the last 25 years. Let's not let him die in vain- Stop the
Violence. We're headed for self-destruction.

Thanks- Kevin

My condolences to Jay's family and friends, such a loss to us all who grew up with Run DMC. May the good Lord bring comfort & peace to you all. Also, would like for everyone to pray for the assailant to be exposed and God get all the glory!

His Love & Ours,
Brian & Antonia Hernandez

It's a tragedy to hear something this terrible, to think I was in a Halloween party this weekend pass and it was a 80's theme and the only thing I could think of was Run-DMC.God bless Jam Master J's family and friends through this and hope they find the people behind this. I want to thank Run Dmc for the positive influence they had on me growing up they were and will be one of the greatest in time, Rest in peace J you will be missed.

Billy lopez,Richmond Hill Queens, N.Y

Yo, On the real. I grew up with Run DMC. When they blew up I was in the Navy and before they Blew up I remember the house parties in Queens. I used to come from Brooklyn for the Girls and thier JAMS, all of us that new them for real know this shit needs to be addressed and the best way for us to address this shit is to keep the press out of this shit and handle it!!!! we all know if not for Jay there would be no Run DMC like they were................ My heart goes out to the family and friends........ But once again I think we should let the local law of the land handle it's own and keep them MTV freaks out of this shit.

A friend, Family Member and Fan
Bill
Durham NC

My condolences truly goes out to the legendary talented DJ ever in the hip-hip world and his family/freinds. Jam Master Jay will always be apart of our lives and in our hearts banging and mixing the classic joints. rest in peace baby boy

I'm sorry to hear the news. The "big beat blaster" is gone -- but he is up with the King.

-Kevin T. Smith

I wish all the comfort to the family and friends of Jay.

Although I did not know him personally, he and Run-DMC have made life more fun for nearly twenty years for myself and millions of fans. I hope that the people who did have the privilege of knowing him personally find comfort in the fact that his talents and energy have and will continue to make the world a brighter place.

Ethan

I first thought I was dreaming when I heard the new of the death of Jay. I can remember as a teen ager following behind them and just last week Run was at the Hard Rock Cafe in Philliy and My 12 year daughter was there with my boyfriend, He's the Assistant General Manager there and he took her. She came back so excited to have pitcures with Russell and she didn't know that Rev. run was the same Run until I told her when she got home. That when I shared growing up with Run DMC and having to get as many colors of Lee Jeans and The shell top addidas and I told her this is where the hype comes from today for you guys. I just want to say to encourage in the Lord. He will see you through. I know word can not express what you are feeling and I can't imagine what you are feeling. But I will keep the family and group in my prayers. God Bless you. Rest in Peace Jay

I honestly do not know what to say. I am appalled at the fact that this could happen again to a person who had so much to give and who gave the community back so much in his short life. I grew up in the 80's and RUN DMC were the ones. The coolest of the cool. The rappers that changed our idea of rap. He will never be forgotten, nor will it ever be accepted that his life was taken in such a violent way. I give my strength, courage & compassion to all those who knew him. I hope that justice will prevail and those who did this brought to justice.

Jeannie Kerns
Miami, Florida

R.I.P. JAY ROCK ON FOREVER CAS!

I am a big fan of RUN DMC and would like to purchase the MP3s in your offer for $15. Can you send me your mailing address?

May Jam-Master Jay Rest in Peace.
Clyde.

Way backin the day at Memorial Stadium in Money Ern'in Mt Vernon, I attended a jam. All the 80's Hip Hoppers were there. At the time I was one of the best Popers out there and I was tearing in it up in the infield. I was in a circle just taking over when I was approached by big dude in a security shirt. Come with me he said. Next thing I know I am back stage about to be released on stage with RUN_DMC & Jam Master JAY. It was one of my most memorable nights ever. I finished the set sitting behind Jason, man he was just burning the wax. After they were done he turned around and looked at me and said "man your a bad ass white boy, who taught you to dance like that". So I told him *****" I am well conducted, self-instructed / my styles were plied, heavily constructed / Mechanically inclined, and if you don't mind / I'll add spice to your life, time after time " He cracked up man, I'll always remember the look on his face.
Man what a night. I cant even begin to tell you how much I lov the music. I grew up on it. Its in me. I am going to miss Jay. They will never be the same. What a shame. Rest in piece HomeBoy!!

My Sympathies,
Louis Amabile

I am a 34 year old white male, the best concert I ever saw in my entire life was in 1987 at Philadelphia's Spectrum. the tour was called "Togethor Forever", and Run Dmc was the headlliner, totally the best kick ass concert I ever saw !

Jam Master was amazing !
My sympathies to his family and friends.
Dan M.

IT IS WITH GREAT SYMPATHY THAT I SEND THIS E-MAIL. MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE MIZELL, SIMMONS, ARISTA RECORDS, AND ALL THE FANS OF RUN DMC. SOMETIMES MORE THAN NOT IT SEEMS THAT THOSE WHO FEEL IT IS HIS/HER DUTY TO "PAY IT FORWARD" ARE THE ONES WHO SUFFER THE MOST. FROM WHAT I'VE READ ABOUT THE RUN D.M.C. FAMILY, GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY WAS ALWAYS ON THE TOP LIST OF PRIORITIES FOR THEM. THEY NEVER FORGOT. WELL AS A LONG-TIME FAN OF THE RUN D.M.C. LEGACY, I WILL NEVER FORGET JAM MASTER JAY. STAY STRONG MIZELL FAMILY. YOU ALL KNOW THAT WITHOUT A DOUBT, HE'S IN A BETTER PLACE.

SINCERELY,
THE HOLLOWAY, STREATER, AND FREEMAN FAMILY

deepest mourning for an international superstar and fighter for culture!
today we are very sad. but your music & your faith keeps you alive forever.

dom
germany & croatia

to the family and friends of jam master jay, my prayers and thoughts are with you today. it's a very sad day for music. just know that the effects of jam master jay and run dmc will be never be forgotten. 'raising hell' was the first rap album i ever had when i was 13 and it changed my life because it introduced me to a love for the black community and it's culture. i give credit to run dmc for giving a white girl from georgia a taste for new york and another world called hip hop. today i make my living working for a hip hop group. thank you.
may the Lord give you peace and comfort you
meridith long
proverbs 3:5&6

Jam Master Jay was the backbone of rap's first supergroup. This is a terrible loss.

mikharras

I am soooooooo tired of this! When are we gonna stop this madness?! Now they are killing the pioneers, the living legends of hip hop. Rest in Peace Jay. You no longer have to fight against violence, oppression, poverty, etc. For where you're at there is none of that. My brother, you are in the loving arms of the Lord.

January 21, 1965 - October 30, 2002
Rest in Peace Jam Master Jay

please pass on our deepest feelings of condolences to Jason's family and to all his bretheren This is a terrible terrible loss for the world of music, and the world as a whole.

This man is a great man, and will be deeply missed and so we all support and send our positive healing energy to your families from ours

god bless

Please offer my most sincere condolences to the crew, and to the family of J.M.J.. RUN - DMC was the first rap tape I ever owned. I, too, learned every lyric on 'raising hell'. I still can't belive it. A sad and tragic loss to the hip-hop community worldwide.

Peace.
Elliott
Perth, Western Australia.

i can't stop weeping, i'm crushed over this, i was sooo looking forward to the new album, i just seen them in toronto last month with aerosmith and kid rock. I hope D and Run are able to carry on. Thanks for the posting, i saved the picture of J to my desktop. What is Run-DMC going to do now?!

Stacia in Canada

Just about the saddest news of 2002. Jay was just brilliant. He will not be forgotten by music fans all over the world.

Evan Wylie
Galashiels, Scotland

Been a fan for 20 yrs, went to my 1st Run-DMC concert at 14, my heart broke this morning. God Bless Your Family Jay, and my they find some comfort in knowing they do not grieve alone,.To D and Run, don't stop the music, your fans are looking forward to hearing from you. God Bless

The Wedge Canada

to all the hip hoppers and ravers of the world: today you all shall be silent and mourn because the legend of hip hop and deejaying, the creator of unity has passed. This is all so premature and quite unnecessary. You may ask why do I say he is a creator of unity. Well the answer is quite simple, as a young man growing up in white suburbia, RunDmc brought a whole nother world to my neighborhood, without black music there wouldn,t be any white music as we know just a bunch of banjos or maybe an orchestra or two. Rundmc inspired me to seek out other cultures and to understand our differences as well as our many likenesses. It wasn't just black music, it was music for everyone. I remember growing up in the 7th grade and there were all these white breakdance groups in my school, so obviously this music reached many people not just those in urban settings. Without Jay there would be no Beastie Boys or Third Bass or Kid Rock, Eminem ie, etc. There would be no ravers, djs getting mad recognition for their cuts.For all those who appreciate and embellish those tracks we need to step back and ask ourselves why in gods name is there so much disharmony when all the brother created was harmony, unity and rhythym. It is a sad sad day and a sad social commentary when all the racism that surrounds us stays steadfast in its evil ways , people keep killing each other instead of standing up to opression and tyranny, or is it just about making mad cheddar and living the American Dream. Its money that divides but love that unites us.Meanwhile in unaffected white neighborhoodsa that just don't get it they are laughing as they see black men killing black men, its like a bunch of mice fighting for a piece of cheese. But the provider of that cheese never has to feel the hunger or the pain. I,m sure this message will probably fall on deaf ears, or you never know. All i can say is I see ignorance everywhere, but unless we try to change what people perceive as negative images, this ignorance will only continue to blind and deafen us.

sincerely yours, Bryan Swank

as a german girl in the eighties i fell in love with run d.m.c.´music the first time i heard it through american g.i. freinds of mine. i fell in love with rap and hip hop and haven´t stopped listening ever since. my deepest sympathy goes out to his family, his friends and all the other friends around the world.

peace from munich/ germany
steffi

I would like to say how deeply sorry i feel for the family and members of Run DMC. He was a truely brilliant man and bursting with talent. Rest in Peace Jason.
Rebecca
Birmingham - United Kingdom

Unbelievable!

Hip Hop has really has taken a hard blow today with the loss of one of the true original pioneers of the genre. This one really hurts.

I grew up listening to Run-DMC, my first cassette was "King of Rock," my first concert was May 31, 1988, Run-DMC with Public Enemy, EU, Jazzy Jeff here in Philly. I owned Adidas shelltops, sweatsuits, their own logo merchandise solely because they did. The posters on my bedroom wall, standing in line to see "Krush-Groove," riding my bike frantically down to the mall a mile away on the release date of "Raising Hell" in Spring 1986 in pure excitement...I could go on and on.

The sick irony of this is that I am listening to "Rock Box" on a new soundtrack that came out yesterday for the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, I heard it and just smiled. I go to the internet just to see if they are doing anything in the studio, any news on them, new music in the works, etc and THIS is what I find to my complete disbelief.

The senseless violence never seems to end.
He will truly be missed.

Thanks for your time
Al

Hello whoever reads this! My name is steven i come from Heidelberg/Germany. Today I heard it in the Radio, Jay was Killed! I was shocked and could not belive it!
Until I came by ur Website. This is ridiculous he was such a nice person, No such hater, or pimp type of guy. And then he get´s shot in the head! Goddammed!!!! Rest in Peace man, I will always remember ur cuts, and Illtype of technics on the turntables.

The good die first!!
So another good has gone!

TO THE DMC FAMILY: JAY WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO LOVED THE MUSIC AND THE PERSON THAT HE WAS! FAT LACES,LEATHERJACKETS, AND HATS WILL LIVE FOREVER! LONG LIVE RUN DMC! YOUR IN OUR PRAYERS!

A FAN

My deepest sympathy to Mr Mizells family and Friends all who knew Him. You will be in my prayers.

Miss Kathleen Phelan

I am a 38 year old father of three. I work in coporate America and guess that I am supposed to be down with Jazz or easy listening R&B. NOT.... I grew up with the likes of RUN DMC and I am a hip hop head to the fullest.

Having said that, THIS ONE HURTS YALL!.

It's 6:30 am and I am sitting here with a tear in my eye trying really hard to understand that we will go some day. Whatever! This one hurts yall!

I see the state of HIP HOP these days and I am not sure if I like it or not. Some of it's cool, some of it's not. This hurts yall!

I lived in queens for a lot of years. Around the way "if you will". The coolest thing about NY rappers is that they never seem to move too far away from WHERE THEY COME FROM. J was a few miles away from home. This one hurts yall!

Anyway whew!... this is hard, my heart and best wishes go out to his loved ones, both family and friends. Just pray! That's all you can do at this point. Jay is now spinning on them big tables in the sky.

Only this time he is rocking with the ultimate partner.

Run DMC continues to be inspiration of hope for everyone across america. In 1986, You could feel a sense that they would be something big even as they first began. They had/have the class to take in the fame they deserve.
Jam Master <----the name says it all. He was the JAM MASTER. He will be missed and my deepest sympathy goes out to the D.M.C. family and friends of Jam Master Jay. He will be missed. I would just like to say. "Thank you" for all of his triumph. God Bless.

Have lounge will you know me, every mother .... day homey (2pac).
We will always remember you RIP
Jam Master Jay you are the best.

Simon Steffens Sørensen
Denmark

Sending love and sympathies to all friends and family of J, A huge loss, not only to the rap world, but to the entire music world.

Brez
Dublin, Ireland

I Pray for Master Jay's family as they go thru these very hard times. I hope they know that he will be dearly missed by all of his fans, both young & old and of all skin colors. Master Jay and RUN-DMC helped to bring people together through their music, their attitude, their beliefs...... I Pray that the members of RUN-DMC will continue on in HONOR of Master Jay and continue to bring people together because I believe that is what Master Jay would want.

Master Jay, we all know you earned your Wings here on earth! You were an Angel taken away from your family and us way too soon...... Like the Angel's before you, you will live on in our hearts and thru the music because of the Good you tried to bring to this place.

Blessings,
Amethyst_Krystal

rest in peace jam master jay... letz rock in heaven

a big fan from frankfurt, germany
Lothar

I don't know what to say. My favorite group of all time...is not whole anymore. Sh*t, this is just so wrong. It came right out of the blue. Rest in peace, Jay. We all will miss you. Much love.

Jukka

Hi to every Run DMC Fans across the World. I'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I was crushed to read about Jay's death. The Hip Hop movement down here isn't as rich as the one in the States, and i find it very hard to believe that one of THE most talented people in Rap & Hip Hop scene was killed. This Nonsense Violence MUST END NOW (all around the world). If we dont do anything against it, humanity will be paying a very very high cost. I Deeply Hope the murderers will be found and JUSTICE will hit them as Jay's Death affected his family, circle of friends and fans across the World. Jam Master Jay, I deeply Regret your Loss. I hope you are now in a better world. We will miss your Talent. Thank you for Everything. Lets Keep Hip Hop Spirit Alive For Ever.
PEACE!
Gustavo Chevalier from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Jay's like King Midas, as I was told,
everything that he touched turned to gold.
He's the greatest of the great, get it straight he's great.
Claim fame cause his name is known in every state.
His name is Jay to see him play will make you say:
"God damn, that DJ made my day!"

THANKS JAY FOR ALL THE BEATS, LOOPS AND MIXES. MASTER IS A TRUE TITLE TO A TRUE PIONEER RESPECT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

As a 30 year old mother of 5, I am deeply saddened and heart-broken over the untimely demise of Mr. Jason Mizell. A native Detroiter, I grew up listening to Run-DMC. I remember the only concert I was ever allowed to attend was in 1985 @ The Joe Louis Arena. I was blown away with their talent. I hope that God is listening because he has just received one of his angels home. We thank you Jay for enlightening our world for the past 2 decades with your music,talent,and inspiration. My kids are fans of Run-DMC because of avid fans like myself who keep their vision alive. Today's rap genre has alot of talented artists,but the politics along with the violence need to cease. Darryl, Joseph,Russell,and the rest of Jay's family, I send my most sincere condolences, as I know your lives as well,have changed forever. Jay:"See you at the crossroads so you won't be lonely"-RIP

Sincerely,
Mary Brisco, Detroit

Run, Jay and D was like the meaning of life 4 me...now Jay's gone. I just woke up when my bro' told me about it...of course I started crying...my thoughts went to his wife, kids, joseph, darryl......right now I just feel like I don't wanna live.............Just as some of you other guys, I never had a chance to see the three kings live. I'm just 14, and I live far away from the US. I wish JMJ is in the heaven now, chillin' and having a nice time while waiting.....

R.I.P. Jason Mizell, we all love you!!!!!

Oscar

Dear Jay,
Most kids around here now are too young to remember, but grown folks like me will never forget. We will never forget that you, Run, and D built this house that we all live in.

I hope the rest of us will treat your house with the care and respect it deserves, and keep it standing. At times like this it is hard to have faith. But I will do everything in my power to make it happen, and do you proud.

There are no words to express how grateful I am for what you gave us.

We will never forget. You will always be king.

Love,
Jay Smooth

Thanks for my first hiphop concert (Amsterdam 1986, or was it '87?) and all the concerts after that. Thanks for all the times your music saved a party! Thanks for music that makes you dance. Thanks!

Stephanie, Amsterdam

I awoke tonight to the news that one of the greatest contributors in music history was the victim of murder. Rarely have I been so moved by tragic news. Even with the death of Tupac, I was saddened but not to the same degree as with the Jam Master. Jay was peaceful. He was cool but did not present himself as a gun tote'n thug. He was talented and stood strong - often in the shadows of Run and DMC - and provided the BACKBONE of a new era in music.

Today, we are the children of Hip Hop and Tonight - our grandfather was murdered.

I must say I was compelled to join this group to express my sincere condolences. I'm really sad to see the loss of such a talent. Growing up listening to Run-DMC always put a smile on my face. The positive lyrics, and the vibes they expressed through their music has been unmatched, never duplicated, and very uniquely thier own. My wife actually told me this evening that Run-DMC was going to be playing with Kid Rock & Aerosmith on the 6th @ the Coors Ampitheatre. My eyes lit up like a little kid is what she said. I have never seen them play live...and now all I can do is cry. I feel like I've lost a family member. Their music was a big part of my life as a kid as well as an adult (I'm 33). My prayers go out to Jay's family and friends, You are all in my prayers. God Bless.

David Hoke
San Diego

Run-DMC & Jam Master JAY!!! Forever in my heart.

i'm saddened and shocked beyond explanation.

run dmc was a group that did more than just move me, they shook my foundation as a young person. the music they made, the rhymes they wrote, the way they were presented to me helped in the formation of my opinions about hip-hop and opened me up to new avenues of music. they changed the landscape, and they married genres of music at a time when nothing truly innovative was on the horizon. i can remember the first time i saw the video for "rock box" on mtv, how it grabbed me up, and how i went to school the next day talking about it with my friends. seeing them live and experiencing the strength of their music was a cornerstone of my youth. the day that "raising hell" was released, i can remember begging my older brother to drive me to the only record store open past 8pm in my city so i could get it. that record, and all of run dmc's records, have had enormous impact on my life. run dmc's music bridged a very personal gap for me that has never been destroyed. i can truly say that a piece of my soul has been returned to God's care today.

jay was a man who engineered the strength of urban music and hip-hop, who steered the course of not only run dmc but many other hip-hop acts. his contribution to the world of hip-hop, to the world of deejaying and to the whole of what we know as modern music is undeniable and irreplaceable.

this is an unfathomable loss to me. i cannot seem to bury the sadness i feel inside about this, and i can't explain to people who don't understand it what it feels like.

all i can say is, if you were there to watch it come up, it's very hard to watch it knocked down in this way. i will miss you jay. i will miss you.

r.i.p. jason mizell

one love -- stop the f*cking madness

~crying~
a tragic lose to the music industry, millions of music lovers...........and no lose can compare to the void that once was "a father's love".
would it be callous to leave on the musical note of other fine artists? "hard to say goodbye"... to yesterday!

my prayers, my heart and my tears; given unconditionally to his family.
for ever:
simply susan

I just heard the news about one of the guys from Run-DMC My deepest sypathy to all of you they were a great group!. All their songs were good but my favorite would have to be It's Like That.

Peace + Love

Shocked as I am here in Holland. All over the world people are shut down by IDIOTS!!!!! Where is the end??????
R.I.P. Jam Master Jay and our thoughts are with your family.

Ineke de Roode, Enschede, Holland.

I figured I’d check the news online and I had to do a double-take. I am in total shock and disbelief at the death of Jam Master Jay. My sincerest condolences to his family, Run-DMC, and the rap community. Father of three…..Brother to millions!!!! God Bless You Jay! I guess your work was done here, you were needed much more in heaven! We’re all still listening though. I don’t know what else to say, I am just so damn shocked by this!

Kevin Mc

Hello,
My name is Joseph Mouzo, and I am a journalist for AFP, a global news agency.
I would like to express my sadness at the death of Jam Master Jay.

I'll never forget that fabulous concert from front row seats in Washington DC in 1986: RUN-DMC, the Beastie Boys and LLCool Jay. I proudly sported my RUN DMC concert T-shirt, which I still have, and learned all the words to all the songs, which I proudly played on my ghetto blaster for many years. As a white girl, it was part of my discovery and appreciation of black culture and the common ground of some of the friendships that I built with black people, with whom I shared enjoyment of the music, and eventually many other things. May Jay remain an inspiration for us all- a man with vision, creativity, generosity, and talent, one who condemned and spoke against violence, and was taken away from us, and his family, far too soon.

Nina J. Miller
San Francisco, CA

Run DMC introduced me to a whole other world, and in many ways guided me in who I am. Hip-Hop was such a source of inspiration and positive energy. I just heard the news on the BBC. Our family will be praying for all of Jay's family and friends.

Jay, your legacy is one of beauty, beats, love, hope and funk. You were the King. May God bless you forever, and grant us the wisdom to carry on your legacy. Maybe one day we can bring hip-hop back to its roots. Until then, I'm gonna dig through my crates for your old funky tapes and mourn a man who brought joy to my soul.

-Paul Rodriguez

I heard about Jaye on the news tonight and the only thing I could do was cry. I felt like I had lost one of my family members. I grew up on Run-DMC and Jam Master Jaye. They were the beginning of hip hop in my eyes. His was a senseless death.

my thoughts go out to his family and the run dmc family.
i was in shock when i heard the news and was deeply sad,
me being a dj for the past 15 years +,
i feel a void in this industry and in my life for i grew up on run dmc and jam master jay.
i meet them a couple times threw mutual freinds and just in general threw the business.
and the energy they gave and what their presence gave when thoose 3 guys walked in a room
i dont think words can ever describe
i awalys looked up to the whole run dmc camp and what they gave this industry,this culture and this world

please update and give a segment of this site to jam master jay

if you can maybe one day just forward this to run or dmc or anyone in there camp

so they can know

jam master jay
still lives on

peace
jr

My sincerest sympathies. I am destroyed inside, you have no idea.

Brix

I have just heard the news of "J's" death, as I was listening to the news of the incident in New York, tears were running down my cheek. As a white boy growing up in the 80's listening to Run DMC, I learned alot about black culture through friends that I met because of the music that we shared and going to rap concerts with mynew friends. I was then able to open up the narrow minds of whites around me thus causing a better world for me and my friends to grow up in. I am truly saddened by this tragedy andreally wish that DMC had played in Raleigh, NC at the recent Aerosmith and Kid Rock concert because I would have been able to see them one more time.

With heavy heart, I give my blessings to all those in Jay's family and to all DMC fans out there!

I send my deepest condolences to jay's family and to the group. It's such a tradgedy that we have these crazy people in the world with all that's going on I feel so hurt. I'm a big fan of run dmc and for this to happen really hitss home there like family I grew up listening to there music and now we have another fallen angel.

love, Tiffany K.
california

Run DMC and Jam Master Jay have been the soundtrack to my life. I'm too destroyed to say anything else. This is my worst nightmare.

Mark

My heart goes out to the entire Run-DMC family: Run, DMC, their
respective families, etc. Jason will be VERY missed!

The very first live show I ever attended was the Together Forever
tour featuring Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys (Madison Square Garden,
NYC 1985). After hearing "Sucker MC's", I never looked back.

R.I.P., JMJ!

Bigg Russ

I have no real idea what to say right now but I want to get some of
my feelings out about this. I have been listening to RUN D.M.C. as
long as I can remember. "Walk This Way" was my first favorite song.
I still listen to it every time its on the air. I feel priviledged
that I have seen Run D.M.C. in concert. The world is a darker place
tonight.

R.I.P. Jam Master Jay

My heart goes out to Run, D.M.C., and all of their family and
friends. This was such a senseless act of violence perpetrated upon
a great talent and a great man.

I hope you are in a better place now Jason Mizell/Jam Master Jay.
The world is worse off with you no longer in it.

-s-b-g

Hey, Sad day. Of all the people to get caught in that sh*t. What a shame.
It's like Rap has lost their Beatle.

Mark

The McCall family love the Run DMC family. -Charmaine
The Run-DMC brought alot respect to the African American community
consoles to RUN DMC, DEF Jam. -Douglas

I am sending my sympathy out to RUN DMC House and Russell
Simmons....Love and Peace from The McCalls in The Bronx, New York.