Jam Master Jay, DJ for legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC, was shot and killed late Wednesday night. A married father of three, he was shot in the head while in a Queens recording studio. One other person was shot in the leg and was taken to the hospital.
Born Jason Mizell, Jay grew up in Hollis, Queens. He met the other two members of Run DMC, Joseph Simmons and Darryl McDaniels, while still in high school.
The first rappers to have gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, Run-DMC was also the first rap group to be nominated for a Grammy. The band was well-known for its positive and nonviolent lyrics.
Perhaps best remembered for their collaboration with Aerosmith on \Walk This Way,"" Run-DMC was integral in forming the early sound of hip-hop, as well as incorporating rock 'n' roll influences to the genre. Jay played a large part in this, a crucial aspect of their mainstream success.
