As one-third of the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC, Jam Master Jay was a beloved community member. His death shocked the world, with many calling for the capture of the suspects involved. For nearly 22 years, Jam Master Jay’s (real name: Jason Mizell) murder was unsolved. Due to several investigations, two suspects were named and indicted in 2020. On Feb. 27, 2024, the suspects were found guilty in federal court.
Ronald Washington, 36, and Karl Jordan Jr., 56, were found guilty of murder and drug trafficking. Both men are facing life sentences for the murder and up to 20 years for the drug trafficking charges.
Jam Master Jay’s murder was a drug deal gone bad.
During the ’80s, Jay found great success as a DJ and rapper. According to Playboy Magazine‘s investigative journalist Frank Owen, the rapper’s career stalled in the late ’90s. Jay’s career struggles led to issues with his income, which later forced Jay to sell drugs. Shortly before his death, he received 10 kg of cocaine. He included Washington and Jordan in the deal, which was “worth almost $200,000,” per NPR.
After a disagreement, Jay cut Washington and Jordan from the deal. As a result, the two men snuck into a studio in Jamaica, Queens. Jay was meeting with his business manager when the two entered the room. After Jay greeted the men, Jordan, who is also his godson, shot him twice in the head. Washington held Jay’s business manager at gunpoint.
Jay was the only individual to pass away, as his business manager was unharmed. In addition, an associate of Jay’s sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Jam Master Jay finally gets justice.
Although Jay receiving justice took over 20 years, law enforcement continued to investigate the murder.
“We have no tolerance for those who would take a life, and we are committed to seeing justice done,” John DeVito, special agent-in-charge at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), told NPR.
The trial lasted for four weeks. According to NPR, many witnesses testified that Washington and Jordan were bragging about the killing. In fact, one witness stated that Washington confessed to the murder.
His legacy continues to live on.
Jay’s relatives were shocked to hear that a family member was involved in the shooting. Jordan, the son of one of Jay’s closest friends, looked up to the DJ as a young boy. The Run-DMC member helped Jordan’s father leave the street life behind and assisted in getting him a job at Russell Simmons’ management firm.
Ryan Thompson, a close friend of Jay’s, was not surprised that Jordan was indicted and convicted for the murder. He told NBC News that Jay always tried to help his friends and family, even when he shouldn’t.
“Jay was the kind of person who thought he could help anybody, no matter who that person was,” he told the outlet. “Jay always had a big heart, which is why he’s not here today; he surrounded himself with the wrong people.”
After his tragic death, the hip-hop community mourned Jam Master Jay. Many rappers and industry members spoke about Jay’s character and impact on hip-hop. Dr. Dre, Russell Simmons, and Chuck D are just a few hip-hop figures who mourned his death publicly.
Jam Master Jay was a hip-hop pioneer and a founding member of Run-DMC. He was part of an elite era of the music genre and was taken from the world too soon. Justice prevailed and finally brought Jay’s family closure and peace.
What impact do you think Jam Master Jay had on hip-hop? Let us know in the comments below.
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