Who Is Jam Master Jay? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell on January 21, 1965, was an influential American hip-hop musician and the DJ for the renowned group Run-D.M.C. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was murdered on October 30, 2002. Despite his passing, Jam Master Jay's impact on the hip-hop culture remains profound, inspiring countless artists and fans around the globe. In 2025, he would have celebrated his 60th birthday, marking a significant milestone in the music industry.
| Occupation | Beatboxer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1965 |
| Age | 37 Years |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 30 October, 2002 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Jam Master Jay's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Jam Master Jay's physique are not as widely documented as modern celebrities, he was known to have a solid, commanding presence. Standing at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall, his weight during his active years fluctuated around 200 pounds (90 kg), as athleticism was often part of his energetic performances. His iconic style, often complemented with a wide-brimmed hat and signature accessories, further contributed to his memorable appearance.
Jason William Mizell (January 21, 1965 – October 30, 2002), better known by his stage name Jam Master Jay, was an American musician, record producer and DJ. He was the DJ of the influential hip hop group Run-DMC. During the 1980s, Run-DMC became one of the biggest hip hop groups, credited with breaking hip hop into mainstream music.
Mizell was murdered in his Queens, New York recording studio in 2002.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jam Master Jay was a private individual when it came to his personal life. However, he fathered three children who adored him deeply. Following his untimely death, his family has continually honored his legacy. In terms of relationships, details about his dating history and potential romantic partners have remained unpublicized, with a focus primarily on his family and career. His devotion as a father overshadowed his love life in the public eye.
Jam Master Jay was the father of three sons: Jason Mizell Jr. (who performs as DJ Jam Master J'Son), Jesse Mizell, and TJ Mizell (also a DJ), and a daughter, Tyra Myricks (born August 1992).
Net Worth and Salary
Jam Master Jay's net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $10 million. However, his legacy continues to generate income through music royalties, merchandise, and various posthumous releases. In 2025, it's anticipated that his estate has grown due to ongoing interest in Run-D.M.C. and hip-hop culture, possibly exceeding $15 million as fans and music enthusiasts continue to celebrate his contribution to the genre.
In December 2003, Playboy magazine published an article by investigative journalist Frank Owen, "The Last Days of Jam Master Jay", which traced the murder to a drug deal gone bad. Owen said he uncovered evidence that Mizell, not normally involved in crime as an adult, had turned to cocaine distribution to pay mounting bills.
Mizell owed substantial debts to the Internal Revenue Service, among others, after his music career stalled in the late 1990s. According to Owen, several sources indicated Mizell traveled to Washington, D.C. on July 31, 2002 to obtain 10 kg of cocaine valued at about a quarter-million dollars from a trafficker known as "Uncle".
Mizell reportedly agreed to pay for the drugs in about a week. However, Mizell failed to repay Uncle, who allegedly arranged to have Mizell murdered.
Career, Business and Investments
Jam Master Jay co-founded the game-changing group Run-D.M.C. in the 1980s, which brought rap music to mainstream audiences and influenced the trajectory of hip-hop. His innovative blending of rock and hip-hop, epitomized by the classic track “Walk This Way” with Aerosmith, transformed the music landscape. Beyond performing, Jam Master Jay was also an entrepreneur, launching his record label, Jam Master Jay Records, and mentoring upcoming artists.
In 2025, his influence is still felt deeply in the industry, with various artists citing him as a vital inspiration. Business investments made in the years prior to his death, including ventures in music production and artist management, have solidified his status as a savvy businessman.
In 2003, Kenneth McGriff, a convicted drug dealer and longtime friend of Murder Inc. Records founders Irving "Irv Gotti" Lorenzo and his older brother Christopher, was investigated for targeting Mizell because the DJ defied an industry blacklist of rapper 50 Cent that was imposed because of "Ghetto Qu'ran", a song 50 Cent wrote about McGriff's drug history.
Social Network
In the realm of social media, Jam Master Jay remains a revered figure. In 2025, various official fan pages and tribute accounts across platforms like Instagram and Twitter keep his memory alive, sharing highlights from his illustrious career. Fans memorialize his contributions through fan art, throwbacks, and discussions that honor his legacy. Importantly, platforms dedicated to hip-hop history frequently feature his work, ensuring his contributions are recognized in today's digital age.
In 2018, Netflix released a documentary analyzing the circumstances of his murder. ReMastered: Who Killed Jam Master Jay?, the third episode of Netflix's ReMastered music documentary series, interviews several of Mizell's friends, family members and acquaintances who share stories they have heard regarding suspects in his murder.
The documentary does not come to a conclusion about who killed Mizell. Also in 2018, former prosecutor Marcia Clark featured Jam Master Jay's murder in an episode of her series Marcia Clark Investigates The First 48 on A&E where she examined several scenarios and suspects for the murder.
She spoke to former Run DMC road manager Darren "Big D" Jordan, who denied allegations of involvement made against him by Ronald Washington. Clark further interviewed Owen, who stood by his 2003 article as largely accurate and stated he did not know who shot Mizell but believed the murder was facilitated by Mizell's close friend Ronald Washington.
Education
Jam Master Jay attended high school in Queens, New York, where he developed his passion for music and DJing. Although he did not pursue formal higher education, he gained immense knowledge and skills through hands-on experience in the music industry. His dedication to mastering his craft and rebellious spirit allowed him to revolutionize hip-hop, showcasing that education can come in many forms.
At age three, Jason began playing trumpet. He learned to play bass, guitar, and drums. He performed at his church and in various bands prior to discovering turntablism. After he and his family moved to Hollis, Queens, New York City, in 1975 at the age of 10, he discovered the turntables and started DJing at the age of 13.
He was high school friends with Wendell "DJ Hurricane" Fite, known for his 13-year collaboration with The Beastie Boys.
