Born on this day in 1965, “the best DJ in the U.S. of A.”, Jason WIlliam Mizell, also known as Jam Master Jay was born. The man behind the wheels of steel for the pioneering Hip Hop duo Run-D.M.C. was one of the greatest influences to ever walk the streets of his Hollis, Queens neighborhood and took his skills and expertise around the world, becoming a global trendsetter in the culture of Hip Hop.

JMJ brought many into the fold of Hip Hop royalty, including DJ Scratch of EPMD, Onyx, 50 Cent and a host of others who owe their livelihoods to Jam Master Jay.

Even though his life was tragically taken by gun violence on October 30, 2002. the impact that Jay had on the lives of others will forever live on. In the year he passed, Mizell founded the Scratch DJ Academy in Manhattan to “provide unparalleled education and access to the art form of the DJ and producer.” Posthumously, the Jam Master Jay Foundation for Music was created by Jam Master Jay’s wife, Terri Corley-Mizell and some of Jay’s closest friends that ensures that regardless of socio-economic status, every child deserves equal access to the arts.

Rest In Paradise to one of the Kings we lost too soon! RIP JMJ!!!