Sixteen years after Jam Master Jay’s passing, a Run-D.M.C. mural went up in New York City. But here, we honor a different mural. This is the Jam Master Jay Mural, a vibrant tribute to a hip-hop legend. It stands proudly at the corner of 205th Street and Hollis Avenue in Queens.
The Jam Master Jay Mural commemorates Jason Mizell. He was also known as Jam Master Jay. He was the iconic DJ of Run-D.M.C. This group was one of the greatest hip-hop groups of the 1980s.
Jason Mizell was born on January 21, 1965. He grew up in this very Hollis community. He attended local schools here too. Tragically, he was killed on October 30, 2002. He was only 37 years old. He died from a gunshot wound in a Jamaica, Queens recording studio. His killer has never been found.
This Jam Master Jay memorial was first painted in 2002. It appeared shortly after his death. Since then, the mural has become a significant tourist attraction. It has even appeared in commercials and TV shows.
Run-D.M.C. was more than just a rap group. They were cultural innovators. The trio included Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell. They originated music-to-film crossovers. They created brand partnerships. They merged rock and roll with hip-hop.
Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra unveiled a Run-D.M.C. mural in the East Village. This colorful mural went live exactly 16 years after Jam Master Jay’s death. The crew towers over the corner of 12th and Avenue A. It features a street sign reading “Walk This Way.” This is a nod to their crossover hit with Aerosmith.
The Jam Master Jay Mural stands as a testament to his enduring influence. It reminds us of his contributions to music. It also commemorates his connection to this community. Take a moment to appreciate the artistry and the legacy. Remember Jam Master Jay, a true icon of hip-hop.