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Ever the sartorial statement maker, Dapper Dan returned to his African roots at the 2025 Met Gala in a black and white zoot suit emblazoned with the mythical Ghanaian bird symbol, the Sankofa.

“This is my third time here and this is the most important of my career… because I get the opportunity to praise us. I had to come here and represent culture,” the author and godfather of hip-hop fashion (né Daniel R. Day) told Met Gala co-hosts Ego Nwodim and singer Teyana Taylor. “I said, ‘I need to bring something here tonight to take us back, so I brought the Sankofa.’ My theme of the night is Sankofra and the true Harlem Dandy era, which I date to the Harlem Renaissance [in the 1920s and 1930s].”

According to sankofa.org, the nonprofit founded by the late Harry Belafonte, the symbol is “deeply rooted in the wisdom of Ghana’s Akan people, depicts a bird...

On Wednesday April 16 2025, TV One broadcasts Payback!

It’s Tricky: Part Two Season 3 Episode 26 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Payback,” titled “It’s Tricky: Part Two,” promises to delve deeper into the mysterious case of a music icon’s death. Years have passed since the tragic event, but the investigation remains unresolved. In this episode, viewers will see how new information sheds light on the life of Jason Mizell, the music star at the center of the mystery.

As the story unfolds, investigators find themselves piecing together clues that have been hidden for years. The episode reveals a side of Mizell that many did not know, suggesting that there may be more to his story than what was previously understood. This new perspective could be the key to unlocking the truth behind his untimely death.

With each revelation, the tension builds, and the stakes get higher. The episode aims...

The unsolved murder of Run-dmc’s Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell) has haunted the music world for years. TV One’s “Payback” returns this Wednesday with the second part of its deep dive into the case, and it appears they’ve unearthed some game-changing information. “It’s Tricky: Part Two” picks up where the first episode left off, with […]

Payback: It’s Tricky: Part Two...

On Wednesday April 9 2025, TV One broadcasts Payback!

It’s Tricky: Part One Season 3 Episode 25 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Payback,” titled “It’s Tricky: Part One,” promises to be a gripping exploration of a tragic moment in music history. Set in October 2002, the episode focuses on the shocking murder of music icon Jason Mizell. His death sends waves of sadness and disbelief throughout the community, highlighting the impact he had on those around him.

As the story unfolds, detectives begin their investigation into Mizell’s life. They uncover troubling details about his financial situation, which raises questions about what might have led to his untimely death. The episode dives into the rumors that surround Mizell, painting a picture of a man who was not only a star but also facing serious challenges behind the scenes.

The investigation takes viewers on a journey through the complexities of Mizell’s life.

The excitement builds as “Payback” returns with Season 3, Episode 26, titled “It’s Tricky: Part Two.” This gripping episode will air on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 9:00 Pm on TV One. Fans of the series have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this thrilling two-part story.

In this episode, years have passed since a beloved music icon was found dead in his studio, leaving investigators scratching their heads. Despite the time that has elapsed, new information has come to light, shedding a different perspective on the life of Jason Mizell. As the investigation unfolds, the pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, revealing hidden truths that could finally lead to answers about the murder.

Viewers can expect a mix of suspense and drama as the characters dive deep into the secrets that surrounded Mizell. With each revelation, the tension rises, and the stakes become higher. This episode promises to keep audiences...

The upcoming episode of “Payback,” titled “It’s Tricky: Part One,” promises to be a gripping exploration of a shocking event that rocked the community in October 2002. The episode centers around the tragic shooting of music icon Jason Mizell, whose untimely death sent waves of disbelief and sorrow throughout his fan base and beyond. As the story unfolds, viewers will witness how detectives work tirelessly to uncover the truth behind this heartbreaking incident.

As the investigation progresses, rumors begin to swirl, hinting at deeper issues surrounding Mizell’s financial troubles. The detectives are faced with a complex web of motives that could lead them to the answers they seek. With each clue uncovered, the tension builds, and the stakes become higher. The episode sets the stage for an intense journey into the world of fame, fortune, and the darker side of celebrity life.

Fans of the series can expect a...

Paramount+ today announced the return of the popular music docuseries Family Legacy on Tuesday, March 25 in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and Brazil. The series will also premiere internationally on Wednesday, March 26 in the U.K., Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

10 half-hour episodes will premiere exclusively on the service and feature brand-new interviews with the children of influential and iconic musicians and bands.

The featured talent includes Wu-Tang Clan, Salt-N-Pepa, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Lil Wayne, Dmx, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, The Go-Go’s, TLC, D’Angelo, Ginuwine, Slipknot, Korn, Lil Jon, Daddy Yankee, Matchbox 20, Jam Master Jay, Ja Rule and Teddy Riley.

Sharing exclusive MTV behind-the-scenes footage and brand-new interviews, Family Legacy gives fans an intimate account of these superstars from the ones who know them best – their kids.

The series is executive produced by Nancy Glass, Eric Neuhaus and David Casey for Glass Entertainment Group. Bruce Gillmer...

In the Coen Brothers’ 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou, Chris Thomas King plays Tommy Johnson, a young blues guitarist modeled on the real-life musician Robert Johnson. Though he plays his acoustic guitar and sings a lot like the legendary Delta blues artist, there is not very much else that approximates Robert Johnson. Tommy is a happily-go-lucky character who comes to a rather pleasant ending at the fictional movie’s close.

The real Robert Johnson did not lead a particularly happy life and was dead by 27, the victim of some poisoned whiskey.

Now, I say Johnson was not especially happy, but if I’m being honest, I have to admit that I don’t really know. The fact is, very little is actually known about Robert Johnson. He was born in 1911 and died in 1938, He spent most of his life in Mississippi. Beyond that, we have 29 recorded songs that helped...

Investigation Discovery (ID) delves back into Hollywood’s dark side with season three of Death by Fame. The new season will premiere on January 13, 2025, with new episodes of the eight-episode season airing on Mondays at 9pm Et/Pt.

Season two examined the murder of Judging Amy‘s Tara Correa-McMullen, Run-d.M.C.’s Jam Master Jay (real name: Jason William Mizell), and lawyer-turned-legal reality star Loredana Nesci. Season three dives into the murders of aspiring actress Adriana Pinon, aspiring model Mei Li, fashion designer to the stars Sylvie Cachay, and Valerie Dowden.

Poster for ‘Death by Fame’ (Photo Credit: ID)

“The series delves into the dark side of fame and celebrity, uncovering the shocking true stories behind the murders of some of Hollywood’s most promising stars. Each episode features the expertise of criminal trial attorney Sara Azari, who provides unique insights into these tragic endings. This season, viewers can...

On Tuesday July 16 2024, Vice broadcasts Hip Hop Treasures!

Run Dmc/ Soulja Boy Season 1 Episode 7 Episode Summary

In this episode of “Hip Hop Treasures” on Vice, titled “Run Dmc/ Soulja Boy,” viewers are treated to a deep dive into the cultural and musical legacies of two influential figures in hip hop history. Field collector Cipha Sounds leads the exploration as he embarks on a quest to uncover artifacts from the legendary hip hop group Run Dmc. This segment not only celebrates their groundbreaking contributions to the genre but also pays tribute to the late Jam Master Jay, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping Run Dmc’s iconic sound and style.

Simultaneously, the episode shifts focus to Yo-Yo’s visit with Soulja Boy, a trailblazing rap artist who played a significant role in ushering in the digital age of music. Soulja Boy’s impact on the industry is explored through interviews and...

Explore the iconic history of Hip Hop with “Hip Hop Treasures” Season 1, airing Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 11:00 Pm on Vice. In this episode titled “Run Dmc/ Soulja Boy,” field collector Cipha Sounds delves deep into the legacy of the legendary Hip Hop group Run Dmc, paying homage to the late Jam Master Jay. Viewers will witness a journey through time as Cipha Sounds uncovers rare artifacts and stories that celebrate Run Dmc’s groundbreaking contributions to the genre.

Simultaneously, the episode features Yo-Yo as she visits Soulja Boy, the rap artist who revolutionized the music industry with his digital age innovations. Soulja Boy’s impact on Hip Hop and pop culture will be explored, highlighting his influence on how music is produced, distributed, and consumed in the digital era.

Expect a blend of nostalgia, reverence for Hip Hop legends, and insights into the cultural significance of Run Dmc and Soulja Boy.

The Beach Boys (Disney+)

This documentary follows the group’s family beginnings as their songs epitomizing the California dream drive their rising fame. It features never-before-seen footage and interviews with resident Beach Boys erratic genius Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks and Bruce Johnston and includes input from Janelle Monáe, Lindsey Buckingham, Ryan Tedder and Don Was. The Beach Boys was directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny and written by Mark Monroe.

The Greatest Night in Pop (Netflix)

On Jan. 25, 1985, a group of music icons got together to create the renowned pop song “We Are the World.” This film, directed by Bao Nguyen, features new interviews with many of the artists involved in the making of the song, including Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen, Huey Lewis, Dionne Warwick and Cyndi Lauper. The anthem was written by Richie and Michael Jackson for African famine relief and also features Kenny Rogers,...

As Tj and Jesse Mizell stroll through the Amsterdam Houses — the community of brick buildings for low-income households on Manhattan’s Upper West Side where they grew up — residents play basketball and stand around chatting. It’s an unusually sunny March day, and it feels good to be outside. One friendly older woman waves at the Mizells. “It’s been so long,” she shouts. “How are you? How is your mother?” The men, who moved from here to Los Angeles in 2018, wave back, grinning. All is well, they reassure her.

This Monday at 8:00 Pm on Investigation Discovery, viewers are in for a gripping episode of “Death by Fame” as Season 2 Episode 5, titled “Off the Record,” unravels the tragic story of Jam Master Jay, the iconic DJ of Run-dmc. Renowned in the hip-hop world, Jay’s life takes a dark turn when he’s shockingly executed in his own recording studio, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond his musical contributions.

The episode promises an in-depth exploration of this decades-old cold case, offering a unique perspective with an exclusive interview featuring an eyewitness. “Off the Record” delves into the circumstances surrounding Jam Master Jay’s untimely demise, shedding light on the mysteries that have shrouded this hip-hop legend’s tragic end. For those fascinated by true crime and the intersection of fame and peril, this episode is a must-watch, providing insights into a case that continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Updated, 6:25 Pm: More than two decades after Run-d.M.C.’s Jam Master Jay was killed in a New York recording studio, two men have been convicted of murder in the case.

Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington, both of New York, stood accused of killing the musician in a dispute over drug sales. Both face 20 years to life in prison after federal prosecutors decided not to pursue the death penalty.

Turntable specialist Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, co-founded the legendary group Run-d.M.C. with rappers Joseph “Run” Simmons and Darryl “Dmc” McDaniels in the early 1980s. Prosecutors said that Mizell became involved in the drug trade in the mid-’90s as the group’s popularity waned.

They allege that he had acquired 22 pounds of cocaine that Washington, Jordan and others were going to distribute in Maryland. Washington later was blocked from the deal and, prosecutors said,...

After weeks of testimony, two men — Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. — have been found guilty in the 2002 murder of Run-dmc DJ Jam Master Jay. Jurors delivered the verdict at the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn on Tuesday (February 27th).

Washington and Jordan each face a minimum of 20 years behind bars, with sentencing set for a later date.

The two men were indicted and charged in connection with the murder of Jam Master Jay (born Jason Mizell) in August 2020, with federal prosecutors alleging the shooting was the result of a cocaine deal gone bad. In court documents, US attorneys claimed that they conspired to kill Mizell after he excluded Washington from the deal.

In May 2023, the government charged another man named Jay Bryant in the murder case.

During the trial, prosecutors told the jury that Bryant let Washington and Jordan into Mizell’s...

A jury found two men guilty of murdering the pioneering and world-famous DJ Jam Master Jay in 2002 at the conclusion of a federal trial on Tuesday. The verdict ends decades of speculation about why Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell, had been killed. The jurors delivered the decision after weeks of testimony at the U.S. District Court – Eastern Division of New York courthouse in Brooklyn.

Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were charged with murder “while engaged in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy and firearm-related murder,” per the Department of Justice.

Ronald Washington, one of the two defendants standing trial for allegedly killing Jam Master Jay, chuckled in court on Wednesday when his attorney, Susan Kellman, invoked Harry Potter in her closing arguments.

The moment came as she discussed the prosecution’s theory that Washington and the other defendant, Karl Jordan Jr., were waiting on a fire escape to enter the recording studio where the DJ, whose real name was Jason Mizell, was killed. She said it was impossible, since the two men would have been seen on surveillance video. Then she paused dramatically.

The trial for two men accused of killing Run-dmc’s pioneering DJ in 2002 began its denouement in court on Tuesday as the prosecution made its closing arguments. In summarizing the government’s case over two hours, prosecutor Artie McConnell decried the “brutality,” “arrogance,” and “audacity” of the murder of Jam Master Jay.

Since Jan. 29, a jury has heard testimony from 35 U.S. government witnesses to argue that defendant Karl Jordan Jr. fatally shot the DJ, whose real name was Jason Mizell, at a Jamaica, Queens recording studio while defendant Ronald Washington stood guard.

The ex-girlfriend of one of the defendants indicted in the 2002 death of Jam Master Jay told a Brooklyn jury on Thursday that the defendant “basically” confessed to killing the Run-dmc DJ, according to The Associated Press.

The woman, Daynia McDonald, claimed that Ronald Washington brought her to the recording studio to meet Jay, whose real name is Jason Mizell, and then called her hours later to tell her Mizell was dead. She asked him how he knew, and she testified, “He said, ‘Because I was there.'” When she asked...

Immediately after Jam Master Jay was killed in 2002, the recording studio where he had been hanging out became a scene of chaos.

Randy Allen, a childhood friend of the DJ, whose legal name was Jason Mizell, gave testimony on Tuesday at the Brooklyn trial where two men stand accused of murdering Mizell. He said he was in the studio’s control room, smoking a joint and listening to an unsigned artist’s demo CD when he heard gunshots in the next room. “It didn’t [compute] in my head that that’s what [the sound] was,...

A woman who worked as business manager for Jam Master Jay’s label at the time of his death gave emotional testimony in the Brooklyn trial for the two men indicted for killing him in 2002.

Lydia High was crying and often paused to collect herself Monday while telling the jury about how she had originally planned a quick visit to the recording studio where the Run-dmc DJ, whose legal name was Jason Mizell, was working. It was Oct. 30, 2002, and he was leaving for a Run-dmc tour the next day. Before he could leave,...

Jam Master Jay “was nervous about something” days before he was killed, according to witness testimony on Thursday at the Brooklyn trial for two men accused of killing the Run-D.M.C. DJ in 2002. The Associated Press reports that Stephon Watford, a cousin and business associate of the late DJ (whose real name was Jason Mizell), told the jury Mizell had started carrying a gun to protect himself in the days prior to the fatal shooting.

Watford also claimed that one of the defendants, Ronald Washington, had asked for...

Jam Master Jay exclaimed “Oh shit” just before he was shot and killed in October 2002, according to testimony given in court on Wednesday. Uriel “Tony” Rincon, a friend and business associate of the late DJ (whose real name was Jason Mizell) explained his recollection of what happened when assailants entered a recording studio, killing the DJ and shooting Rincon in the leg to the jury at a Brooklyn federal court.

Rincon, who dried his eyes and sniffled during emotional testimony, told both a U.S. attorney and a lawyer for one of the defendants,...

Plot: A three-part documentary series chronicling the iconic forefathers of hip-hop, Run Dmc. This unique series will take you back to the 1980s, when Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, Darryl “Dmc” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell cultivated a one-of-a-kind sound that took not only Queens, but the world, by storm.

Review: In college, a professor made us watch Ken Burns’ series Jazz. At first, I rolled my eyes at the prospect of watching an eighteen-hour documentary about one genre of music. I was shocked when I became engrossed by the series and began appreciating jazz as never before. Few documentaries can harness an entire genre in such a way, but the new three-part series Kings From Queens: The Run Dmc Story manages to encapsulate the origin of rap by focusing on one of the most legendary duos to ever perform. With direct participation from Joseph Simmons and Daryl McDaniels,...

Every month, we are treated to a plethora of newly released TV shows, many of which run for a few months before being put on hold. While there are many streaming services available these days, each platform caters to a specific type of audience. Peacock features an array of iconic TV shows from NBC and Bravo, as well as a few originals each month.

These often range from crime mysteries to soap operas, but viewers are also treated to weekly sports like the PGA Tour, Big Ten Basketball, and Six Nations Ruby. In January 2024, the streamer released series such as the successful Night Court, Ted, and The Traitors. As it is a tradition, we have several more exciting additions planned for the following month. To that end, here is the list of every TV series coming to Peacock in February 2024.

Kings from Queens: The Run Dmc Story Streaming Feb. 1 Close...

The trial for two men accused of the 2002 murder of Jam Master Jay began with prosecutors alleging that the men had killed the Run-dmc DJ after feeling cut out of a cocaine trafficking deal he was involved in. Defense attorneys for the men countered that the U.S. government had faulty info based on the faded, decades-old memories of witnesses.

The opening remarks took place at the United States District Court – Eastern Division of New York in Brooklyn on Monday morning. Judge Lashann DeArcy Hall is presiding over the cases of Karl Jordan Jr.

Jam Master Jay, the trailblazing DJ who propelled Run-dmc to become hip-hop’s first superstar group, was shot dead at a recording studio in Queens, New York more than two decades ago. Now three men will stand trial for the death of the DJ, whose real name was Jason Mizell. Prosecutors allege the men were dealing drugs with Mizell at the time they shot him dead over a deal gone bad.

In 2020, federal authorities charged two of the men — Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan, Jr. — with one count each of...

Hip-hop enthusiasts have a new docu-series to be excited about. Peacock has just announced the release date of a new three-part docu-series, Kings From Queens: The Run Dmc Story, which follows the rise of the legendary rap group Run Dmc. According to an official description from Peacock: “King of Queens: The Run Dmc Story is the never-been-told story of the most influential rap group in the history of music, Run Dmc. Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, Darryl “Dmc” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell met on the streets of Hollis, Queens before these hip-hop legends would go on to legitimize a genre of music that critics labeled a fad. Their influence on culture shattered racial barriers, making them international stars and fashion leaders of the ‘80s. After a series of life-changing events and challenges, including the murder of their beloved DJ, Jam Master Jay, Rev Run, and Dmc reunite to...

There are several ways to soundtrack a journey back from hell. On a Wednesday afternoon in late November, Jorge Pabón lifts himself out of his wheelchair, props himself up, and scrolls through his iTunes until the right song hits him. “Órale!” he exclaims, as the chugging guitar riffs of “Disposable Heroes,” Metallica’s adrenaline-pumping war epic, fill his own personal purgatory: the unassuming physical therapy gym inside New Franklin Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Queens, New York. He clasps his hands on the arm bike and propels bicycle pedals with his hands.

Investigation Discovery is diving back into Hollywood murders with season two of Death By Fame, which just unveiled an official trailer. Premiering on ID on January 22, 2024, new episodes of season two will air on Mondays at 9pm Et/Pt.

Season two will kick off with “A Rising Star Shot Down,” an episode focusing on Tara Correa-McMullen’s murder. Correa-McMullen played a recurring character (gang member Graciela Reyes) on Judging Amy, and at 15 years old, she was working on establishing her acting career. Tragically, her life was cut short after “a romance with the wrong person takes her down a dangerous path, and out of the spotlight forever.”

The second season also includes episodes on the murders of Jam Master Jay (real name: Jason William Mizell) of Run-D.M.C., who was shot to death at his recording studio, and lawyer-turned-legal reality star Loredana Nesci, who was stabbed to death with a...

On Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 10:01 Pm, A&e will air Season 1, Episode 7 of “Hip Hop Treasures” titled “Run Dmc/ Soulja Boy.” This episode follows field collector Cipha Sounds as he embarks on a mission to track down artifacts from the legendary Hip Hop group, Run Dmc. Additionally, the episode pays tribute to the late Jam Master Jay, a member of the iconic group.

This episode will focus on the efforts of Cipha Sounds to find valuable items associated with Run Dmc, a pivotal group in Hip Hop history. The tribute to Jam Master Jay adds an emotional element to the show.

In the second part of the episode, rapper Yo-Yo visits Soulja Boy, an artist known for his role in ushering in the digital age of music. Viewers can expect insights into Soulja Boy’s contributions to the music industry.

For those interested in Hip Hop history and the stories behind iconic artists,...

It’s quiet in the Adidas office. Staff shuffle amongst themselves, having hushed conversations yet alert, waiting for the arrival of hip-hop’s greatest trio, Run-d.M.C.

Large glass windows span the entire length of the concrete room, overlooking Manhattan’s downtown area and into Brooklyn. Everything seems small in comparison, the tall ceiling dwarfing what lay below. But when Darryl McDaniels and Joseph Simmons, surviving members of Run-d.M.C.’s trio, enter with Adidas President Rupert Campbell, all wearing shell-toe superstars of course, the room suddenly feels small.

A third man has been charged in the 2002 shooting death of Run-Dmc star, Jam Master Jay, prosecutors said Tuesday, marking the latest movement in a case that languished for years.

Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York filed a superseding indictment on Tuesday, charging Jay Bryant, 49, in the death of Jason “Jay” Mizell, known professionally as Jam Master Jay.

Two other men, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr., had previously been indicted in August 2020 for the death of Jay. The hip-hop trailblazer was shot in the head in his studio on Oct. 30, 2002.

Bryant’s attorney, César de Castro, said in an email that they had just learned of the charges.

Read More: Suspect In Jam Master Jay Killing Pleads Not Guilty

“Securing an indictment in a secret grand jury, applying an extremely low burden of proof, is one thing. Proving it at trial is another matter,...

A third man has been charged in connection with the murder of Run-dmc DJ Jam Master Jay, who was shot and killed on October 30th, 2002.

Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn filed a superseding indictment charging Jay Bryant, 49, in the death of the hip-hop pioneer, who was born Jason Mizell. César de Castro, Bryant’s attorney, said his client would be pleading not guilty.

“Securing an indictment in a secret grand jury, applying an extremely low burden of proof, is one thing,” he said in a statement (via The New York Times). “Proving it at trial is another matter.” Bryant, who is from Queens, had already been in custody for separate federal drug charges.

Two other men — Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan — were previously indicted in August 2020 and charged in connection with the murder of Mizell. At the time, prosecutors said the shooting was the result of a cocaine deal gone bad.

A third man has been charged with murder in the 2002 killing of Run-D.M.C. trailblazer Jam Master Jay, according to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone.

On Tuesday, federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York charged Jay Bryant, 49, in the death of the hip hop pioneer, whose given name was Jason Mizell. The charges against Bryant include murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and other drug-trafficking counts; he is currently awaiting trial on a separate drug-related indictment, prosecutors stated in a court filing.

Two other men,...

In 1988, Boogie Down Productions, Eric B. & Rakim, Doug E. Fresh, Kool Moe Dee, and Biz Markie were in the middle of the Dope Jam Tour when an altercation broke out during a stop at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. Concertgoer Julio Fuentes, 19, was stabbed once in the chest amid an apparent robbery attempt mere minutes after he entered the venue. He died 30 minutes later at Nassau County Medical Center. Coupled with the murder of DJ Scott La Rock—a founding member of Boogie Down Productions who’d been...

Tennis legend Stan Smith at home on set in Danny Lee’s empowering Who Is Stan Smith? Photo: Danny Lee, SpringHill Company

Rebecca Halpern, the director of Love, Charlie: The Rise And Fall Of Chef Charlie Trotter and a producer of Who is Stan Smith? (both Doc NYC highlights) set me up with executive producers LeBron James (NBA's all-time top scorer), Maverick Carter, and Jamal Henderson (Uninterrupted - SpringHill Company) to meet director Danny Lee. In Who is Stan Smith? we start out being introduced to the famous adidas sneakers worn by Jay-Z, David Bowie, Barack Obama, Pharrell Williams, Phoebe Philo, Raf Simons, Naomi Campbell, Anna Wintour, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Run-dmc, Beastie Boys, and John Lennon to name a few.

Danny Lee with Anne-Katrin Titze on LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s brand Uninterrupted - SpringHill Company: “They use their platform to affect some sort of social change. All of...

This week marks 20 years of Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 50 Cent’s star-making opus that rode a bevy of hits, an Eminem co-sign, and Dr. Dre’s talismanic touch to sell 12 million records worldwide in 2003. 50’s mesh of New York bravado and melody catapulted him to instant superstardom, with “In Da Club” dominating the radio and “Many Men” feeding the streets.

Many rap fans make the mistake of attributing hip-hop’s push toward melody to a sole artist, be it Ye, Lil Wayne, Future, or Drake. But the shift...

This story was originally published in the Dec. 4, 1986 issue of Rolling Stone.

Eyeing a gold Jacuzzi in his 750-a-night suite at the Stouffer airport hotel in Los Angeles, Run, the deffest rapper in the world, exclaims, “Me go to Michael Jackson‘s for dinner? I just don’t know if I’m going. Shit! Who cares? Why should I go? Is his thing really mine?”

Run (Joe Simmons), D.M.C. (Darryl McDaniels, also known as D) and Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell) — the trio that has recently injected rap...

Two decades after Run-dmc’s Jam Master Jay was killed, his alleged killers will finally go to trial.

On Monday, a federal judge rejected the defense’s request to dismiss the case and set a trial date for early next year, according to Billboard. lawyers for the two men — — claimed that the men and asked the court to dismiss the case

After the two men — Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington — were charged back in 2020 for the alleged murder, their lawyers argued that prosecutors waited too long to charge them,...

Federal prosecutors are pushing back hard after the two men charged with the 2002 slaying of Jam Master Jay filed motions asking the court to either dismiss their narcotics-related murder indictments outright or give them separate trials to cure issues related to a Playboy article about the legendary Run-dmc DJ’s death.

In a new 34-page court filing, prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York slam “complaints” from co-defendants Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington that the government “intentionally” delayed their 2020 indictment to gain a tactical advantage. According to prosecutors,...

Jam Master Jay’s alleged shooter, now charged with the Run-dmc DJ’s 2002 slaying, wants his murder indictment dropped or a separate trial that’s severed from a co-defendant who previously spoke about the killing in Playboy magazine.

In a new motion filed Monday in Brooklyn Federal Court, lawyers for Karl Jordan Jr. said his murder charges should be dismissed because the government waited too long to seek the August 2020 indictment with claims Jordan broke into Jam Master Jay’s Queens studio on Oct. 30, 2002, and opened fired as revenge for a cocaine deal gone bad.

A documentary about the 2002 murder of Run-dmc DJ Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay, will have its streaming premiere Friday on ABC station apps before arriving on Hulu next week.

Set the Record Straight: The Jam Master Jay Case will be available to stream on Friday for viewers on the eight free connected-tv apps run by the ABC Owned Television Stations. Even though the apps are specific to New York, L.A. and six other markets, they are viewable by anyone in the U.S. via Roku, Amazon Fire, Android and Apple TV.

Disney-owned Hulu will debut the film on April 20 and linear ABC-owned stations will air it in various timeslots on April 17 and April 24. (Check out the trailer above.)

Two men were indicted in 2020 for the point-blank shooting of Mizell in a New York recording studio, with prosecutors calling it the result of a cocaine deal gone awry. Yet...

Public Enemy have dropped a new video for “Public Enemy Number Won.” The animated clip features Beastie Boys’ Mike D and Ad-Rock as well as Run-dmc. The track appears on Public Enemy’s 15th studio album, What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?, which dropped in September.

The album marks Public Enemy’s return to Def Jam Recordings, which is given a shout-out on the lyrics and the label’s logo is featured in the clip. The visual also features archival posters, photos and footage as backdrops to...

When LL Cool J heard that authorities in New York had indicted two men in the murder of Jam Master Jay, the pioneering DJ for the hip-hop trio Run-dmc who was killed in 2002, he felt relief. “I’m just so happy that they got indicted on that,” LL tells Rolling Stone. “And I’m just glad that they’re one step closer to a conviction. It was an absolute tragedy. [Jay] will always be forever respected by me.”

The rapper had previously showed his appreciation for the DJ by sending a...

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is behind Twenty Four Seven, a drama starring T.I. Inspired by Notorious C.O.P.: The Inside Story of the Tupac, Biggie, and Jam Master Jay Investigations from NYPD’s First “Hip-Hop Cop.”

CBS All Access is in final negotiations for the project, which will be produced by CBS TV Studios and Lionsgate TV where Jackson is based under his mega deal with Lionsgate-owned Starz. Jackson revealed details about the drama on Instagram.

Twenty Four Seven is being written by Dallas Jackson based on the book by Derrick Parker and Matt Diehl. The book centers on Parker (who will be played by T.I.). He worked on some of the biggest criminal cases in rap history, from the shooting at Club New York to the first shooting of Tupac Shakur.

Curtis Jackson executive produces through his G Unit Film & Television along with Dallas Jackson, T.

Hours after federal prosecutors indicted two men in connection with the 2002 killing of Run-dmc’s Jam Master Jay, both the late DJ’s family and rapper Darryl “Dmc” McDaniels issued statements expressing their conflicted emotions.

“Although this latest news opens up a lot of painful memories for all of us who knew and loved Jam Master Jay, I’m relieved to hear that two suspects have been arrested and charged with his murder,” McDaniels wrote.

“It’s been a difficult 18 years not having him around while knowing that his murderers...

Nearly two decades after his unsolved murder, the late Jam Master Jay of the legendary hip hop group Run-dmc just might finally have justice served to his killers. In 2002, Jam Master Jay -- whose real name was Jason Mizell -- was executed in cold blood at his New York studio. In the 18 years ever since, the case has officially remained unsolved, but a new report suggests that the perpetrators just might finally have to answer for the murder in a court of law.

According to The New York Times, federal prosecutors have announced that they are formally indicting two men who've long been suspected of the murder. Reportedly, prosecutors now feel they have enough evidence to prove that the men charged were involved. Per the indictment, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan, Jr. have been charged with murder while engaged in drug trafficking with ten counts against them. The indictment also...

In Oct. 2002, Jam Master Jay, née Jason Mizell, was fatally shot in a Queens music studio, a crime that would go unsolved for 18 years.  The Run-dmc rapper's case reached its conclusion when federal authorities arrested Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. in connection with the 37-year-old's murder. On Monday, Aug. 17, the two men were each indicted on 10 charges, including murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and firearm-related murder, according to Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Seth DuCharme. Additionally, Jordan is facing one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and seven counts of cocaine distribution.  Jordan was...