It was more than 20 years ago when Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, one-third of the legendary rap trio Run-DMC, was murdered in his Queens, New York recording studio. On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were convicted of killing Mizell. Jordan was Mizell’s godson and Washington was an old friend. Their motive for the murder was a drug deal that fell through because the supplier did not want to work with Washington. Jam Master Jay’s best friend and business partner Randy Allen was in the studio the night Jay was murdered. Allen took the stand and testified that he heard the commotion in the studio but did not see who the killers were before running to the police station. Allen was once looked at as a potential suspect in the murder. In the the trailer, for Hush Over Hollis, he talks about their friendship and the details surrounding the music icon’s death. The upcoming documentary will also have first-time interviews from others in the studio that night. Read Allen’s statement below.
“These past years from the beginning have taken a great toll on us all. By all I mean everyone who loved Jay and was invested in bringing the right people to justice. Many people have questioned my integrity, my dedication, my movements and my overall loyalty to my friend and his family. Many times I’ve been portrayed as a hindrance, a thief, a murderer and more. The public was swept away by speculation, limited information, out of context headlines all while I worked diligently behind the scenes towards what we all wanted. I practiced patience while the wheels of justice turned at the pace they needed to, uncontrolled by the fickle masses and their opinions. Opinions formed in the heat of uneducated banter. Opinions formed in the streets while the culprits partied and sat with many of Jay’s family and friends while their lies were believed. For years, you cast your gaze upon me with blame and contempt, convinced of my guilt in our friend’s demise. This verdict speaks volumes: You were wrong all along and justice finally prevailed.”
March 27, 2024, will be the 40th anniversary of Run-DMC’s self-titled album.
