Jazzy Jay
This pioneer started his illustrious career playing in the streets of the Bronx, under the guidance of Afrika Bambaataa. During the 80’s club revolution, Jazzy went from performing on the streets and in small clubs to spinning records in NYC’s hottest clubs: Negril, the Roxy, the Ritz, and Danceteria.
He was one of the first to bring Hip Hop music to the airwaves, on KISS FM. Jazzy’s three hour show became so popular that it was syndicated on Europe’s Radio One broadcast.
With the Jazzy 5, he recorded the hit single: “Jazzy Sensation”. He was propelled to stardom when he co-produced the seminal hit “Planet Rock” with Bambaataa and The Soul Sonic Force.
Not only having appeared on the movie’s soundtrack, Jazzy Jay also played the role of club DJ in the Hip Hop classic: “Beat Street“.
Afrika Islam and Jazzy Jay pioneered the first DJ team routines as they used to team up to battle Grandmaster Flash (solo) and GrandWizard Theodore (solo).
Jazzy Jay was also one of the Zulu King dancers in the early 70’s.
Jazzy Jay was essentially a founder of Def Jam records along with Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons. He appeared on T La Rock’s “It’s Yours”. While with Def Jam, Jazzy worked with such artists as LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy. Jazzy Jay also put out the 3rd Def Jam 12″ in 1985 called “Def Jam” b/w “Cold Chillin’ In The Spot” with Russell Simmons on vocals.
Jazzy Jay was Busy Bee’s DJ on his his 1st LP having produced the monumental “Suicide” in 1987.
He was also signed to Cutting Records and recorded two 12″s with an emcee named Seville called “Take a Walk” in 1987 and “Make it Funky” in 1988. (Seville also had one or two other hits with King Shameek.)
Jazzy furthered his producing and engineering skills when he founded Jazzy Jay’s Studio, providing a place where Fat Joe, Brand Nubian, A Tribe Called Quest, among others could begin their careers. Jazzy began a new label with Rocky Bucano- Strong City records was born. Strong City produced a multitude of hits with Ice Cream Tee, the Masters of Ceremony, Busy Bee, and Don Baron.
Jazzy was inducted into the Technics DJ Hall of Fame in 2000. Jazzy Jay is also featured in the DJ documentary “Scratch” which recently premiered at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. Jazzy enjoys rocking parties internationally as well as explaining Hip Hop history, industry, and politics. Jazzy and GrandWizard Theodore have recently teamed up to appear and DJ at shows together.
Check Out Jazzy Live!
Info submitted by ToolsofWar and Mr Ed
