Russell Simmons & Rev Run talk about Jam Master Jay’s dedication to the iconic group and why he called both Run & DMC “Suckas” from the DVD 2 Turntables and A Microphone.
When people talk about RUN-DMC, the focus usually lands on Run and DMC — the voices, the Adidas, the cultural takeover. But behind the scenes, there was a third pillar holding everything together: Jam Master Jay.
And in the early days, he wasn’t getting the respect — or the money — he deserved.
Before the platinum plaques and sold-out arenas, Jay was grinding just as hard as the rest of the crew. He was essential to the group’s meetings, promotions, and live performances. Yet somehow, he wasn’t even on the record cover. Worse than that, his name wasn’t included in the original contract. Imagine being a foundational piece of a movement and not even seeing your name in ink.
Financially, it wasn’t much better.
At first, Jay was only getting $200 per show — a flat fee — while the group was building its reputation and drawing bigger crowds. It took time before Run was convinced that the money should be split evenly three ways. Think about that: one of the most influential DJs in hip hop history was initially treated like hired help instead of a full partner.
But what really stands out isn’t just the unfairness — it’s Jay’s character. Even when he started receiving his proper share, Jay used much of his money to reinvest in himself. He bought his own equipment, leveling up his craft and strengthening the group’s sound. That’s long-term vision. That’s believing in the mission bigger than ego.
Meanwhile, he wasn’t blind to what was happening around him. Jay had a habit of calling the other members “suckers” — not out of hatred, but out of frustration. While he stayed grounded, others were taking first-class seats and driving off in rental cars without him. The contrast said everything. Jay was about the work. About the foundation. About the culture.
Stories like this remind us that hip hop wasn’t built on glamour. It was built on sacrifice, hustle, and often uneven recognition. Jam Master Jay’s early experience is a powerful example of how many legends had to fight for their rightful place — even within their own crews.
And history has a way of correcting the record.
Today, you can’t tell the story of RUN-DMC without giving Jay his flowers. His turntables weren’t just background noise — they were the heartbeat of a revolution.
Synopsis:
Legendary hip-hop DJ Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay, is gunned down in his Queens studio. Security tapes of the incident mysteriously disappear, the five witnesses are uncooperative and no one is talking…until now. 2 TURNTABLES AND A MICROPHONE documents the investigation of the unsolved murder of Jam Master Jay, RUN- DMC’s groundbreaking DJ and producer, deftly revealing the history of hip-hop and mainstream rap along the way. Exclusive, candid interviews with 50 Cent, Ja Rule, Russell Simmons, RUN-DMC and more offer insight into Jam Master Jay’s life – including information that could finally help police solve the murder that shook the music world to its core.
Leave a Reply