BIOGRAPHY

The Original Jazzy Jay began 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 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 grew so popular that it was eventually 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.  Jazzy Jay played the role of club DJ in the Hip Hop classic, “Beat Street”, and he also contributed to the movie’s soundtrack.

It is a little known fact that Afrika Islam and Jazzy Jay pioneered the first DJ team routines as they used to team up to battle GrandMaster Flash (solo) and GrandWizzard Theodore (solo). Jazzy Jay was also one of the Zulu King B-Boys in the early 70’s. Jazzy Jay was a co-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 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. He is featured in the DJ documentary “SCRATCH” (Palm Pictures) and has headlined every Scratch Tour in the US, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Jazzy enjoys rocking parties internationally as well as speaking on panels about Hip Hop history, industry, and politics.

DISCOGRAPHY

Cold Chillin’ in the Studio

Date Released: March 14, 2006 (CD)
Label: Traffic Entertainment

It’s Yours

Date Released: 1984
Label: Def Jam

Son of Beat Street

Date Released: 1984
Label: Atlantic

Take A Walk

Date Released: 1987
Label: Cutting Records

Cold Chillin in the Spot

Date Released: 1989
Label: Def Jam

Def Jam

Date Released: 2007
Label: Def Jam Classics

TOUR & EVENTS SCHEDULE

AVAILABILITY