Jazzy Jay is indisputably one of the most important DJs and producers in Hip Hop history. From his early days in the mid-70s, on the streets of the Bronx, Jazzy quickly become one of the most beloved and respected DJs in Hip Hop Culture. Soon enough, Jazzy Jay was the heartbeat of countless street parties, events, in the Bronx and beyond. He played a key role in bridging the Bronx and uptown scenes to the interest and emergence of Hip Hop on the downtown scene spinning at Negril, The Roxy, Danceteria, and the Ritz. In addition to spinning at the most illustrious parties, Jazzy DJ’ed for legendary groups like The Soulsonic Force’s “Planet Rock”, and The Jazzy Five MC’s '“Jazzy Sensation”.

According to Rick Rubin, "Of all the DJs, Jay was my favorite, from both a technical and taste standpoint...it just felt like every record Jay picked was good. The way he cut ’em up, and just the way he worked the night, felt the best of anybody." Jay also figured prominently in early DJ battles, tag-teaming against Grandmaster Flash and Grand Wizard Theodore.

Jazzy would go on to firmly cement his place in the culture in 1984 when he met Rick Rubin. The two of them laid the initial foundation for a record label that would soon come to be known as Def Jam Recordings. Their first official single was Jazzy Jay and T La Rock's "It's Yours". Like Wildfire, “It’s Yours” enraptured NYC's dance clubs and rap radio shows and became a bona fide Hip Hop classic. 

Naturally, It didn’t stop there for Jazzy Jay. He was involved in the production of 2 platinum selling albums back to back, LL Cool J’s “Radio” (1985) and Beastie Boy’s “Licensed to Ill” (1986). Jazzy Jay went on to play himself in the 1984 film “Beat Street” and has produced or played a hand in numerous hits for Brand Nubians, Masters of Ceremony, Fat Joe, Big Pun, Diamond D, Showbiz & AG, Lord Finesse, Big L and countless more. Jazzy Jay continues to inspire, influence, and innovate the 50+ years of Hip Hop culture.