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 the first to bring Hip Hop music to the airwaves, on KISS FM. Jazzy's 3 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 "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 GrandWizzard Theodore (solo).

It is a little known fact that Jazzy Jay was a founder of Def Jam records along with Rick Rubin. The first single, on the Def Jam label, was 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 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 would begin their careers. Jazzy eventually began a new label with Rocky Bucano and 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/DMC DJ Hall of Fame in 2000. Jazzy Jay is also featured in the DJ documentary "SCRATCH" which premiered at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. SCRATCH has been opening in theaters across the US, since Feb. 2002. Jay also headlined the SCRATCH US 13 city tour to sold out audiences. Jazzy enjoys rocking parties internationally as well as explaining Hip Hop history, industry, and politics at conferences and panels. Jazzy, with his limitless energy continues to be a force to be reckoned with!

"Scratch Live Is The Shiz Nit"

For more information check out his website at www.TheOriginalJazzyJay.com