ABOUT

In 2007, following the tragic passing of RUN-D.M.C.'s iconic Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell), David Clark was approached by the Jam Master Jay Foundation and Jay’s widow, Terry Corley Mizell, with a request: to create a tribute worthy of Jay's enduring legacy. Known for his commitment to inner-city arts, music education for youth, and outspoken advocacy for social justice, Jay’s legacy called for a tribute that would carry his spirit forward. Drawing on these core values, Clark established the J.A.M. Awards—the first socially responsible awards in hip-hop—celebrating Justice, Arts, and Music ("J.A.M.") in honor of a visionary who championed them all.
ABOUT

The Tribute to Jam Master Jay featuring The J.A.M. Awards, was an all-star benefit concert created to honor the life and legacy of RUN-D.M.C.’s Jam Master Jay, and support the Jam Master Jay Foundation which provides music and arts education for inner-city children.

ABOUT

The Tribute to Jam Master Jay featuring The J.A.M. Awards, was an all-star benefit concert created to honor the life and legacy of RUN-D.M.C.’s Jam Master Jay, and support the Jam Master Jay Foundation which provides music and arts education for inner-city children.

THE INSPIRATION

Following the death of Jam Master Jay (aka Jason Mizel) of RUN-D.M.C. fame, David Clark was approached by the Jam Master Jay Foundation, and Jay’s wife Terry Corley Mizel in 2007, to create a fitting tribute to her husband Jam Master Jay. Since Jay was committed to promoting inner-city art and music education for children, and was a vocal advocate for social justice, Clark fused these passions with Jam Master Jay’s name, to create the first socially responsible awards in the hip hop community: The “J.A.M. Awards,” which promote Justice, Arts and Music (“J.A.M.”).
THE INSPIRATION

Following the death of Jam Master Jay (aka Jason Mizel) of RUN-D.M.C. fame, David Clark was approached by the Jam Master Jay Foundation, and Jay’s wife Terry Corley Mizel in 2007, to create a fitting tribute to her husband Jam Master Jay. Since Jay was committed to promoting inner-city art and music education for children, and was a vocal advocate for social justice, Clark fused these passions with Jam Master Jay’s name, to create the first socially responsible awards in the hip hop community: The “J.A.M. Awards,” which promote Justice, Arts and Music (“J.A.M.”).
TRIBUTE TO JAM MASTER JAY

The Tribute to Jam Master Jay, featuring the inaugural J.A.M. Awards, was an electrifying celebration hosted by Terri Mizell that brought together a powerhouse lineup of hip-hop royalty. Icons including Rev Run, D.M.C., Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Q-Tip, Everlast, EPMD, De La Soul, Mobb Deep, Dead Prez, Raekwon, Kid Capri, Papoose, Biz Markie, Marley Marl, and The Lordz of Brooklyn took to the stage, each honoring the legacy of the late Jam Master Jay.

Three distinguished J.A.M. Awards were presented that evening, each symbolizing the pillars of Justice, Arts, and Music. Chuck D of Public Enemy received the Justice Award for his lifelong dedication to socially conscious work. Graffiti artist Lee Quinones was awarded the Arts Award for his efforts aiding victims of Hurricane Katrina. And Wyclef Jean earned the Music Award for his commitment to supporting at-risk youth in Haiti. Together, these awards reflected Jam Master Jay’s enduring spirit, blending music, art, and activism in a powerful homage.


THE BROADCAST

Hosted by Anthony Mason, the J.A.M. Awards were broadcast on Current TV, a groundbreaking network co-founded by Al Gore that redefined media by blending traditional programming with user-generated content. Designed for a socially conscious, younger audience, the platform brought the spirit of the J.A.M. Awards to more than 50 million viewers, amplifying its message of justice, art, and music to an engaged and thoughtful audience.
TRIBUTE TO JAM MASTER JAY

The Tribute to Jam Master Jay featuring the JAM Awards was hosted by Terri Mizell, and featured artists that included Rev Run, D.M.C., Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Q-Tip, Everlast, EPMD, De La Soul, Mobb Deep, Dead Prez, Raekwon, Kid Capri, Papoose, Biz Markie, Q-Tip, Marley Marl and The Lordz of Brooklyn.

At the benefit concert, the following three J.A.M. Awards were presented:

JUSTICE: Chuck D of Public Enemy was given the Justice Award for his socially conscious work

ARTS: Graffiti artist Lee Quinones received the Arts Award for aiding Hurricane Katrina victims

MUSIC: Wyclef Jean received the Music Award for his work with youths at risk in Haiti


THE BROADCAST
Hosted by Anthony Mason, The J.A.M. Awards were broadcast on Current TV.
TRIBUTE TO JAM MASTER JAY

The Tribute to Jam Master Jay featuring the JAM Awards was hosted by Terri Mizell, and featured artists that included Rev Run, D.M.C., Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Q-Tip, Everlast, EPMD, De La Soul, Mobb Deep, Dead Prez, Raekwon, Kid Capri, Papoose, Biz Markie, Q-Tip, Marley Marl and The Lordz of Brooklyn.

At the benefit concert, the following three J.A.M. Awards were presented:

JUSTICE: Chuck D of Public Enemy was given the Justice Award for his socially conscious work

ARTS: Graffiti artist Lee Quinones received the Arts Award for aiding Hurricane Katrina victims

MUSIC: Wyclef Jean received the Music Award for his work with youths at risk in Haiti


THE BROADCAST
Hosted by Anthony Mason, The J.A.M. Awards were broadcast on Current TV.
ADIDAS

Knowing that Run-D.M.C. always wore their signature Adidas shell top sneakers, Clark approached and secured Adidas as the title sponsor of The J.A.M. Awards, and worked with them to create a specialty line of J.A.M. merchandise designed by Co-Executive producer and graffiti icon Kaves. This specialty line of J.A.M. Award sneakers sold in all Adidas Original stores, and in over 600 Foot Actions across the US.
ADIDAS

In a tribute to Run-D.M.C.'s iconic style, David Clark approached Adidas, securing them as the title sponsor for the J.A.M. Awards. True to the spirit of Jam Master Jay, Clark collaborated with Co-Executive Producer and legendary graffiti artist Kaves to design a unique line of J.A.M. sneakers and apparel. This exclusive collection, honoring both hip-hop and Jay's legacy, was made available in Adidas Originals stores and over 600 Foot Action locations nationwide, merging culture with commerce in an homage to a timeless influence.
ADIDAS

Knowing that Run-D.M.C. always wore their signature Adidas shell top sneakers, Clark approached and secured Adidas as the title sponsor of The J.A.M. Awards, and worked with them to create a specialty line of J.A.M. merchandise designed by Co-Executive producer and graffiti icon Kaves. This specialty line of J.A.M. Award sneakers sold in all Adidas Original stores, and in over 600 Foot Actions across the US.

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