ABOUT

In 2007, following the passing of RUN-D.M.C.’s Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell), a tribute took shape rooted in purpose rather than spectacle. Jay’s legacy extended far beyond music—encompassing youth education, inner-city arts, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.

Out of this effort emerged the J.A.M. Awards, a socially conscious recognition within hip-hop culture shaped around three core principles: Justice, Arts, and Music. The awards were designed to honor creative excellence while reinforcing Jay’s belief that culture carries civic responsibility—and that artistic influence can be a force for lasting impact.
ABOUT

In 2007, following the passing of RUN-D.M.C.’s Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell), a tribute took shape rooted in purpose rather than spectacle. Jay’s legacy extended far beyond music—encompassing youth education, inner-city arts, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.

Out of this effort emerged the J.A.M. Awards, a socially conscious recognition within hip-hop culture shaped around three core principles: Justice, Arts, and Music. The awards were designed to honor creative excellence while reinforcing Jay’s belief that culture carries civic responsibility—and that artistic influence can be a force for lasting impact.
ABOUT

In 2007, following the passing of RUN-D.M.C.’s Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell), a tribute took shape rooted in purpose rather than spectacle. Jay’s legacy extended far beyond music—encompassing youth education, inner-city arts, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.

Out of this effort emerged the J.A.M. Awards, a socially conscious recognition within hip-hop culture shaped around three core principles: Justice, Arts, and Music. The awards were designed to honor creative excellence while reinforcing Jay’s belief that culture carries civic responsibility—and that artistic influence can be a force for lasting impact.
THE INSPIRATION

Following the death of Jam Master Jay, conversations began in 2007 about how best to honor his life and values. Jay was widely respected not only for his influence on music, but for his commitment to inner-city arts, youth education, and social justice.

As part of that process, David Clark introduced the name J.A.M. Awards—an acronym for Justice, Arts, and Music—to reflect the principles Jay championed throughout his life. Conceived as a socially conscious recognition within hip-hop culture, the awards were intended to honor creative excellence while reinforcing the inseparable link between culture and community responsibility.
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 J.A.M. Awards, was staged at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City and hosted by Terri Mizell. Conceived as a respectful celebration of Jay’s life and values, the evening brought together artists and collaborators from across the hip-hop community to honor his lasting influence on music, culture, and social responsibility.

The performance lineup—led by Snoop Dogg—included Rev Run, D.M.C., 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.

Three J.A.M. Awards were presented, reflecting the principles of Justice, Arts, and Music that Jam Master Jay championed throughout his life. Chuck D was recognized for his longstanding commitment to socially conscious work; artist Lee Quiñones was honored for his efforts supporting communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina; and Wyclef Jean received the Music Award for his dedication to at-risk youth in Haiti. Together, the awards underscored Jay’s belief that creative expression and civic purpose are deeply connected—and that culture can be a force for meaningful change.


THE BROADCAST

Hosted by Anthony Mason, the J.A.M. Awards were broadcast on Current TV, a 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 J.A.M. Awards, was staged at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City and hosted by Terri Mizell. Conceived as a respectful celebration of Jay’s life and values, the evening brought together artists and collaborators from across the hip-hop community to honor his lasting influence on music, culture, and social responsibility.

The performance lineup—led by Snoop Dogg—included Rev Run, D.M.C., 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.

Three J.A.M. Awards were presented, reflecting the principles of Justice, Arts, and Music that Jam Master Jay championed throughout his life. Chuck D was recognized for his longstanding commitment to socially conscious work; artist Lee Quiñones was honored for his efforts supporting communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina; and Wyclef Jean received the Music Award for his dedication to at-risk youth in Haiti. Together, the awards underscored Jay’s belief that creative expression and civic purpose are deeply connected—and that culture can be a force for meaningful change.

THE BROADCAST
Hosted by Anthony Mason, the J.A.M. Awards were broadcast on Current TV, a 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 J.A.M. Awards, was staged at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City and hosted by Terri Mizell. Conceived as a respectful celebration of Jay’s life and values, the evening brought together artists and collaborators from across the hip-hop community to honor his lasting influence on music, culture, and social responsibility.

The performance lineup—led by Snoop Dogg—included Rev Run, D.M.C., 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.

Three J.A.M. Awards were presented, reflecting the principles of Justice, Arts, and Music that Jam Master Jay championed throughout his life. Chuck D was recognized for his longstanding commitment to socially conscious work; artist Lee Quiñones was honored for his efforts supporting communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina; and Wyclef Jean received the Music Award for his dedication to at-risk youth in Haiti. Together, the awards underscored Jay’s belief that creative expression and civic purpose are deeply connected—and that culture can be a force for meaningful change.

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

In keeping with Run-D.M.C.’s enduring connection to street culture, David Clark led conversations with Adidas, securing the brand as title sponsor of the J.A.M. Awards. The partnership was shaped to honor Jam Master Jay’s influence on both music and style, grounding the collaboration in authenticity rather than promotion.

Working alongside Co-Executive Producer and graffiti artist Kaves, Clark helped develop a limited line of J.A.M.-branded sneakers and apparel. Released through Adidas Originals stores and select retail partners, the collection served as a cultural extension of the tribute.
ADIDAS

In keeping with Run-D.M.C.’s enduring connection to street culture, David Clark led conversations with Adidas, securing the brand as title sponsor of the J.A.M. Awards. The partnership was shaped to honor Jam Master Jay’s influence on both music and style, grounding the collaboration in authenticity rather than promotion.

Working alongside Co-Executive Producer and graffiti artist Kaves, Clark helped develop a limited line of J.A.M.-branded sneakers and apparel. Released through Adidas Originals stores and select retail partners, the collection served as a cultural extension of the tribute.
ADIDAS

In keeping with Run-D.M.C.’s enduring connection to street culture, David Clark led conversations with Adidas, securing the brand as title sponsor of the J.A.M. Awards. The partnership was shaped to honor Jam Master Jay’s influence on both music and style, grounding the collaboration in authenticity rather than promotion.

Working alongside Co-Executive Producer and graffiti artist Kaves, Clark helped develop a limited line of J.A.M.-branded sneakers and apparel. Released through Adidas Originals stores and select retail partners, the collection served as a cultural extension of the tribute.

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