The family of Jam
Master Jay of Run-DMC will hold a memorial service Saturday (October 30) to
mark the second anniversary of Jay’s murder in the legendary rap group’s
native Hollis, Queens.
The service, hosted
by family members Connie Mizell-Perry, Marvin Thompson and Bonita Jones, is
scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and will take place at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church.
The family will
continue the memory of Jason Mizell, known to many as Jam Master Jay, with a
remembrance ceremony and a community awareness discussion concerning the investigation
into Jay’s murder. The program will also feature a special musical tribute.
Jay was brutally
murdered two years ago inside his 24/7 studio in Jamaica, Queens. Since then,
the case remains open, though several possible developments have been proposed.
No suspect has yet been named.
Jay’s mother,
Connie Mizell-Perry explained how the family is coping with Jay’s death.
"Basically, we are doing fine," Perry told MTV. "We thank God
we are doing as well as we are. I’d be remiss if I didn’t say we miss Jason.
We do miss him."
The public is invited
to attend the memorial service and encouraged to arrive early because seating
is limited.
The Mizells have
recently gained support for the auction of a GMC van they call the J-Whip. The
inside of the van is signed by several members of the hip-hop community including
Alicia Keys, Jadakiss, Mobb Deep, Big Daddy Kane, DJ Kool Herc and Kanye West.
The Mizells plan
to sell the van on eBay, and donate the money to the Jam Master Jay scholarship
fund for college students.
The family also
expects to hold a benefit concert to celebrate what would have been Jay’s
40th birthday. They are in the midst of gathering artists to perform at the
concert, scheduled for January 21.