This is definitely the most difficult note I
have yet to write. A note necessary only because of this convoluted world we
live in and its fascination for distorted, embellished truths. It’s really important
for the record to be clear and precise. Remember, Jason does have three kids,
a wife, mother, brothers and sisters and they should only be subjected to the
truth.
Jason is a beautiful person, a husband, an amazing
father and a gracious friend. He is a person who in the due course of his everyday
would offer people his smile and his help just because he was Jason…
It was Jason who I reported to from ’82-’85 as
Run DMC’s road manager. Jay showed me how to settle shows and fulfill my responsibilities
to the group. It’s those lessons from that period that I rely on daily in order
to do what i do.
Jason befriended me and always showed me great
kindness and the utmost respect. While Darryl McDaniels (my roommate) was shy,
Joey was always ”run", it was Jay who had the friends because he was friendly
and interested whether you were simply a fan or a local dj. Jay always engaged
in dialogue and made people feel important. Jay’s eyes always made contact and
his smile never far behind. Jay has the best smile because it is genuine.
Jay’s smile is what I already deeply miss. Jay’s
smile was a conversation, so many words in his smile.
Jay and his group Run DMC have always been about
the most positive things – never taking a detour to negativity. The group Run
DMC helped establish Def Jam. I personally want to work hard to champion the
positive over the negative- and to help remind me, I will keep Jason’s smile
so very close to my heart.
