By Chris Richburg
Rappers Snoop Dogg, Talib Kweli, De La Soul and numerous others will be among those hitting the stage to perform at the first ever social Justice, Arts and Music (J.A.M.) awards in New York City.
The event, which is scheduled to take place Nov. 29 at the Hammerstein Ballroom, is a joint venture between the Jam Master Jay (JMJ) Foundation, EPOPInternational, adidas and New York radio station Hot 97.
"These unique awards are built on our efforts to promote social justice, arts and music (J.A.M.),” said Jam Master Jay's wife, foundation creator and J.A.M. Awards co-host Terri Corley-Mizell. “Every year, one honoree from the Hip-Hop community will be selected and honored in the field of social Justice, one in the Arts and another in music. The winners will be selected based upon the impact they have made in their respective category and their record of helping others in their local community and around the world."
The J.A.M. Awards is the latest in a series of events put on by the Jam Master Jay Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting music and arts education, as well as promoting the legacy of the late Run-DMC member, Jam Master Jay.
Although it is designed to showcase the positive aspects of rap music and let the world know that Hip-Hop is alive and well and as relevant today, DMC believes the J.A.M. Awards represents a deeper cause.
“This unprecedented event is not designed merely for music fans, but also for people who want to see Hip-Hop answer its critics with a resounding voice of hope and inspiration,” the rap veteran said. “I can't yet mention everyone who will be there; I will go on record to say that it will be historic. I know Jay will be with us in spirit."
In addition to event CO-host DMC, Mobb Deep and Papoose, confirmed J.A.M. Awards performers include Marley Marl, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, Raekwon, Q-Tip, Everlast featuring DJ Muggs, De La Soul and Snoop Dogg, who expressed his enthusiasm for being a part of the event.
"The J.A.M. Awards will be over the top. Jam Master Jay and Run-DMC paved the way for me and everyone I know,” the rapper said. “As pioneers of Hip-Hop, their positive message will live on through this J.A.M. concert and future J.A.M. Awards."
Since news of the J.A.M. Awards broke, the event has been met with support from numerous sources.
"This is Hip-Hop at its best," said JMJ board member and U.S. Recorded Music for Warner Music Group chairman and CEO Lyor Cohen. "The message we're promoting with the J.A.M. Awards is simple and unassailable. Many relevant artists I know, including all the members of Run DMC, were inspired by social justice, arts or music–those are the necessary elements to build a dream."
Foundation Board Members include: Terri Corley-Mizell, DMC, Russell Simmons, Lyor Cohen, Erik Blamoville, Jesse Itzler, Stephen Nitkin, Rob Principe, Constance Schwartz, Cathy Symeonidis, Ivan Taback and David Weisswasser.
Tickets for the inaugural J.A.M. Awards are available now through Ticketmaster.
