By Chris Richburg
Run-DMC turntablist Jam Master Jay will be in the hearts and minds of rappers Snoop Dogg, Raekwon and Jim Jones, who comprise a star-studded line up of performers for this year's J.A.M Awards concert.
The event, which will take place at 8 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 29) at the Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center Studios in New York City, will honor Jam Master Jay, who was killed in his recording studio on Oct. 30, 2002.
In addition to Snoop Dogg, Jones and Raekwon, the concert will feature performances from Marley Marl, Mobb Deep, De La Soul, Dead Prez, Papoose, Q-Tip, Everlast featuring DJ Muggs, DMC, Kid Capri, Mister Sinister, EPMD, Lord Finesse, Bumpy Knuckles, DJ Kay Slay and DMC, who will perform some of Run-DMC's classic hits.
J.A.M. award winners will also be announced at the event, which will highlight the most positive aspects of rap music.
Among the nominees are Chuck D., Dr. Cornell West and Will Smith (Justice Award); Spike Lee, Robert L. Johnson and Lee Quinones (Arts Award) and Nelly, Wyclef Jean and Kanye West (Music Award).
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jam Master Jay Foundation for Music, an organization created in honor of Jam Master Jay, by his wife Terri Corley-Mizell, DMC and close friends to support music and arts education in rural and urban schools.
Among those expected to attend the award ceremony and concert is the family of Jam Master Jay, NYC graffiti legend and Lordz of Brooklyn front-man Kaves and Foundation board members Russell Simmons, Lyor Cohen, Erik Blamoville, Rob Principe, Constance Schwartz, Cathy Symeonidis, Ivan Taback and others.
Tickets for the J.A.M. Awards and concert are currently available at Ticketmaster outlets.