A new documentary on the life and death of legendary Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay will premiere at The 9th Annual Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) tomorrow (June 3).
Two Turntables and a Microphone was produced by Jay’s cousin Stephon “Phonz” Watford and was directed by Guy Logan.
The documentary chronicles Jam Master Jay’s life, as well as his unsolved murder, which took place in his Hollis, Queens recording studio, on October 30, 2002.
Although five different people witnessed the DJ’s murder, the NYPD and other law enforcement agencies have been unable to identify a suspect in the high profile murder.
Two Turntables and a Microphone features interviews and insights from fellow Run-DMC member Rev. Run, Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons, 50 Cent, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Swizz Beatz, DJ Hurricane, LL Cool J, Ja Rule, Jay-Z and others with key information about Jam Master Jay’s murder.
A number of superstar rappers, including Rev. Run, Outkast, MC Lyte, Yo Yo, Onyx and others are confirmed to present during the film’s premiere, which takes place at The Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, starting at 6:00 PM.
“Jam Master Jay is a legend,” Onxy group member Sticky Fingaz told AllHipHop.com of his mentor and former artist on JMJ Records. “He should be remembered and reflected upon. He started my music career as well as many others. People need to know about his life and what happened to him. It shows you what justice is in America. A legend is murdered in front of 4 or 5 witnesses and the case is still unsolved? It’s a wake up call.”
HBFF founder Tany Kersey revealed that she was a life long Run-DMC fan.
“I am particularly excited about showcasing this film. Not only am I a native New Yorker, but I’m a true fan who grew up listening to Jam Master Jay spin with Run-DMC,” said HBFF founder Tanya Kersey. “This movie highlights the life of an extraordinarily talented artist who will always be remembered as one of Hip-Hop’s true legendary innovators. I can’t think of a better way to commemorate Jam Master Jay then at the opening night of the Hollywood Black Film Festival.”
The 9th Annual Hollywood Black Film Festival takes place June 3-8 in Beverly Hills.
Over 119 filmmakers from around the world will showcase 27 features, 58 shorts, 18 documentaries, 12 student films, two music videos and two animated films.
“This is an amazing time for us,” added Brett Dismuke, VP of Acquisitions for Image Entertainment/One Village Entertainment. “Two Turntables and a Microphone is an outstanding film that not only celebrates the life and career of one of Hip-Hop’s pioneers but it also gives us a history lesson as to how this worldwide phenomenon came about,” added Brett Dismuke, Vice President of Acquisitions for Image Entertainment & head of One Village Entertainment.