By Malice Intended 

The artist who popularizes an art form is just as, if not more important than the artist who pioneered it.  The artist who popularizes the form is more often than not the one who affects the public consciousness with it.  He leaves a mark and sets a mold for generations to follow.  This fact is not lost on Hip-Hop, which has a long and storied tradition of paying homage to its most obscure founders as well as its most popular icons.

2 Turntables And A Microphone – The Life and Death of Jam Master Jay is a documentary about the most iconic DJ in rap music history:  Jason Mizell aka Jam Master Jay, one third of the legendary Run DMC.  Executive produced by 50 Cent and directed by Guy Logan, it is actually more of a testimonial to the memory of Jay his icon status within the culture.  Throughout its running time it morphs into a venomous poison letter to his killers.

Jay’s younger cousin Phonz is the most consistent presence throughout the proceedings.  His narration during the opening passages set a somber tone.  We are offered a cursory look at Jay’s family life and his early years in Hollis, Queens.  It is explained that Hollis had a dual identity as both middle class suburb and heroin capitol of the 5 boroughs.  This is the environment that bred Jay and Run DMC.

We learn how Jay’s fashion sense would serve as the blueprint for that of Run DMC, and by extension an entire generation of urban youth.  Stetson Hats, thick gold cables and unlaced shell toe Adidas replaced the elaborate punk-influenced costumes worn by first generation rappers.  We see how Run DMC uses this image to bring Rap music to the mainstream in a bigger way than any group before them.

We also see Jay’s entrepreneurial spirit manifest itself in the founding of JMJ records, which would help to sustain Jay after Run DMC’s decline.  The label was home to hardcore Rap group Onyx, whose success predated the east coast resurgence of the mid 1990’s.   JMJ also served as a training academy of sorts for 50 Cent.  JMJ’s decline begins with the involvement of Randy Allen, whom the documentary paints as a central figure in Jay’s murder.  The murder is mostly covered in the second half, with great emphasis being placed on the murky details surrounding it and the sadness it caused throughout the Hip-Hop community.

The documentary boasts an impressive roster of interview subjects, featuring close friends and associates as well as artists who were inspired by Jay.  The first half plays like a who’s who of rap music personalities, with 50 Cent, Russell Simmons, Kid Rock, Ja Rule and Jermaine Dupri all chiming in to describe how Jay affected their lives.  Childhood friends offer funny stories and attest to Jay’s friendliness and generosity.  While much of this is superficial and overly sentimental, it is edited in a way that emphasizes the emotional connection these people had to Jay.  Their enthusiasm is infectious.

The mood and tone of the film change drastically at the half way point, when the decline of JMJ records and Jay’s murder are covered.  During the segments that cover the murder, the musical score by Geoff Gallegos and Dakah the Hip-Hop Orchestra sets a grim and foreboding tone that underscores the feelings of sadness and anger.  The anger becomes quite palpable as interviewees go so far as to warn Jay’s killers what karma has in store for them.

2 Turntables And A Microphone – The Life and Death of Jam Master Jay is not a biography or an expose, but a tribute to a major figure in a world renowned culture.  It’s not for those who are looking to learn about the man, but a gift for those who were touched by his music and presence.  Its faults as a documentary notwithstanding, it radiates an energy that fans will be able to appreciate.  You would be hard pressed to find a documentary that reveres its subject as much as 2 Turntables And A Microphone – The Life and Death of Jam Master Jay.

Out of 5

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