That DJ Made My Day: 10 Top DJ Features In Honor Of Jam Master Jay [VIDEO] - Page 4

Run DMC rose to fame due to the dynamic verses of Run and D.M.C., but the crew’s equally vital member was their late DJ, Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell. On what would have been the turntable technician’s 49th birthday, it’s only right to give props to DJs that have shined in similar settings as well.

In current times, the DJ’s role in a group isn’t what it once compared to Hip-Hop’s golden era. However, there’s something truly unique in hearing some cutting and scratching over dope drums and fresh samples.

Hip-HopWired takes a look at 10 Top DJ Features In Honor Of Jam Master Jay. Let us know if we missed any key ones in the comments.

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Photo: RunDMC.com

Run DMC – “Peter Piper” (Jam Master Jay)

Although the Bob James sample did much of the heavy lifting, what would the song be without Jam Master Jay cutting the record in the back? And of course, the line “Goddamn, that DJ made my day” still lives on.

O.C. – “Times Up” (Roc Raida)

The late Roc Raida laced this classic track from O.C., adding some of his incredible skills he showcased as part of the The X-Ecutioners crew.

Freshco & Miz – “We Don’t Play” (DJ Miz)

The story of Freshco & Miz pairing up is amazing, after the two won the New Music Seminar’s Battle for World Supremacy in the MC and DJ categories. On this 1990 track, Miz proves why DJs from Philadelphia were known to be the best in Hip-Hop.

Gang Starr – “DWYCK” (DJ Premier)

Although Gang Starr always made sure the DJ didn’t play the back, Primo’s cutting on this classic joint is perhaps the star of the show.

EPMD – “Rampage” (DJ Scratch)

DJ Scratch went completely bonkers on this, and the bars from Erick Sermon, PMD and LL Cool J were just as potent. JMJ was said to have mentored Scratch as well.

Outkast – “Wheelz Of Steel” (Mr. DJ)

Mr. DJ’s simple stage name aside, the skills displayed on this Outkast track take the song to new heights.

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth – “The Creator” (C.L. Smooth)

The rap world’s whole head exploded when the duo of Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth switched roles for a hot minute on the bouncy beat of “The Creator.”

Saigon – “Greatest Story Never Told” (Just Blaze)

Just Blaze earned his fame as a producer, and he especially gave Saigon a heat rock here. But the cutting and scratching from the New Jersey beat maker was on time.

Beastie Boys – “Intergalactic” (Mixmaster Mike)

The Beastie Boys turned heads in 1998 with the album, Hello Nasty. The first singe, “Intergalactic,” featured the skills of unofficial band member Mixmaster Mike. Real fans know that Mixmaster Mike has been been one of the game’s top turnbalists since the 1990s.