Get started as a DJ now! Run-DMC's 1983 single 'It's Like That' marked the birth of modern hip-hop, with the stripped-down sound of rap against a drum machine and turntable scratching.

Jam Master Jay maintained his reputation as a consummate DJ with the group, and performed as a solo club DJ throughout the world.

Update:

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Jam Master Jay, the DJ of the longtime rap group Run-DMC, was shot in the head and killed Wednesday night,  30 October 2002 in a Queens recording studio, according to New York police .

The shooting death was met with shock by the group's fans who likened Run-DMC to the "Beatles of rap music."

"May Jay remains an inspiration for us all -- a man with vision, creativity, generosity, and talent, one who condemned and spoke against violence, and was taken away from us, and his family, far too soon," one fan posted on the group's Web site.

ref: http://archives.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/31/rapper.slain/