| Back to web site homepage |
| D.J. CUT-UP'S, MIXES & LIVE PERFORMANCES BY JAZZY JAY |
| Total Mixes: 7, Duration: 00:41:07 |
|
A summarised biography of Jazzy Jay created using Google Gemini in January 2026 can be found at the bottom of this page |
|
Click on the 'Release Title' to view the full details of each release |
| Release Category | Release Title | Label | Catalogue # | Year | Mixer(s) | Mix Title | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bootleg Various | Fusion Beats Vol. 2 | Bozo Meko | BM001 | 1981 | Afrika Bambaataa, Afrika Islam & Jazzy Jay | FUSION BEATS Vol. 2 | 00:04:47 |
| Bootleg Various | No Rights Given Or Implied | Bond St. | BS001 | 1993 | Afrika Bambaataa, Afrika Islam & Jazzy Jay | FUSION BEATS Vol. 2 | 00:04:51 |
| D.J. Cut-Up - Legal | Beat Street Soundtrack Volume 2 | Atlantic | A180158 | 1984 | Jazzy Jay | SON OF BEAT STREET | 00:04:03 |
| D.J. Cut-Up - Legal | Radio | Def Jam | 26745 | 1985 | L.L. Cool J | I NEED A BEAT Jazzy Jay Remix | 00:04:30 |
| D.J. Cut-Up - Legal | Running Thangs | Uni | UNI2 | 1988 | Jazzy Jay (as D.J. for Busy Bee) | JAZZY ON THE MIX | 00:03:52 |
| Live Old School Hip Hop | Death Mix Live!! | Paul Winley | 12X3310 | 1983 | Afrika Bambaataa & Jazzy Jay | DEATH MIX LIVE!! Side One | 00:08:31 |
| Live Old School Hip Hop | Death Mix Live!! | Paul Winley | 12X3310 | 1983 | Afrika Bambaataa & Jazzy Jay | DEATH MIX LIVE!! Side Two | 00:10:33 |
|
David "Jazzy Jay" Bellamy is a foundational pillar of hip-hop history. As a protege of Afrika Bambaataa and an early member of the Universal Zulu Nation, he represents the transition from hip-hop's street-party origins to its global commercial success. Here is a summary of his career and contributions: The Zulu Nation Roots In the 1970s, Jazzy Jay began his career in the Bronx as a member of the Universal Zulu Nation. He was one of Afrika Bambaataa's "Soulsonic Force" DJs, helping to pioneer the "electro-funk" sound that defined early 1980s hip-hop. He was renowned for his technical precision on the turntables and his ability to blend diverse genres into a seamless dance floor experience. Co-Founder of Def Jam Recordings Jazzy Jay played a pivotal role in the creation of Def Jam Recordings and introduced Rick Rubin to Russell Simmons. He produced the label's very first single, "It's Yours" by T La Rock and Jazzy Jay (1984). This track is cited by many historians as the bridge between "Old School" party rap and the more aggressive, drum-heavy "New School." Cinematic & Cultural Impact Jay provided a face for the art of DJing to the rest of the world through film: "Beat Street" (1984): He appeared as himself in this seminal hip-hop film, showcasing authentic Bronx DJ techniques to a global audience. Production: He went on to produce for iconic artists like LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, and Brand Nubian. "Jazzy Jay was the guy who showed us that the DJ wasn't just the background-he was the heartbeat of the whole movement." |