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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 VariousFusion Beats Vol. 2Bozo MekoBM0011981Afrika Bambaataa, Afrika Islam & Jazzy JayFUSION BEATS Vol. 200:04:47
Bootleg VariousNo Rights Given Or ImpliedBond St.BS0011993Afrika Bambaataa, Afrika Islam & Jazzy JayFUSION BEATS Vol. 200:04:51
D.J. Cut-Up - LegalBeat Street Soundtrack Volume 2AtlanticA1801581984Jazzy JaySON OF BEAT STREET00:04:03
D.J. Cut-Up - LegalRadioDef Jam267451985L.L. Cool JI NEED A BEAT Jazzy Jay Remix00:04:30
D.J. Cut-Up - LegalRunning ThangsUniUNI21988Jazzy Jay (as D.J. for Busy Bee)JAZZY ON THE MIX00:03:52
Live Old School Hip HopDeath Mix Live!!Paul Winley12X33101983Afrika Bambaataa & Jazzy JayDEATH MIX LIVE!! Side One00:08:31
Live Old School Hip HopDeath Mix Live!!Paul Winley12X33101983Afrika Bambaataa & Jazzy JayDEATH MIX LIVE!! Side Two00:10:33


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."