ReMastered: Who Killed Jam Master Jay? can be described as thrilling from the word go. It is as well an American documentary which is classified as a true crime. The documentary, which came out in the year 2018, is part of the series ReMastered on Netflix. ReMastered is a series that deals with the themes and issues which have not been given much attention in the music industry. This particular episode aims on solving the case surrounding the assassination of Jason Mizell aka Jam Master Jay who is famous as the better half of the legendary star group Run DMC. The revered Brian Oakes was the one who oversaw the directing of the film. A quest to understand Jay’s violent and untimely death is what the film is all about. The rest of the film circles around Jam Master Jay’s death alongside the rise to stardom of other hip hop figures.
Synopsis
On October 30, 2002, Jam Master Jay was shot dead in his Queens, New York recording studio. He was an impactful and well-loved figure in hip-hop and so it is rather striking that his case did not see any significant action in the subsequent two decades, other than conflicting stories and being shelved.
The film delves into the social and other aspects of Jay’s death such as his social outreach and training programs for artists as well as speculations about money issues and crime. The film includes interviews with family, friends of the Jay and reporters which focus on why did achieving justice take so many years.
Some of the major issues revolve around the idea of ‘riding the danger’ that comes along fame, the paradox of breaking the ‘code of silence’ of certain culture and the relevance that the American music industry has in the legacy of Jam Master Jay.
Production Insights
Apart from their signature repertoire of music, the ReMastered series has been notable for its coverage of political affiliation, crime, and other social issues as well. In this episode, every viewer is aided by an accumulation of research and stock footage which encapsulates the world of Jam Master Jay and Run-D.M.C.
Brian Oakes as a director combines sad interviews, dramatizations and a straightforward approach to journalism. Tension was built within the narrative satisfying both the symptons of ‘not being able solve the case’ and the determination of Jay’s family members who seeked closure.
Cultural and Social Significance
Jam Master Jay was an exceptional DJ, but he was also someone who mentored people and represented culture. The film shows how the killing of Jam Master Jay represents the much bigger picture of all the lives lost in conflict-prone societies which are often left unresolved.
The documentary highlights the institutional shortcomings of the criminal justice system that enabled such a high profile case to remain unsolved for so many years. By bringing into focus the theft of this people’s crime, Who Killed Jam Master Jay? guarantees that Jay’s status as an innovator in hip hop and champion of good works remains relevant.
Critical Reception
The film was applauded for its depth and sensitivity, particularly with regard to how it depicts Jay’s life and legacy alongside the uncomfortable facts surrounding his demise. Perhaps somewhat paradoxically, some viewers believed that the film raises more questions than it provides answers – probably because the case is ongoing.
Where to Watch
The documentary is available for streaming on Netflix. Fans of true crime, hip-hop, and cultural documentaries will find it compelling and thought-provoking.
If you enjoyed this, you might also like other episodes of ReMastered, such as The Two Killings of Sam Cooke or Lion’s Share.
