Ex-Rage Guitarist Morello, Linkin Park, & Incubus Remember Jam Master Jay

11/01/2002 3:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
Mark Armstrong

(11/2/02, 3 p.m. ET) -- Reactions are still coming in about the murder of Jam Master Jay, Run-DMC's DJ. He was shot to death in his studio in Queens on Thursday (October 30), but his impact on Modern Rock will forever be felt. Former Rage Against The Machine and current Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello, vocalist Mike Shinoda and DJ Mr. Hahn of Linkin Park, and others commented on the lost legend.

"Jam Master Jay was one of the true greats of hip hop," said Morello in a statement. "As a DJ he was absolutely devastating and could rock a crowd like no one else who ever stepped to the wheels of steel. His amazing musicianship and unforgettable beats changed my life and changed the face of music forever, and he continues to be a tremendous inspiration. I feel fortunate and grateful to have seen him play many times and right now I am about to drop the needle on 'It's Tricky' and raise a toast to the great Jam Master Jay. The King Of Rock will be missed."

Linkin Park DJ Hahn said in a statement, "This is a tragic loss for the music community. Jam Master Jay was not only a pioneer and icon of hip hop music but also a primary influence for me musically. My thoughts and prayers are with Jay's family."

Linkin Park vocalist Shinoda added, "In the shadow of this tragedy, I hope our focus can be kept on remembrance of Jam Master Jay's groundbreaking achievements and contributions to hip-hop music and culture. He was a great inspiration to myself and millions all over the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family."

Incubus's DJ Kilmore remembered meeting Jam Master Jay in 1999. "They did a gig at the Roxy out here in L.A. and I got to DJ before they went on. I was like the support band. I met him out there and he was totally cool. We just met in passing, and he gave me a little bit of props and obviously I gave him much respect. I'm pretty shy and nervous when I meet people that I look up to. I can sit here for days, weeks, and years and take you through my life and tell you how he's influenced me, you know."

Kilmore even uses some Run-DMC samples in some of Incubus's songs.

-- Darren Davis, New York

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