Beyond the Turntables: Where Are Jam Master Jay's Wife and Kids Now? Here's What We Know

In February, two men were found guilty of murdering Run-DMC founder Jam Master Jay.

Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. were convicted of the crime, which took place in 2002. Jay (whose real name was Jason Mizell) was shot inside a New York recording studio, but police were initially unable to identify the culprits.

“It’s definitely a long time coming. Justice delayed is not always justice denied,” Jay’s cousin, Carlis Thompson, said after the verdict was delivered (per CNN.) “Jason himself was an amazing talent. Life ended far, far too soon, and I’m just glad that justice was served.”

The trial's conclusion comes decades after Run-DMC first rose to fame. Alongside Joseph "Run" Simmons and Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Jay paved the way for an entire generation of hip-hop fanatics.

Jay's skills on the turntable and distinctive style played a pivotal role in shaping the group's sound, earning him widespread acclaim as one of the greatest DJs of all time. While his contributions to the music industry are celebrated, less is known about his personal life, particularly his family.

Behind the scenes of Jay's rap career stood his wife, Terri Corley-Mizell. The pair tied the knot in 1991 and remained married until the DJ’s death. Following the icon’s passing, Terri started the Jam Master Jay Foundation for Youth, which provides educational support to underserved youth.

"Music played such an important role in [Jay’s] life as a child,” Terri told Thug Life Army. “This foundation was just a natural thing to do."

During their marriage, Jay and Terri welcomed three children – TJ Mizell, Jesse Mizell, and Jason Mizell Jr.

Despite his demanding career, Jay made it a priority to be present in his children's lives, and his children have made it a point to continue championing their father’s legacy. Jason Jr. followed in Jay’s musical footsteps and has since become a DJ.

Meanwhile, TJ and Jesse have started a cannabis brand called Queens OG. The brand sells pre-rolled joints that come in a carton designed to look like cassette tape as a clear tribute to the late hip-hop pioneer.

According to his sons, Jay shamelessly enjoyed smoking marijuana.

“Jam Master Jay was a pothead — he smoked a lot of marijuana. Growing up, you’d go to the studio and — it was not until we were older that we understood,” TJ told Page Six.

At the time of his death in 2002, Jay’s net worth had plummeted.

Celebrity Net Worth reports that the DJ was over $1 million in debt when he died. The database reports that Jay was dealing with a number of financial problems in the early 2000s – including a $500,000 IRS debt and a home on the verge of foreclosure.

Following the entertainer’s death, his wife presumably took over ownership of his estate.

Terri has not publicly addressed the financial problems the couple faced. She reportedly moved to Virginia to be closer to her maternal family after Jay was killed.