Jam Master Jay (34)

Jam Master Jay
1965-2002
Run-D.M.C. turntablist
Cause of Death: Murder
Hip-Hop Pioneer: Despite being in one of the most important and successful hip-hop groups of all time, Jay reportedly left as much as $500,000 in debts at the time of his shooting. The trio's biggest hits came on the small Profile Records, and they stayed with the label even after declaring bankruptcy in 1993. After Jay's death, friends and admirers-including Russell Simmons, LL Cool J and Eminem-contributed to a fund to help support his family.
Peer Plaudits: Just before his death, Missy Elliott paid tribute to Jay by sampling "Peter Piper" on "Work It." And right after his death, Adidas released a limited-edition "Run-D.M.C. Superstar" shoe and a Dr. Pepper commercial memorialized the DJ. There's little chance Run-D.M.C. itself will continue, however: The three albums released since Jay's death have all been retrospective compilations.
The Future: While the family has championed a Jam Master Jay Foundation for Music to support inner-city music programs, the DJ's murder rather than his music appears destined to keep him in the public eye, with federal prosecutors examining alleged ties between Queens gangs and the rap world.