Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Inducts Three DJ Hip-Hop Legends

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) recently inducted legendary hip-hop artists Davy DMX (Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow, The Fat Boys), DJ Hurricane (The Beastie Boys) and DJ Jazzy Jay (Def Jam) at their Stony Brook museum location (97 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY).  

The DJ’s performed and were joined by LIMEHOF inductee DJ Johnny Juice (Public Enemy). Hip Hop Legend and LIMEHOF inductee Kurtis Blow made a special appearance and also performed his hit song “The Breaks”. DJ Jazzy Jay could not make the ceremony due to a personal emergency, but his inductee award was accepted by DJ Johnny Juice on his behalf.

“It’s Incredible, this is a dream,” said Davy DMX about being inducted, who was emotionally moved by being inducted and recognized for his work and talents at the event.

Kurtis Blow, his long-time friend and colleague inducted him and credited Davy DMX with being very influential in the hip-hop genre and to his own music.

“He’s an Incredible DJ, he’s the man who create the sample loop,” Blow said. “He was my DJ. We traveled around the world from 1980 to 2000 and I’m telling you he is one amazing DJ, very accurate, very fast and quick with it and I love him to death.” 

DJ Hurricane was also very grateful for the honor and recognition. He was inducted by his wife Dawn. 

“Being here tonight is a beautiful thing,” Hurricane said. “It’s always a blessing and an honor when someone wants to honor you and induct you and show that they appreciate the long-haul work that you’ve done throughout your life. This is beautiful, I love it. I’m glad that I’m still blessed to be here and accept the flowers while I’m still here.” 

DJ Johnny Juice from Public Enemy, himself a LIMEHOF inductee, reflected on the night and had high regards for the three hip-hop legends who he says inspired him. 

“I was very honored to be here to witness and to take part,” Juice said. “I’m very happy that they were finally honored for life-long achievements that most DJ’s never get a chance to experience since DJ’s are kind of overlooked.”

LIMEHOF recognizes artists from geographic Long Island which includes Queens and Brooklyn, in addition to Nassau and Suffolk Counties. This induction ceremony and performance celebrated the monumental contributions of these legendary artists to the genre of hip hop. They join an impressive line-up of hip-hop performers already inducted including LL COOL J, Public Enemy, EPMD, Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow, Eric B. & Rakim, The Fat Boys, Salt-n-Pepa and Whodini. 

“The induction of DJ Hurricane, Davy DMX, and DJ Jazzy Jay into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame highlights the importance of DJs in hip hop’s early days,”

Said LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham. “These pioneers transformed the art of DJing, making it a central element of the genre and influencing countless artists. Their legacy is a vital part of hip hop’s story, and we are proud to honor them.” 

DJ Hurricane, born January 12, 1965, is renowned for his electrifying work with the Beastie Boys. Starting his journey in the Hollis, Queens area of New York City, DJ Hurricane honed his skills alongside Run D.M.C. and later became a pivotal figure in the Beastie Boys’ success. His career includes three solo albums featuring collaborations with prominent artists like Xzibit, Public Enemy, Kool G Rap, Black Thought, Papoose, and Talib Kweli. Known for his dynamic performances and innovative production, DJ Hurricane’s influence on hip hop is immeasurable.

Davy DMX, also known as David Franklin Reeves Jr., has left an indelible mark on hip hop through his collaborations with Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow, and The Fat Boys. An early associate of Russell Simmons and Larry Smith, Davy DMX’s work in the 1980s set the stage for many future hip hop sounds. His solo album, “Davy’s Ride,” and his groundbreaking productions have been sampled by top artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Common. Davy DMX’s contributions as a musician, songwriter, and producer have solidified his legacy in the genre.

DJ Jazzy Jay is a foundational figure in hip hop, instrumental in the creation of Def Jam Recordings alongside Rick Rubin. Jay met Rick Rubin and assisted him in laying the foundation for what would become Def Jam Recordings. The label’s first official single was the single “It’s Yours” by T La Rock and Jazzy Jay. Jazzy Jay also put out Def Jam’s third 12″ in 1985, entitled “Def Jam” b/w “Cold Chillin’ In The Spot”. In 1986, he participated in the recording Planet Rock- The Album.  Jazzy Jay’s pioneering efforts include producing early recordings by A Tribe Called Quest, Diamond D, and Fat Joe. His own label, Strong City Records, and his influential studio in the Bronx have been critical in shaping the sound of hip hop. As a DJ, producer, and mentor, Jazzy Jay’s impact on the music industry continues to resonate.

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms.  In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.  

© 2024, Seth “Digital Crates” Barmash. All rights reserved.