JMJ Records

History

Sony Music and PolyGram handled distribution for the label. It shut down in 2002 after its founder was killed at his own studio, 24/7 Studios, in Jamaica, Queens, on October 30, 2002. The label's first act was The Afros, a group made up of Kool Tee (Tadone Hill), DJ Kippy-O (Kip Morgan), and Beastie Boys' DJ Hurricane (Wendell Fite). Their name is short for "A Funky Rhythmic Organization Of Sounds." Their debut single, "Feel It," came out in 1990. That same year, on August 14, they released their only album, Kickin' Afrolistics, on JMJ. David Reeves, known as Davy DMX, and Jason Mizell produced the entire record. A second album was recorded but never put out. The Afros also contributed to Run-D.M.C.'s song "Pause," which first appeared on the "Ghostbusters" single in 1989. Their late uncle, Glen Goins, had played with Bootsy's Rubber Band and P-Funk. That year, Fam-Lee dropped four singles with videos: "You're The One For Me," "Love Me," "Always On My Mind," and "Runs In The Fam-Lee." The last of these had a remix by Chyskillz, who later produced for Onyx. In 1992, Fam-Lee released their debut album, Runs In The Fam-Lee, on JMJ. Their sound leaned into the new jack swing style of the era, with lyrics mostly about love. Jam Master Jay produced nearly every track. JMJ hit big in 1993 with Onyx. Their first album, Bacdafucup, went platinum that year, driven by the hit single "Slam," which also earned platinum status and became a hip hop anthem. In 1994, Jay brought on San Diego gangsta rapper Jayo Felony, whose debut album Take a Ride came out in 1995. The following year, JMJ signed female rapper Suga, also known as Sweet Tee. Her single "What's Up Star?" landed on the soundtrack for the film The Show.