Watch ReMastered: Who Killed Jam Master Jay?

ReMastered: Who Killed Jam Master Jay? is a 2018 documentary film that delves into the murder of Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, the legendary DJ of the pioneering rap group Run-DMC, which shook the hip-hop world in 2002. The film is directed by Brian Oakes and features interviews with Mizell's family, friends, associates, and law enforcement officials who investigated the case.

The film begins with a montage of Run-DMC's early performances, their rise to fame, and their cultural impact on the genre of rap music. It sets the stage for the tragic event that took place on October 30, 2002, when Mizell was shot and killed at his recording studio in Queens, New York, where he had gathered with his friends to record some tracks. The film explores the events leading up to the murder, the aftermath of the killing, and the ongoing investigations into the case.

The film follows several timelines, which converge in the murder case. One timeline is a biographical sketch of Mizell's life and legacy, narrated by his childhood friend and fellow DJ Hurricane, who provides insights into Mizell's personality, talent, and brand of hip-hop music. Another timeline is a historical perspective of the rap music industry, its cultural roots, and the social and economic challenges that faced African-American artists and communities in the 1980s and 1990s. The film highlights the role of Run-DMC in breaking down racial barriers in music and fashion, as well as their influence on other artists.

The third timeline is a chronological account of the murder investigation, based on testimonies from Mizell's family, friends, associates, and law enforcement officials. The film exposes the gaps and contradictions in the official version of events, which suggested that the murder was the result of a dispute over drugs and money. The film raises critical questions about the motives, suspects, and cover-ups in the case, and challenges the authorities to reopen the investigation.

One of the strengths of the film is its use of archival footage, photographs, and music, which provide a rich, atmospheric, and emotional backdrop to the story. The film includes rare footage of Run-DMC's concerts, interviews, and music videos, as well as interviews with other rap icons such as LL Cool J, Russell Simmons, Chuck D, and Snoop Dogg, who share their memories and reflections on Mizell's impact. The film also has a strong visual style, with striking images of New York's streets, buildings, and communities, which capture the mood of the city at the time of the murder.

Another strength of the film is its humanistic approach to the story, which foregrounds the relationships, personalities, and emotions of the people involved. The film portrays Mizell not only as a rapper, but as a father, husband, brother, and friend, who was deeply loved and respected by those who knew him. The film shows how his death affected the lives of his family and friends, and how it became a symbol of the violence and injustice that plague the inner cities of America. The film also humanizes the suspects in the case, who are portrayed as complex and flawed individuals, rather than one-dimensional stereotypes.

One of the weaknesses of the film is its failure to provide a clear and definitive resolution to the murder case. The film ends with a call for justice and a plea for anyone with information to come forward, but it does not offer any new leads or breakthroughs in the investigation. While the film raises important questions about the case, it cannot provide the answers that the audience is craving.

Overall, ReMastered: Who Killed Jam Master Jay? is a well-crafted and insightful documentary that sheds light on the life, career, and death of one of hip-hop's most influential figures. It is a must-watch for fans of Mizell, Run-DMC, and rap music, as well as anyone interested in the intersections of culture, crime, and justice in America.

ReMastered: Who Killed Jam Master Jay? is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.