Run-DMC announced today that they are officially retiring from rap, following the murder of their DJ, Jam Master Jay. The announcement came earlier today as various movers and shakers in the hip-hop community gathered to show solidarity within the hip-hop community. The bombshell news came during a press conference to announce a "coalition," to help raise additional funds for Jam Master Jay's family.

Before the briefing on Jay started, Reverend Run took the microphone to announce that Run-DMC was retiring. "We can't perform anymore. Nobody wants to see Run-DMC without Jay," Run said. "Jay was one third of the group. Was Jay a significant part of the group? He was and we split this money three ways. We are not able to go back out with Kid Rock and Aerosmith now, we had endorsement deals with Dr. Pepper and we cannot make those commercials now. Run-DMC is officially retired. I cannot get out in front of my fans with a new DJ. Some rock bands can replace the drummer and I don't know any other way but to be the three original members. That's all I can say. We are retired."