Jonathan Allen Burks Sr.: The Originator of Brooklyn Hip Hop Jonathan Allen Burks Sr., known professionally as Jaz-O, stands as a cornerstone figure in the evolution of East Coast hip hop – specifically recognized for his pivotal role as Jay-Z’s mentor. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1964, Burks began his musical journey in the late 1980s, establishing himself as ‘the originator,’ a moniker that encapsulates his unwavering dedication to pioneering sound and style within the burgeoning genre. His debut single, “H.P. Gets Busy,” released in 1986, signaled the arrival of an artist determined to…