RIP Grandmaster Jim Kelly..One of the Martial Arts Iconic Figures Has Passed

Jim KellyJust got word, one of the greatest and most influential martial artists Jim Kelly aka Blackbelt Jones has passed away.. I recall seeing Jim Kelly as a kid alongside Bruce Lee.. His presence was appreciated and inspired many, especially at a time when Black folks were really into defining themselves on their own terms..When we talk about the influence Bruce Lee and his movies had on Hip Hop, we can’t really have that conversation and not include Jim Kelly..

believe it or not I knew Jim Keely not just for his martial arts movies, but also because he played tennis, which was my sport growing up.. Him and basketball great Dr J played tennis.. and that was an inspiration to me..

Not sure why he passed, as far as I knew, he wasn’t sick, but for far too many of us, we hadn’t been checking for him the way we should..I know he was making appearances at events like Wondercon, but we weren’t shouting him out in songs and making those references like we do with so many others like a John Gotti..I was also curious as to whether or not Wesley Snipes had ever worked with Kelly being that he came up at a time when Kelly had a strong presence

RIP Blackbelt Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jblzuCUHzo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeoUSI9Y9cU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_d6tLMgRsU

 

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Comments

  1. Reblogged this on Moorbey'z Blog.

  2. GRANDE MAESTRO MI IDOLO! RIP!

  3. Reblogged this on DEPRESSION: my muse.

  4. WHAT?! This is really sad to hear! Kelly was true icon! He was an inspiration to millions. I have a few of his old films. My favs are Black Belt Jones,Golden Needles,Death Dimension,Hot Potato and of course Three the Hard Way! You will be greatly missed brother. Rest in Power.

  5. “I’ll be too busy looking good!!!!” RIP, Jim Kelly!

  6. Kenya L Smith says

    I will always remember…. Bullshit mister han man… you come right out of comic…

  7. Kenya L Smith says

    I will always remember…. Bullshit mister han man… you come right out of comic book.

  8. Anthony Jeter says

    There’s a Big Daddy Kane line that goes “Kick him in the belly like Jim Kelly, but I forget which joint it came from. Can anyone help a brotha out?
    RIP Grandmaster Jim Kelly.

  9. classic #19

  10. RIP Jim Kelly

  11. Legfighter says

    I love Jim Kelly a real inspiration for me throughout my life he will be missed a true Warrior! He was a strong black brother and father figure for millions he left us too early.

  12. Jeff Smoot says

    A true legend Jim Kelly RIP thanks for the memories !!!!!!!!

  13. rip sad to hear

  14. Especially loved how JK brought a Brother’s swagger to his fighting. While Bruce Lee had that piercing stare, JK used very stylish, almost rhythmic movements which really made his fighting technique(s) artful. Add the massive ‘fro and usually well dressed, it was like watching a modern warrior-King schooling us on the art of whopping the bad guys, but with his own special persona and flair. RIP, JK. One of a kind.

  15. Sad to hear the news

  16. RIP Jim Kelly

  17. Rest In Peace!

  18. a true legend rip

  19. LOVE BIG JIM. very sorry. lost a true icon. Saw him at a convention last year. he looked good. GOOD JOURNEY BRO. R.I.P. GOD BLESS

  20. hiphopnewsmedia says

    damn jim was the man rip

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