Another great artist and innovator of music died today. Adam Yauch, also known by his handle, MCA, passed away. He had been battling cancer since 2009 and was most recently unable to attend the group’s well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Yauch, together with Mike “Mike D” Diamond formed a punk rock band back in 1979. Later, Adam “Ad-Rock” Horowitz joined Yauch and Diamond to become who we have known since then as the Beastie Boys. They were three rowdy and wild white guys from New York who started out as a punk rock band but quickly transitioned to hip hop. Their in-your-face style invaded the hip hop music scene and brought it to the forefront of MTV and radio. There is hardly any person in the generations since then who doesn’t know the party anthem, (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party).
As they evolved, the Beastie Boys became more socially conscious, apologizing for their early lyrics degrading women and gays. Yauch, in particular, became involved with the Free Tibet moment.
They continued to make music up until recently, when Yauch’s illness no longer allowed for it. They remained unique and always entertaining. Yauch is survived with by his wife and daughter.
