RIP Adamn “MCA” Yauch, Heaven just got ILL

On Friday, May 4, 2012. The world was taken by surprise at the news of the passing of Adam “MCA” Yauch.  MCA was a third of one of hip hop’s pioneering groups: The Beastie Boys.  They were originally a punk rock band splashing onto the scene in 1979. They crossed over into hip hop in 1984  with their Def Jam release, “Licensed to Ill“. After experimenting with the new phenomenon known as “rappin”, their sound was the perfect fusion between hip hop and punk rock.  Licensed to Ill sold more than ten million copies (that’s diamond for all of you that don’t know…).  They were original, they were innovative, they pioneered. The Beastie Boys were just recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14, 2012. MCA was unable to attend but he did send love via letter. What the world didn’t know was that he was fighting the battle of his life. He was diagnosed with Salivary gland cancer in 2009.

The Beastie boys are so unique. It is their musical ear that attracted a budding hip hop nation to them. They played their own music as well: Mike D (drums), Ad-rock (guitar), and (bass, and double bass). They have sold over 40 million albums worldwide attracting fans from all walks of life. In addition to having four number 1 albums, The Beastie Boys are the first act to have a hip hop album top the Billboard 200’s.  The Beastie Boys were all about fun and living free spirited.

MCA was also a director, activist, and humanitarian.  He  directed a number of Beastie Boy videos such as:  Interglactic, So whatcha sayin’, and Body movin’. Some under a fictitious name: Nathaniel Hornblower. He went on to establish Oscilloscope Laboratories where he’s produced dozens of film projects. In addition to being being passionate about music and film, MAC was also very passionate about human life.  He also became a devoted buddist and established a non-profit called, The Milarepa Fund.  He has also went on to stage several Tibetan Freedom Concerts as well as raise proceeds for the victims of hurricane Kartrina. He is survived by both his parents, his wife, and daughter. I entitled this piece after a response that a read from a grieving fan on twitter. RIP MAC, HEAVEN JUST GOT ILL…

sources

http://www.beastiemania.com/whois/simmons_russell/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beastie_Boys

www.beastieboys.com