In the early days of Def Jam, there were only a handful of groups managed by then founder and owner Rick Rubin and the Beastie Boys were one of those initial Def Jam groups. One of the first solo artists on the label, a teenager at the time who called himself LL Cool J, was actually scouted by the Beastie Boys’ Ad Rock, who tells the story in an exclusive interview of how he brought James Todd Smith to Rick Rubin in 1984.
Ad Rock, whose real name is Adam Horovitz, claims that he made the beat for LL’s 1985 seminal hit “I Need A Beat” on an 808 drum machine that he’d just purchased with his last $250. Rock said he was stuck between choosing a guitar or the drum machine, but the burgeoning Hip Hop legend chose the latter, which was instrumental in the spawning of the production of the Beastie Boys’ debut album License To Ill in 1986.
As one of the founding members of the iconic hip-hop group the Beastie Boys, Ad-Rock, born Adam Horovitz in 1966, has enjoyed an illustrious career in music spanning over three decades. In this article, we will explore the different facets of Ad-Rock’s career and the factors that have contributed to his considerable wealth.
Ad-Rock Net Worth
Celebrity Net Worth estimates Ad-Rock’s net worth to be around $100 million as of 2024.
The Beastie Boys and Ad-Rock’s Music Career
Portrait of members of American Rap group Beastie Boys as they pose in front of a mural (by Keith Haring), 1987. Pictured are, from left, Mike D (born Michael Diamond), MCA (born Adam Yauch, 1964 – 2012), and Ad-Rock (born Adam Horovitz). (Photo by Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
Ad-Rock joined the Beastie Boys in 1982. Following their formation, the group went on to become one of the most influential hip-hop acts of all time. Their debut album,Licensed to Ill (1986), was the first rap album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Additionally, it became the second rap album to be certified platinum. Throughout their career, the Beastie Boys released a total of eight studio albums, with album sales playing a significant role in boosting Ad-Rock’s net worth.
Awards And Recognition
The Beastie Boys accepting their award for Best Hip Hop Video during the 1999 MTV Music Video Awards held at the Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center in New York City on September 9, 1999. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect)
The Beastie Boys’ innovative approach to music earned them numerous awards and recognition throughout their career, which in turn contributed to Ad-Rock’s wealth. The group won three Grammy Awards as a result of their groundbreaking success, including Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Intergalactic” in 1999 and Best Alternative Music Album for “Hello Nasty” in the same year. They also received the MTV Video Vanguard Award in 1998. Nearly a decade and a half later, the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inducted The Beastie Boys in 2012.
Ad-Rock Collaborations & Side Projects
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Adam Horowitz of the Beastie Boys is interviewed live on stage during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festival at the Austin Convention Center on March 15, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jim Bennett/WireImage)
Apart from his work with the Beastie Boys, Ad-Rock has also engaged in various collaborations, which have contributed to his net worth. Besides the Beastie Boys, he teamed up with Amery “AWOL” Smith (Suicidal Tendencies drummer & Beastie Boys touring drummer) to form BS 2000, a genre-bending that took inspiration from hip-hop and electronic music. He has produced tracks for other artists, including Rival Schools and Northern State. Additionally, he has collaborated with numerous musicians, such as De La Soul and Public Enemy.
Acting And Film Scoring
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 20: Adam Horovitz of The Beastie Boys attends the screening of “Teenage” during the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival at Chelsea Clearview Cinemas on April 20, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)
Ad-Rock’s talents extend to acting and film scoring, which have further bolstered his net worth. He has appeared in several films, including Lost Angels (1989), Roadside Prophets (1992), and While We’re Young (2014). His work in film scoring includes composing music for the documentary No No: A Dockumentary (2014).
Ad-Rock’s Philanthropy and Social Activism
Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys during MTV2 Presents: A LIFEbeat Benefit – August 28, 2004 at Crowbar in Miami, Florida, United States. (Photo by J. Shearer/WireImage)
While not directly impacting his net worth, Ad-Rock’s philanthropic endeavors and social activism demonstrate his commitment to using his platform for good. He has been involved in various charitable causes, including supporting organizations like Planned Parenthood, ASPCA, and Live Earth.
Conclusion/TLDR
Ad-Rock’s estimated net worth of $100 million in 2024 can be attributed to his successful music career with the Beastie Boys, solo projects, collaborations, and ventures into acting and film scoring. His impressive wealth is a testament to his diverse talents and his ability to remain relevant in an ever-evolving industry. With a rich musical legacy and ongoing passion for his craft, Ad-Rock’s net worth is likely to remain substantial in the years to come.
In collaboration with The City Of New York and Council Member Chris Marte, the event is being held on the corner of Ludlow and Rivington in NYC, which fans will recognize as the location of the album cover for Paul’s Boutique.
The event will include a DJ set from Jon Bless HiFi System, “pop-up activations,” and more, according to a press release. It will start at noon and end at 2 p.m. ET.
Fans will also be able to catch the first in-cinema screenings of Beastie Boys Story, the documentary that was directed by Spike Jonze and dropped on Apple TV+ in 2020. The film will play at IFC Center on Friday, September 8, and Saturday, September 9 at 11:30 p.m. — making it a way to keep the party going as a dedication to the band.
Finally, SiriusXM will be bringing back their exclusive Beastie Boys Channel on Thursday, September 7, where listeners can tune into channel 105 for “classics, deep cuts, live recordings and more.”
As one of the founding members of the iconic hip-hop group the Beastie Boys, Ad-Rock, born Adam Horovitz in 1966, has enjoyed an illustrious career in music spanning over three decades. In this article, we will explore the different facets of Ad-Rock’s career and the factors that have contributed to his considerable wealth.
Ad-Rock Net Worth
Celebrity Net Worth estimates Ad-Rock’s net worth to be around $100 million as of 2023.
The Beastie Boys and Ad-Rock’s Music Career
Portrait of members of American Rap group Beastie Boys as they pose in front of a mural (by Keith Haring), 1987. Pictured are, from left, Mike D (born Michael Diamond), MCA (born Adam Yauch, 1964 – 2012), and Ad-Rock (born Adam Horovitz). (Photo by Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
Ad-Rock joined the Beastie Boys in 1982. Following their formation, the group went on to become one of the most influential hip-hop acts of all time. Their debut album,Licensed to Ill (1986), was the first rap album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Additionally, it became the second rap album to be certified platinum. Throughout their career, the Beastie Boys released a total of eight studio albums, with album sales playing a significant role in boosting Ad-Rock’s net worth.
Awards And Recognition
The Beastie Boys accepting their award for Best Hip Hop Video during the 1999 MTV Music Video Awards held at the Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center in New York City on September 9, 1999. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect)
The Beastie Boys’ innovative approach to music earned them numerous awards and recognition throughout their career, which in turn contributed to Ad-Rock’s wealth. The group won three Grammy Awards as a result of their groundbreaking success, including Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Intergalactic” in 1999 and Best Alternative Music Album for “Hello Nasty” in the same year. They also received the MTV Video Vanguard Award in 1998. Nearly a decade and a half later, the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inducted The Beastie Boys in 2012.
Ad-Rock Collaborations & Side Projects
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Adam Horowitz of the Beastie Boys is interviewed live on stage during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festival at the Austin Convention Center on March 15, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jim Bennett/WireImage)
Apart from his work with the Beastie Boys, Ad-Rock has also engaged in various collaborations, which have contributed to his net worth. Besides the Beastie Boys, he teamed up with Amery “AWOL” Smith (Suicidal Tendencies drummer & Beastie Boys touring drummer) to form BS 2000, a genre-bending that took inspiration from hip-hop and electronic music. He has produced tracks for other artists, including Rival Schools and Northern State. Additionally, he has collaborated with numerous musicians, such as De La Soul and Public Enemy.
Acting And Film Scoring
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 20: Adam Horovitz of The Beastie Boys attends the screening of “Teenage” during the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival at Chelsea Clearview Cinemas on April 20, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)
Ad-Rock’s talents extend to acting and film scoring, which have further bolstered his net worth. He has appeared in several films, including Lost Angels (1989), Roadside Prophets (1992), and While We’re Young (2014). His work in film scoring includes composing music for the documentary No No: A Dockumentary (2014).
Ad-Rock’s Philanthropy and Social Activism
Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys during MTV2 Presents: A LIFEbeat Benefit – August 28, 2004 at Crowbar in Miami, Florida, United States. (Photo by J. Shearer/WireImage)
While not directly impacting his net worth, Ad-Rock’s philanthropic endeavors and social activism demonstrate his commitment to using his platform for good. He has been involved in various charitable causes, including supporting organizations like Planned Parenthood, ASPCA, and Live Earth.
Conclusion/TLDR
Ad-Rock’s estimated net worth of $100 million in 2023 can be attributed to his successful music career with the Beastie Boys, solo projects, collaborations, and ventures into acting and film scoring. His impressive wealth is a testament to his diverse talents and his ability to remain relevant in an ever-evolving industry. With a rich musical legacy and ongoing passion for his craft, Ad-Rock’s net worth is likely to remain substantial in the years to come.
