MCA RIP

The Source Magazine Remembers The Beastie Boys’ MCA 12 Years Later

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It has been twelve years since the passing of Beastie Boys founding member Adam Yauch aka MCA, but his legacy stands as a testament to why he should be recognized.

This year will mark the ninth anniversary of the passing of the Beastie Boys co-founder, who passed on May 4th, 2012 after a three year battle with cancer at the age of 47.  Just weeks prior to his death, the inventive style he and the crew became known for was immortalized in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Yauch was only 22 when the Beastie Boys released their debut album Licensed To Ill and he directed many of the videos for it. After the Beastie Boys found success in all levels of music, from Hip Hop to punk and metal fans alike, Adam took on many projects in the creative spectrum: first building state of the art recording studio in New York City and establishing an independent film company, thus directing several acclaimed movies. Yauch founded Oscilloscope Laboratories, an independent film production and distribution company based in New York City.

The post The Source Magazine Remembers The Beastie Boys’ MCA 12 Years Later first appeared on The Source.

The post The Source Magazine Remembers The Beastie Boys’ MCA 12 Years Later appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip-Hop History: The Beastie Boys’ Dropped Their Sophomore LP ‘Licensed To Ill’ 37 Years Ago

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On this date 37 years ago, Adam Horowitz (Ad Rock), Adam Yauch (MCA), and Michael Diamond (Mike D) aka The Beastie Boys, dropped their sophomore LP Licensed To Ill on the Def Jam Imprint under Columbia Records.

On the heels of the successful LL Cool J Radio album and the cult classic flick Krush Groove, Def Jam head honcho Russell Simmons decided to head in the most unconventional direction with the quasi-punk rock/Hip-Hop trio for Def Jam’s follow up to those monumental releases. The original title of this release was Don’t Be A Faggot, but Columbia Records pushed Simmons to change the homophobic title.

Rated as one of The Source Magazine‘s Top 100 Best Albums, Licensed To Ill received the coveted five-mic status, a precedent for Jewish Hip Hop artists. In less than six months after its release, this critically acclaimed project earned the Beastie Boys a platinum plaque, lead by the singles “Brass Monkey,” “No Sleep Til Brooklyn,” “Hold It Now, Hit It” and the storytelling smash “Paul Revere.”

Unfortunately, crew member MCA lost his battle with cancer in 2012, which actually caused a resurgence in the album’s popularity and sales.

Salute to Def Jam, Russell Simmons, Ad Rock, Mike D and the continued legacy of MCA for creating such a timeless Hip Hop classic!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: The Beastie Boys’ Dropped Their Sophomore LP ‘Licensed To Ill’ 37 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: The Beastie Boys’ Dropped Their Sophomore LP ‘Licensed To Ill’ 37 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

The Source Magazine Remembers The Beastie Boys’ MCA On His 58th Birthday

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It has been ren years since the passing of Beastie Boys founding member Adam Yauch aka MCA, but his legacy stands as a testament to why he should be recognized on his born day.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the passing of the Beastie Boys co-founder, who passed on May 4th, 2012 after a three-year battle with cancer at the age of 47.  Just weeks prior to his death, the inventive style he and the crew became known for was immortalized in the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame. Yauch would’ve been 58 years old today.

Yauch was only 22 when the Beastie Boys released their debut album Licensed To Ill and he directed many of the videos for it. After the Beastie Boys found success in all levels of music, from Hip Hop to punk and metal fans alike, Adam took on many projects in the creative spectrum: first building state of the art recording studio in New York City, and then establishing an independent film company, thus directing several acclaimed movies.

Every year, Yauch is celebrated in his hometown of NYC with “MCA Day”, a dedication to the contributions of MCA to Hip Hop and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Happy Birthday to one of Hip Hop’s Pioneers! RIP

The post The Source Magazine Remembers The Beastie Boys’ MCA On His 58th Birthday appeared first on The Source.