In Memoriam
Adam Yauch (MCA)
August 5, 1964 – May 4, 2012 · aged 47
Hip-Hop · Alternative Rap · Punk
Adam Nathaniel Yauch, better known by his stage name MCA, was the gravelly-voiced anchor and the spiritual compass of the Beastie Boys. Born in Brooklyn in 1964, Yauch helped transform a scrappy hardcore punk trio into one of the most innovative and culturally significant groups in hip-hop history. From the frat-boy rebellion of 'Licensed to Ill' to the crate-digging, sample-heavy brilliance of 'Paul's Boutique' and 'Ill Communication,' MCA was heavily involved in the band's musical direction and directed many of their iconic, highly cinematic music videos under the pseudonym Nathaniel Hörnblowér. As he matured, Yauch evolved from a raucous party icon into a dedicated Buddhist, peace activist, and vocal advocate for the Tibetan independence movement, organizing the massive Tibetan Freedom Concerts in the late 1990s. After a courageous three-year battle with salivary gland cancer, he died on May 4, 2012, at the age of 47. His death marked the definitive, heartbreaking end of the Beastie Boys.
Milestones
Sabotage, Fight for Your Right, Intergalactic
Also remembered in 2012
- Davy Jones (1945–2012)
- Donna Summer (1948–2012)
- Etta James (1938–2012)
- Whitney Houston (1963–2012)