Adam Yauch: And Ya Don't Stop (A Tribute To MCA)

RadioLiterate was saddened to learn of the death of Beastie Boys founder Adam Yauch (MCA). Mr. Yauch succumbed to cancer today after bravely battling the disease for several years, he was diagnosed back in 2009 and tragically, he was only 47 years old.

The Beastie Boys first grabbed my ears back in 1986 after I heard the initial beat of the opening drum sample on "Rhymin' and Stealin" which borrowed heavily from Led Zeppelin's "When The Levee Breaks" and guitar riffs from Black Sabbath's "Sweet Leaf." Although I am a Metal head at heart, the Beasties could always pull me in with their tongue-in-cheek Rock attitude, Metal guitar lead breaks and their now classic videos.

I really became a fan after the release of "Check Your Head" in 1992. An album filled with an eclectic musical mixture of Hip-Hop, Punk, Rock and Funk, with the beasties playing their own instruments. I spent many nights in college enjoying that album with my friends, the tracks were a welcome change from the over-indulged Seattle "Grunge" invasion that seemed so inescapable at the time. I will always associate that Beastie Boys album with very, very good times and I am thankful for it's creation.

I have created a Spotify "Play Button" on the right side of this page loaded with a few of my favorite Beastie Boys tracks, offered as a tribute to a very innovative, talented and good-hearted man... Adam Yauch. My thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and friends on this very sad day. 

Thank you Adam and may you Rest In Peace.