Beastie Boys legend Adam Yauch (aka MCA) passed away last weekend aged 47 after a three year battle with cancer.
We asked Australia’s hip hop luminaries for their memories of one of the best that ever did it. It’s such a tragedy to lose such a talented artist well before his time. The Beastie Boys were a huge influence on us growing up. They changed the way we looked at sampling and live instrumentation. The hip hop scene has lost a true pioneer and a legend.
Hilltop Hoods
Beastie Boys were a big inspiration for some of us growing up. I remember the 1994 Livid where they imprinted what a hyped show should look like deep into my memory. Berzerkatron (former Herd member) and myself freakishly stalked them back to their hotel and phoned their reception asking to talk to Adam Yauch and their tour manager, eager to give them a dodgy demo of our band. No luck, understandably.
Traksewt (The Herd)
Well, I guess I never got to apologise about my dumbness at the Tibetan Freedom press conference after all. I have to say that even though I never knew him at all I loved a good deal of his work and his dedication to Buddhism and Tibet. I hope his spiritual understanding aided him in his passing. I'm sure he will be missed very much by those closest to him.
Quan (Regurgitator)
MCA was a huge huge part of our musical development and life as a band and his presence in our world will be sadly missed. His energetic expression through his laid back vocal style and distorted bass lines were and will always be a true inspiration to us. Love you, MCA.
Ben Ely (Regurgitator)
An originator, a pioneer and a man of many huge talents. A compassionate and active world citizen, and crazy fresh to the very end.
Mantra
Out of all the MCs in the Beastie Boys, MCA was always the raw voice behind it. His husky voice always cut through on every track. Sadly, without him the group will never be complete. He was, and is, a great inspiration for myself and the rest of DWC. He stayed true to his beliefs and creative visions, spoke his mind and stood up for the underdog. It’s an end of an era, and reminds me, especially as an older MC, to keep chasing my dreams and go hard at this, while I am still blessed to be able to do so. RIP to the legendary MCA.
Sereck (Def Wish Cast)
A true inspiration for those of us who represent a past generation. Also, as an emcee of Jewish faith, I've always been proud of that commonality that bound us through bloodlines...
Reason
MCA and the Beastie Boys were true pioneers. As an aspiring young rapper in Australia, the Beastie Boys were fundamental in forging the belief that white rappers could and should be viewed as legitimate artists in an industry that previously viewed white rappers with contempt. They kicked in the door for white hip hoppers and showed the world that if you had something to say and the skill to present it in an interesting way, then race was really irrelevant. RIP MCA.
Jeswon (Thundamentals)
The Beastie Boys were one of the first hip hop groups I ever heard blasting through my older brother's walkman, through our tinny stereo speakers and who I saw on TV as a kid in the late ‘80s. That energy helped get me hooked on hip hop and their reinvention and growth was inspiring. This MCA line made it easier for me to write tracks like 'Subtle Brother' - 'I gotta say a little something that's long overdue, this disrespect to women has got to be through'. RIP MCA. Now I'm gonna turn up the stereo and play 'Sure Shot' and 'Pass The Mic' LOUD!
Rainman
It’s sad to hear the passing of MCA. Musician, hip hop pioneer, humanitarian ... he has been an inspiration to many a band, even if they don’t know it. We were lucky enough to share the same stage with the Beastie Boys a couple of times as Resin Dogs. They were definitely an inspiration to our band. One of my favorite tracks that I did get to hear live was ‘Egg Man’ off the ‘Paul's Boutique’ record. MCA’s lyrics shine through on that tune... Rest In Power, Adam.
DJ Katch (Resin Dogs, Hydrofunk Records)
MCA was an inspiration to my generation of rappers coming up. Met him randomly at the buffet breakfast counter of a Gold Coast hotel; he was such a down to earth and seemingly straight up guy. He will be sorely missed by everyone who has been influenced by his music.
Rival MC (Impossible Odds)
When I first played the ‘Licensed To Ill’ tape my brother bought me in the late ‘80s, I was speechless. Throughout his life it became clear that MCA was more than an MC, he was a truly spiritual being, and he will be missed, but his soul's legacy will live on. RIP to the king Adam Yauch. JUST DON'T STOP.
Delta
I guess it's almost trite to say it's a shock and sad news, but it really is. The work he released over the years has been such a massive part of my DJing experience. 'Paul's Boutique' especially has been a staple in my crates for the past twenty years, definitely one of the most classic hip-hop albums ever made.
DJ Damage (Terntable Jediz, The Optimen)
WTF? RIP, MCA. MC, bassist, Buddhist, activist, film maker and a third of one of the most influential hip hop (and punk, that stuff is the shit) groups ever. Thanx, Adam. Rest.
Laneous (Laneous & The Family Yah)
"I let it flow like a mudslide, when I get on I like to slide and glide." An inspiration. Sir Stewart Wallace forever!
Cutloose
MCA was a true legend and a pioneer. They don't make them like that any more. He will be missed by the hip hop community world wide.
Fluent Form
A benchmark, innovator and king of kings. MCA's contribution and innovation were immense. A pack leader!
Brad Strut
MCA was a pioneer. An inspiration for millions. A humanitarian. A King.
Kel On Earth (Bankrupt Billionaires)
MCA was pretty obviously a big deal not only hip hop but the music industry as a whole. The Beastie Boys are one of the rare groups that just about anyone you knew grewing up loved regardless of their love or hate for hip hop. I'll remember him as the first person that introduced the Free Tibet movement to me and my sister.
Newsense (Broken Tooth Entertainment)
MCA is a true legend that transcends words... he was not only a third of the trio, but also an activist and a producer. When he announced with Ad Rock via YouTube that he had cancer, he seemed optimistic, and not much was heard and I guess we all assumed all would be ok. They then released their last album which was amazing and received a great response... Many proclaimed "The Beasties were back". This news is personally really sad, because as a kid growing up it was all about Run DMC, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. Those three groups went together perfectly like the trio of Ad-Rock, MCA and Mike D did... We lost a good one. Rest in peace Adam Yauch.
DJ Sheep
I've only ever been to two artists’ shows back to back and the Beasties were one of them. Night time overs and the following day all ages on their ‘92 Melbourne tour. Incredible. RIP MCA, my favourite Beastie.
Trem One (Lyrical Commission)
Beastie Boys were a huge part of my younger years and it’s crazy to believe MCA is no longer here. He will be missed and I will be spinning Beasties tracks forever. RIP MCA.
Prophet Rayza
Who doesn't love Beastie Boys?? You didn't have to be a hip hop fan to get down to their art at all. The loss of MCA is a major blow to the music scene all around the world. Much respect to a true innovator!
Maundz
MCA and the Beasties provided me with a soundtrack to channel teenage angst and dumb teenage boy humour to the rest of the world via a large Ghetto Blaster carried on my shoulder. Thank god for the Beasties.
DJ Mathmatics
MCA is here to STAY / Rock a funky rhyme in an old school WAY.
Nick One
