RIP MCA. 1964-2012. by Rebekah Hakkenberg

“I want to say a little something that’s long overdue/ The disrespect to women has got to be through/ To all the mothers and sisters and wives and friends/ I want to offer my love and respect to the end."

- Adam Yauch

"I think every one of us has the ability to effect change... Every one of us affects the world constantly through our actions... through our every thought, our every word, the way that we interact with other people we're constantly affecting the world."

-Adam Yauch

"When you do things to benefit people from a pure place in your heart, that's a feeling that lasts no matter what happens."

- Adam Yauch 

Much love for Adam MCA Yauch, who passed away yesterday after a three year long battle with cancer. A practising Buddhist, Yauch was an influential force on the group's shift of consciousness and increasing awareness and outspokenness on issues of social justice. Much love for The Beastie Boys, who have grown into really incredible men. In memory of MCA, here are a few of my favourite television moments with the "boys"...




That last video is from 1998, guys. When we talk about September 11th, we talk about how the world changed forever in the blink of an eye. It takes a speech like this to be reminded that the wheels were set in motion a long time before that, and that people like Adam Yauch were speaking out and could already see what was coming.

I thank the Beastie Boys for using the podium they were given to raise their voice, whether it be taking the time to acknowledge the hip hop greats that came before them, or to speak out against the sexual assaults that took place at Woodstock '99(by the way, are Kathleen Hanna and Adrock not the cuuuutest couple ever?!), the plight of the people of Tibet, the US military's actions, or even apologizing for and correcting the misogyny and homophobia in their own, early lyrics.

When given a mic, The Beastie Boys use it to get their message across, when so many people with a platform and the power to say something, do not.

Rest in peace, MCA.

See also:

The Beastie Boys Official Statement

The Death of Adam MCAYauch Is A Hard One To Shake

Adam Yauch, Feminist Ally