Artist-run Gallery based in Brooklyn, NY

I remember being at a Kmart, mid 1980s, probably around 7 years old. I was a huge metalhead by then. KISS was my favorite band but they had dropped their makeup schtick and proved to be ugly dudes with bad style without their demonic cartooney personas to cover that up. Licensed to Ill was in my hands. The crashing airplane that said “Eat me” backwards was enticing. The Fight for your right to party video had infected my brain. I got my first rap cassette that day and played it till it broke. I didn’t know what brass monkey was but it sure was fun to sing along.

The Beastie Boys had opened up a whole world to me and everyone else in suburban white america. Sure they were white but they could rap as good as anybody and they were down with Run DMC so they always seemed cool. Especially when Paul’s Boutique came out and alienated the frat boys finally who didn’t get that the joke was on them. A select group of kids at my school got it and we all went to see them at some gymnasium when they played with Rollins Band and Cypress Hill on their Check Your Head tour.

My interest in their music waned a bit not too long after that but those first 3 albums i could always go back to, nostalgically but also just because it is good music. The Beasties were a game changer and their cultural impact cannot be denied. Adam was an integral part of all of that and so that’s why we are pouring a little bit of our Ballantine Ale out on the ground this afternoon.

We are saddened to hear about the passing of Adam Yauch (aka MCA) of the Beastie Boys, at the young age of 47 today. Adam was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and finally lost his battle. Our hearts go out to Adam’s family and friends. Rest well bro.