The Beastie Boys are one of the most important and influential hip-hop groups of all time. They were instrumental in making hip-hop a global, mainstream force. Formed in 1981 as a hardcore band, they combined punk and rap into a singular sound that grew increasingly broad over the years, encompassing a vast array of genres. Yauch, Michael Diamond (Mike D), and Adam Horowitz (Ad-Rock) released several classic albums, including their debut album Licensed to Ill in 1986, 1989's Paul's Boutique, and 1994's Ill Communication.
Yauch talents did not stop at hip hop he also directed Beastie Boys videos under the pseudonym Nathaniel Hornblower, as well as the 2008 basketball documentary 'Gunnin' for #1' Spot under his own name and also ran a film production and distribution company, Oscilloscope Pictures, that shepherded many films, including 'Wendy and Lucy,' 'We Need to Talk About Kevin,' 'Exit Through The Gift Shop' and the forthcoming 'LCD Soundsystem documentary 'Shut Up and Play the Hits.'
The Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last month.
