Summary
In 1987, three Jewish boys from New York forever changed the face of pop music. Their first album, Licensed to Ill, and its smash hit single, "(You've Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party)," created a fresh new sound by blending hip-hop beats with a rock edge and punk attitude, in the process helping to bring hip-hop into the mainstream. Further albums continued to push musical boundaries while confirming their position as one of the most influential musical groups of our time. More than just chart-topping musicians, band members Adam "MCA" Yauch, Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz, and Michael "Mike D" Diamond have informed and inspired millions with their unwavering commitment to Tibetan freedom. Through a career that has had its share of ups and downs, the Beastie Boys have remained best friends and musical visionaries. What remains to be seen is where the Beasties are headed-in 2012, founding member Adam Yauch died after a battle with cancer. This exciting biography traces the group's transformation from radio-ready brats to the elder statesmen of hip-hop who have influenced new generations of musicians.