UPDATE: May 4, 2012: I was sitting at an airport in Denver waiting to board a plane when I heard the news about Adam Yauch. Rarely am I affected by “celebrity deaths” but this one really had me messed up. Why? Because, to us as music fans, Adam Yauch wasn’t a “celebrity” or “entertainer” but rather an amazing, socially-conscious human being who happened to make some of the best hip-hop / rock / punk / funk music the world has ever heard.
I was a young kid when I first was influenced by MCA and the Beasties… and even as an adult in my 30′s, the music is still timeless and amazing.
It’s funny how many people think this Grand Royal mix was made today because he passed. Most of you know it was made weeks ago as a tribute to the inductions at the Rock Hall… but sometimes the irony of life is very special. Enjoy this man’s music. Support his charities. Tell a friend or family member you love them. And be grateful for the blessings and health that you have in your everyday lives.
Our prayers and blessings go out to the family of Adam Yauch.
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In honor of the Beastie Boys being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last week… I thought it’s finally the right time to do a Beasties mixtape. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time… something people have asked me to do for a long time, actually… but I wanted it to mean something. Now, it’s finally the right time.
I present to you Grand Royal. 80 minutes of my favorite Beastie Boys rarities, remixes, demos, live versions, out-takes, and more. If you’re a Beasties fan, I guarantee you find something new and exciting on this mix!
Download it here, here or even here!
Being that this mix is so important to me, I wanted to make it extra special. Something beyond just an audio experience. I called my friend Jonathan Mannion, the legendary photographer (8 Jay-Z albums, 3 Eminem albums, Lil Wayne, Nas, Aaliyah, the list goes on and on), and we decided to re-shoot the iconic cover from the Beastie’s 1989 classic Paul’s Boutique.
In fact, the mix download is filled with all sorts of extra photos and bonus content provided by Jonathan Mannion (aka Jonathan Hörnblowér) and his design partner, GoodThingYoureHere.com.
I also collaborated with my friends at Homage to do a limited-edition tee for the release… with portions of the proceeds going to Adam Yauch’s favorite cancer charities. Support the tee here!
