The late Adam Yauch, also known as MCA of the Beastie Boys, was an artistic force to be reckoned with. Yauch played the voice of reason on Beastie’s records, bringing some of the most sophisticated rhymes to their repertoire while discussing issues like racial equality, social justice, and his belief in Buddhism. However, Yauch was also a world-class cinematographer, directing some of the Beastie Boys most forward-thinking, influential music videos under the pseudonym Nathanial Hörnblowér.
In honor of Adam Yauch’s birthday today, we wanted a look back at the best Beastie Boys music videos directed by Nathanial Hornblower / Adam Yauch. We also included the Beastie Boys acceptance speech for their “Video Vanguard” award at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1998, where Yauch famously implored America to stop bombing Muslim countries in the Middle East and urged Americans to favor a peaceful, non-violent solution. As a bonus, you can watch the Beastie Boys full set from Yauch’s Tibetan Freedom Concert in Washington, D.C. in 1998.
We miss you, MCA!
Beastie Boys – “So What Cha Want” [Music Video]
Beastie Boys – “Body Movin'” [Music Video]
Beastie Boys – “Intergalactic” [Music Video]
Beastie Boys – Tibetan Freedom Concert 1998 – Washington D.C. – Full Set Video
[Video: nutri8712]
Beastie Boys MTV Video Music Awards Acceptance Speech 1998
(fast forward to 6:30 for Adam Yauch’s famous speech)
[Video: TheBeatmaniacTBM]
[Originally published 8/5/17]