R.I.P. MCA

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    R.I.P. MCA
    Posted by
    Kid Rock
    May 04, 2012

    I thought I was the 4th member of Beastie Boys in 7th grade. You couldn't tell me I wasn't. The first time I ever saw them on stage was a very early show of theirs before License to Ill came out, opening for Run DMC at Joe Louis Arena.  My jaw dropped to the floor!  Not only was I the only white kid in the place (as far as I knew) but I said to myself "Holy shit, there's other white kids that rap?!?  WOW!"  My mind was blown.  When License to Ill came out, it changed everything.  All of a sudden people didn't call me a "little rap fag" for liking hip hop. The metal heads liked 'em, the punk kids, everyone!  I dressed like them, pegged and rolled my pants, begged my mom for a pair of Ewings, and so on and so on.  I rapped about not giving a fuck and crazy shit like they did in my early years.  I also followed their lead in later years, after I became my own person, in believing I could really help a lot of people out. MCA I know was at the forefront of this in the group, and for that I am forever indebted.  When I heard the news, a crazy chill went through my body like no other.  I don't wanna sound all dramatic, but that's the truth, that's the impact he had on me. When I was asked to play MCA in a tribute to the Beasties at the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame I said to my buddy ,"Shit, I've been training for this my whole life!"  I said it that day, what an honor. I've participated in many such events, but none have I ever been better prepared for than this one.  My heart absolutely bleeds for my friend Mike D. and for Ad-Rock.  Having lost a member of my own band, I understand a little of what it's like. I only hope in writing this that it brings a little comfort to his friends, family and fans, what an inspiration this man was and always will be to me. We just performed "Fight For Your Right" a few days ago and of course I insisted on being MCA, or at least trying to be him the best I could. - "And if you feel what I'm feelin' than it's a musical masterpiece!" -MCA, Pass the Mic - I HAVE ALWAYS FELT WHAT YOU WERE FEELING IN YOUR MUSIC that you so unselfishly shared with me and the rest of the world.  So in short YES I do feel it, and yes it is. From one of your biggest fans, rest in peace homeboy.

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Kid Rock's picture
Submitted by Kid Rock
on Fri, 05/04/2012 - 5:58pm

I thought I was the 4th member of Beastie Boys in 7th grade. You couldn't tell me I wasn't. The first time I ever saw them on stage was a very early show of theirs before License to Ill came out, opening for Run DMC at Joe Louis Arena.  My jaw dropped to the floor!  Not only was I the only white kid in the place (as far as I knew) but I said to myself "Holy shit, there's other white kids that rap?!?  WOW!"  My mind was blown.  When License to Ill came out, it changed everything.  All of a sudden people didn't call me a "little rap fag" for liking hip hop. The metal heads liked 'em, the punk kids, everyone!  I dressed like them, pegged and rolled my pants, begged my mom for a pair of Ewings, and so on and so on.  I rapped about not giving a fuck and crazy shit like they did in my early years.  I also followed their lead in later years, after I became my own person, in believing I could really help a lot of people out. MCA I know was at the forefront of this in the group, and for that I am forever indebted.  When I heard the news, a crazy chill went through my body like no other.  I don't wanna sound all dramatic, but that's the truth, that's the impact he had on me. When I was asked to play MCA in a tribute to the Beasties at the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame I said to my buddy ,"Shit, I've been training for this my whole life!"  I said it that day, what an honor. I've participated in many such events, but none have I ever been better prepared for than this one.  My heart absolutely bleeds for my friend Mike D. and for Ad-Rock.  Having lost a member of my own band, I understand a little of what it's like. I only hope in writing this that it brings a little comfort to his friends, family and fans, what an inspiration this man was and always will be to me. We just performed "Fight For Your Right" a few days ago and of course I insisted on being MCA, or at least trying to be him the best I could. - "And if you feel what I'm feelin' than it's a musical masterpiece!" -MCA, Pass the Mic - I HAVE ALWAYS FELT WHAT YOU WERE FEELING IN YOUR MUSIC that you so unselfishly shared with me and the rest of the world.  So in short YES I do feel it, and yes it is. From one of your biggest fans, rest in peace homeboy.

Comments

Kid Robb's picture

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 12:55pm — Kid Robb
Yep. Same with me man. I was the only white kid at my school that was into Run DMC and the Beasties in the 80s. I got made fun of and called that "w" word. Now soccer moms like hip-hop. MCA had everything to do with that. I'm tore up about it that I never get see those Boys wreck the stage again. Loosing legends sucks! RIP MCA and JMJ!
Jeff_Vogel's picture

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 12:33pm — Jeff_Vogel
Hi Bob. Remember seeing them together at the Fox theater? I think it was 1986, but it could have been 1985. They had to evacuate because somebody pulled the fire-alarm. I remember the balcony bouncing to the beat of the music and it being a great time. He was a pioneer and a legend. Regards, Jeff
Angie Meyer's picture

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 12:11pm — Angie Meyer
I am sorry so sorry!
ssdaydrm's picture

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 11:48am — ssdaydrm
CANCER SUCKS! Let's remember the good times, good vibes and perfect rhymes!
Uggs's picture

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 11:13am — Uggs
Kid, I feel your sentiment. I grew up in NYC in Queens & when LTI hit it was like nothing else I had ever heard before. What made it more special was that the Beasties were homegrown, from the 5 boros. As kids it resonated with us. It didn't matter what group you hung with, metal heads, guidos, dusts, or Latinos... whomever. They all knew the lyrics & would pop the trunk & thump their tunes. MCA's voice had that rasp, that presence on the tracks.....We all wanted to sound like him. I feel this loss too, big time. He was apart of something that broke things wide open. I know you feel the same way when I say he was a part of the soundtrack of my youth. God rest him. Taken from us too young. - Uggs
Angel aka KRA's picture

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 11:04am — Angel aka KRA
FUCK CANCER>>> RIP MCA Thank you for your contribution to our Musical enjoyment.
traceyk1967@att.net's picture

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 10:50am — traceyk1967@att.net
No Kid you werent the ONLY white kid there,Me and 3 of my friends were there too,and HELL yeah it was 1 friggin AWESOME show,by far 1 of the best shows Ive ever been too,except ALL 19 of yours!!!
apaigev's picture

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 10:41am — apaigev
So sad and so young!! I never got to see them live, but I got the next best thing..seeing it performed at the sail away party on the cruise, it was one of the highlights for me!! I LOVE THE BEASTIES heartbroken I will never again have the opportunity to see them live!! I nominated "Fight for Your RIght" for our senior class song, but didn't win :( Sad, sad day!!! But he will live on forever in me!!
Nor Cal BBQ's picture

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 10:22am — Nor Cal BBQ
The Beastie Boys were my first band I went out and bought tapes for. My Buddie and I would just play the tapes all day every day. We even did talent shows being them. I was on the grill at work when I got the text from by Buddie saying MCA had passed and I almost burned down the joint. I forgot everything I was doing and just went back to my childhood standing in line at Tower Records in Sacramento waiting for the dude behind the counter to hand out "Check Your Head" I never met the man but his music, his interviews and his passion for following dreams made me that much stronger in my journey of life. I wish the fans, his family and loved ones the best in this time. The music will live forever and for that I thank you for being you.
Carrie_36's picture

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 9:31am — Carrie_36
We will always fight for our right to party! My heart goes out to all the family and friends of our Beastie Boy and an extra special Big Hug for Kid Rock❤RIP MCA❤
Margo C's picture

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 7:15am — Margo C
Thank you for sharing...very sad news. R.I.P. MCA
Montana Anna's picture

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 1:56am — Montana Anna
I continue to lift you up in my prayers, this long night filled with the permanence of how your life has changed with MCA’s passing. My heart aches for your pain and the surrealism of your now significantly altered reality. The numbness, the tears, the memories, the soul-emptying pain, the future adventures and events never to be experienced together, the anger at God for a beautiful and inspirational life cut so short. Hopes and dreams dashed, wishing you didn’t know now what you didn’t know then - just one seemingly brief moment before. The longing for just one split second longer with him. I am so sorry you hurt so. I would give my life to erase for you this experience so that no more pain could touch you and ever enter your heart. My mom always wanted the same for me. She answered that fateful call from my brother and came to wake up my sister and me. Our brother gave us the news our dad dropped to the floor while playing basketball with him and our step-brothers and that our dad died in his arms. I remember the horror of holding the phone receiver and trying to give it to my mom or my sister to hold so I didn’t have to hear any more and could maybe pretend it never happened. She stayed with me and my sister that long night. She often told me if she could, she would wrap me in bubble wrap to keep me from any more pain. She was wise, though, and said that wouldn’t work, but that she would be beside me, listen to me, hold me, and love me through it. And she did. All my life. And my brother, sister, and cousin were beside me to do the same when it came her time to go home. I hope and pray you have those that love you surrounding you, comforting you, in words and in the silence when there are none.
TX_Cowgirl4213's picture

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 12:01am — TX_Cowgirl4213
Hello Darlin' I I was working out at the gym this evening when i seen this come across the news. I too didnt know that he had been battling cancer. Now may he rest in peace! Prayers going out to you Bob and to his family and friends.. May God wrap his loving arms around each and everyone and bring them comfort in the days to come.

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 11:37pm — Bobbie Jean_2
I was trying to keep short and simple b/c I know you will most likely get a bunch of replies on this. I just have to add that when you were just a kid in that audience did you ever think that you would have played such a role in their lives as you did during this award ceremony or other ways maybe in Friendship and what have you. See you never know when God is using a simple moment to plant a seed for a bigger moment to help others. You know like your accepting the award w/ his band members. As a child who would have thought, hugh? Even in the midst of this most deeply grievous time, comes a bit of hope in that God always has a plan I guess. I think that is pretty awesome, the creator of the entire universe thinks of such great detail simply b/c He cares that much is all I can figure. His Family, Friends, Fans will be in prayers of many. May his soul be at peace and rest.
kidrocket99's picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 11:18pm — kidrocket99
Gee that's so weird, I was just jamm'in to Fight For Your Right today and had no clue that he died. I must have missed hearing the news at the time. It is such a great song....even my priests band plays it out at their gigs and they get everyone up and dancing...Even the 80 year olds! I've got a copy of a few of Madonnas early posters with a picture of Beastie Boys as one of her opening acts back in the day hanging on my wall. It's so sad to hear and I hope that he finds great comfort in the Lords arms. R.I.P. I hope Kid gets through it as well....We're all gonna face it someday, we just have to be ready.
Lila ashker's picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 10:46pm — Lila ashker
Thanks For sharing! I Was Thinking Of You Today , Hearing The News , God Bless you Kid, So Glad U Were A Part Of The Hall Of Fame Thang!
Beckxy's picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 10:28pm — Beckxy
That was beautiful cousin. When I saw the news today.. my heart fell to the floor. Had no idea he was battling cancer : ( The Beasties played a big part of my brother and my's adolescent 'well needed' rebellion... a HUGE part. Thanks Rock ~ RIP MCA

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 10:25pm — Bobbie Jean_2
Just heard recently, just moments ago saw another post here in KR community. Peace and comfort to all Family and Friends during this time of reflection and loss.
Dona_2's picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 10:13pm — Dona_2
That was one of the most poetic and heartfelt tributes I have ever read. Rest assured that you honored him greatly with your performance before he passed away. For that you can be grateful as I am sure he was. I hope you find comfort in that.
rbspearman's picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 9:27pm — rbspearman
I remember my brother & I wearing out our License To Ill cassette. I was 13 I think & our Mom hated it. My husband is not a fan but he wasn't a fan of Kid Rock either until I got a hold of him. Now he loves your music. We listened to License to Ill going to dinner tonight and he was tapping the steering wheel. RIP MCA... the music will live on.
KRSVal's picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 9:20pm — KRSVal
Cherish the memories, KR. SO glad MCA got the induction honor; hopefully it made him happy knowing others honored and valued his/their work. You did a great job on the clip that we saw :) Genesee Valley Mall in Flint used to have this place in the '90's where you could go and record your own video with music, dress up, and lip-sync the song. 3 of the guys I worked with at Baker College in Flint did 'Fight for your Right to Party', it was hilarious and became our anthem in the office. Good times, good ppl, worth remembering.
rocksavedmysoul's picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 9:03pm — rocksavedmysoul
The minute I heard the news, I thought of you Kid. I'll keep you and MCA's family and friends in my prayers tonight.
Mrs Cedar Michigan's picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 8:56pm — Mrs Cedar Michigan
....that whole post gave me chills... I love how music connects people....
D4evr's picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 8:27pm — D4evr
"Tribute .... " (cont ...) ~ Thank you, Bob ~peace~ *** ~+~ ***
just because's picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 7:46pm — just because
Thank you for sharing. R.I.P.
THPplatinum_'s picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 7:07pm — THPplatinum_
) ; !
Montana Anna's picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 7:34pm — Montana Anna
I have experienced death in too varied a way in my life. I, too, lost my father at a very young age (both him and me). I haven't ever lost a husband, so I cannot imagine what Mr. Yauch’s wife may be feeling right now. But “the anguish of my heart doesn’t lie” for -- having only felt the sprouting of true love and eagerly awaiting the “promise of life’s joys still in store” -- my soul cannot bear the thought. I have lost dear friends and those I admired and respected, but I cannot imagine what you, Mr. Ritchie, and the rest of Mr. Yauch’s friends and fans, may be feeling. I have never read a more loving, humorous, respectful, and so eloquently written tribute to a friend, mentor, and colleague. You are an exemplary writer, Mr. Ritchie, and I believe I have enough street cred to back me up. So with my freshly renewed hope in God’s daily grace, mercy, and love, I lift you all up in prayer and petition to that great Source of Love from whom we all originated. Although the pain may feel like more than one can bear, from my own tattered heart, please breathe deeply and feel the power of the Prayer of Protection. -- The Light of God surrounds you. The Love of God enfolds you. The power of God protects you. And the presence of God watches over you. Wherever you are, God is, and all is well. Amen.
KenSavage's picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 6:36pm — KenSavage
Yessss. Me and my friends tried making Sabotage and Shadrach videos in our backyard. MCA Missed Already!!
michcon's picture

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 6:26pm — michcon
He's partying it up in heaven, showing them how to kick it. Cancer sucks!

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