The Beastie Boys was an integral part of the 80's and '90s youth music culture. The news of group member Adam Yauch's (aka MCA) death struck a chord in me. Besides making the group a seminal force in hip hop music, with his husky voice and skillful song lyrics, MCA was also a very vocal activist and humanitarian for human rights, particularly for Tibet of which he became immersed in Buddhism during the latter part of his life.
On the most part, the Hip Hop genre, a traditionally black music genre is hardly penetrable especially for 3 young Jewish boys from Brooklyn, New York City. Managed to defy peers and skeptics, the Beastie Boys contributed skill and genuine artistry to the hip hop form, even before the days of Eminem, House of Pain, and one shot wonder Vanilla Ice. The Beastie Boys have reached great heights in their career, and were even inducted into the Hip Hop Hall of Fame, lauded by industry insiders and fans of every race and background.
My favorite piece is 'Brass Monkey.' It had all the rhymes and rhythm and was the center of every teenage party in the '90s. Thank you Beastie Boys for being part of my growing up years. R.I.P. MCA. You will be missed.
Returning to Creative Writing - Day 1
Red Bean Soup Do I remember what to order? We had descended from the high-rise flat on Ma Tin Road in Yuen Long, walked out to the B...
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On Mother's Day, we often acknowledge and celebrate our own mothers or friends who are mothers. This article from the South China Morni...
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Today, I heard the announcement that Michelle Kwan will not be competing in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. She has chosen graduat... -
This one is dedicated to my dear friends Susan, Beverly, Shell, Mabel and cousin Sarah. A veterinarian, pharmacist, photographic artist, jo...