Friday May 4th 2012, the music industry lost an icon. MCA, one of the founding members and driving forces behind Beastie Boys passed away with his family at his bedside. He was 47 years old and had been battling salivary cancer since 2009.

For those of us in our late 30’s to early 40’s especially, Beastie Boys reflected the times, and our moods. I would always pop Beastie Boys music in before going out for a good time. It was the sound of our youth, our craving for life, even our sex. As we and they got older, their music matured but still captured the same feeling of youth in our generation. I would argue that Beastie Boys represent my generation more than almost any other band. I don’t know if this is the end of them completely, but I would understand if it is. With MCA gone, it feels like the end of an amazing ride.

Mr. Adam Yauch, thank you greatly for enhancing my life through your music.