Why did Hurra leave?

[dfmoss]

I've been really apprehensive about asking this question to a bunch of people who already know, but I can't find it anywhere. Why did the Bboys and DJ Hurricane part ways?

[Kid Presentable]

You know, I doubt that anybody here really knows, so don't be aprehensive. The best you can hope for is a bunch of hearsay and such. Apparently, he stated words to the effect that he wanted to be more than just the Beastie Boys DJ. Maybe the break between IC and HN was too long for him to pay his bills.

I get the feeling there may have been some ill-will internally when he'd drop 'surprises' like Car Thief during 1995 U.S shows (See the 'Rolling Down the Hill boot, for example). The Boys maybe took some control back over how they wanted to be perceived, and he didn't get that. The atonement for the LTI era started around that time, and chugged on full-steam once MMM (who would have eaten glass for them I'm sure) joined. The socially-conscious thing probably did strange things to the inner circle at that time.

[Micodin]

Well said, KP.

[Laver1969]

I haven't watched the unauthorized "Horseplay" video in a while but I know they interview Hurra and there was definitely a little tension there. I'll have to pop that in and report back.

I do know he was a "guest" of the Beasties at the HipHop Honors thing a few years back.

Edit: Just watched the Hurra clip about why he parted ways. KP hit it pretty much. Hurra said the Beasties took too much time in between working. He had a family to feed. And he thought he should have been making a more money. And because he wasn't making the $$ he thought he should be making, his head wasn't really in the game.

[RobMoney$]

Umm...have you ever heard MMM spin a record?

[smith7800]

Hurra's shit since the Beasties has been terrible. Officially.

[scrappy]

We haven't heard much from Wendell since he dropped Don't Sleep... I wonder how he makes ends meet these days.

[FittenTrimMC]

Again, no one on this board would know; I'm no different.

But I'd guess some of the problems started from the Grand Royal releases of Hurricanes's album.

Most will remember the interviews where MCA & Adrock would actually ask Mike D why Hurra's album wasn't out yet.

Most artists have issues with the record execs; not enough publicity, radio push, video money, etc.

what happens when those execs are your friends the Beastie Boys?

[darius]

He left because of money. He stated that the break between albums and concerts wasn't enough to keep him afloat, so he started his own thing. As I understand he was pretty popular in Japan (thanks to the boys), not sure if this is still true. This was discussed on the horseplay dvd by hurricane himself. He also mentioned he got along with adrock the best but had no gripes with any of them.

[Guy Incognito]

was it not just that he wasnt able to add much to their quest for a newer sound and then they found MMM? Am i being thick?

[Club Molecule]

I get the feeling there may have been some ill-will internally when he'd drop 'surprises' like Car Thief during 1995 U.S shows (See the 'Rolling Down the Hill boot, for example).

Has anyone got a copy of this? It would be interesting to hear how they go through that song...

[Documad]

Umm...have you ever heard MMM spin a record?

I don't know what anyone's motives were at the time but this is exactly how I feel. MMM is a huge asset to the live shows.

[pm0ney]

H-U double R to the A from around the way kickin every day of the week to a dope beat.

Loved Hurricane and sometimes I miss Hurricane. I hope hes successful doing whatever he's doing nowadays.

[Laver1969]

was it not just that he wasnt able to add much to their quest for a newer sound and then they found MMM? Am i being thick?

Ha...you're being a little thick because it was more than just his inability to add to their newer sound. Hurra has stated in some interviews that a lot had to do with a combination of money and timing.

But I'm sure there were several other factors not mentioned. But we've got some sense of what might have been going on...not just the creative difference line.

[Guy Incognito]

Ha...you're being a little thick because it was more than just his inability to add to their newer sound. Hurra has stated in some interviews that a lot had to do with a combination of money and timing.

But I'm sure there were several other factors not mentioned. But we've got some sense of what might have been going on...not just the creative difference line.

but if your band thought you were shit at your job you would state other reasons if your pride was hurt, lets face it hello nasty was a total shift in sound and MMM played a big part in that.

[Kid Presentable]

but if your band thought you were shit at your job you would state other reasons if your pride was hurt, lets face it hello nasty was a total shift in sound and MMM played a big part in that.

Adrock played the biggest part in it, really. Mixmaster is on some songs, and the one centrepiece track which he is on has a Hurricane co-writing credit.

[Laver1969]

Honestly, I don't know how much creativity Hurra or MMM bring to the Beasties song/sound constructing table. I think that the Beasties control most of that and bring in the DJ at the end.

Also, the easy way is to just say "we had creative differences" but Hurra brought up the money issue. That kinda statement tends to have some teeth.

[Guy Incognito]

Adrock played the biggest part in it, really. Mixmaster is on some songs, and the one centrepiece track which he is on has a Hurricane co-writing credit.

oh right.

i thought thae style of 3 mc's and one dj and also ch-ch-check it out was very much based on MMM's djing. shows what i know

[Jiberish]

oh right.

i thought thae style of 3 mc's and one dj and also ch-ch-check it out was very much based on MMM's djing. shows what i know

Yes for 3 MC's 1 DJ, but I remember reading an interview w/ Ad Rock about how he put the beat together for Ch-Check it Out.

Another interview from the HN era where they say MMM only scratched on a handful of songs. You can hear the difference between the way MCA & Ad Rock cut records to how MMM does it.

[Guy Incognito]

Yes for 3 MC's 1 DJ, but I remember reading an interview w/ Ad Rock about how he put the beat together for Ch-Check it Out.

Another interview from the HN era where they say MMM only scratched on a handful of songs. You can hear the difference between the way MCA & Ad Rock cut records to how MMM does it.

so , is this whole hurricane thing similar to the supposed john lennon quote about ringo not being the best drummer in the beatles. was hurricane not even the best dj in the beasites?

i need to read more about the whole set up really before i start making more idiotic comments. whats the best book about the bboys, recommendations?

[wesleysnaps]

You know I'm sure there was some issues that we will never know.

I remember with the first years of MMM I was a little disappointed in the live set. A) I like the beats made for the song, all though well before TTFB I changed my mind on that a loved the spice up. B) I don't know if the Beastie's were ready for it, because they would mess up...A lOt.

But as far as bad love towards each other. I don't know about that. I did see them in Atlanta during the Hello Nasty show and Hurra came out and did his Sure Shot part.

I think MMM is the right choice for where the Beastie's are headed now, but it is true that Adrock if not the other two have the most to do with thee actual album work.

[brmanuk]

Has anyone got a copy of this? It would be interesting to hear how they go through that song...

Anyone?

[Randetica]

i know it but i wont tell

[Sir SkratchaLot]

Mixmaster Mike didn't have that much of an impact on Hello Nasty. He said that when he went in to record his scratchesc the album was pretty much done. He even said it sounded kind of corney. Haha. You know, 3MCs and 1 DJ is probably the best example of Mike's influence on the album but that was Co-Written by the HURRA! Crazy. If you know your scratching well you can tell which tracks Mike does the scratching on. But you have to think of the turntable as one instrument working in with all the samples (which are mostly put down by the B-boys and Mario C). Mike is just the scratching.

Mike did do some of the cuts on Hello Nasty though. Hurra was only a live DJ and didn't do their album scratches, which is why it's a problem when they go on a long touring hiatus.

[Jiberish]

so , is this whole hurricane thing similar to the supposed john lennon quote about ringo not being the best drummer in the beatles. was hurricane not even the best dj in the beasites?

i need to read more about the whole set up really before i start making more idiotic comments. whats the best book about the bboys, recommendations?

I didn't mean to imply that your comments were idiotic.

As far as books, I just re-read "Check The Technique" in which CYH has a chapter devoted to it. That whole book is amazing, if you are into learning about what goes on in the making of an album.

also the 33/3 book about Paul's Boutiques is awesome. You learn that most of those scratches were done by the Dust. Bros. plus a million other things.

Ronin Ro's Book on Run-D.M.C. has a good chapter on Licensed to Ill.

[Sir SkratchaLot]

He had alot to do with the quality of the touring which made the album & Time Period of HN awsome:D

Most definately. Mike was a game changer for the live shows. Took it to the next level. He basically took a mixtape mentality and put it in the context of a live show. I don't know who's idea it was, the Beasties or Mike, but they couldn't have pulled it off without Mike.

Hurra was not a mediocre DJ though. He was actually really solid. He just wasn't pushing boundaries like Mike.

[Kid Presentable]

Most definately. Mike was a game changer for the live shows. Took it to the next level. He basically took a mixtape mentality and put it in the context of a live show. I don't know who's idea it was, the Beasties or Mike, but they couldn't have pulled it off without Mike.

Hurra was not a mediocre DJ though. He was actually really solid. He just wasn't pushing boundaries like Mike.

The TFC 97 show Hurricane changes pretty much every beat, put the New Style under the second verse of Sure Shot.

[Guy Incognito]

I didn't mean to imply that your comments were idiotic.
yeah i know i was just taking the piss out meself

As far as books, I just re-read "Check The Technique" in which CYH has a chapter devoted to it. That whole book is amazing, if you are into learning about what goes on in the making of an album.

also the 33/3 book about Paul's Boutiques is awesome. You learn that most of those scratches were done by the Dust. Bros. plus a million other things.

Ronin Ro's Book on Run-D.M.C. has a good chapter on Licensed to Ill.

well with a bit of luck i'll win the book in the remix contest:rolleyes: if i pull my finger out

i'll check that other one out as well(y)

[Jiberish]

yeah i know i was just taking the piss out meself
(y)

ah, then by all means take the piss. Take it all.(y)

Good luck in the remixing contest [which one is that?] (y)

[Thunder D]

All Hurra ever did was push play on the DAT player and pretended to scratch. Anyone could have been the Beasties DJ from 87-97 at their shows.

[Guy Incognito]

ah, then by all means take the piss. Take it all.(y)

Good luck in the remixing contest [which one is that?] (y)

This one (http://www.beastieboys.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=92329)

and thanks (y)

[Sir SkratchaLot]

All Hurra ever did was push play on the DAT player and pretended to scratch. Anyone could have been the Beasties DJ from 87-97 at their shows.

I'm calling you out. Post a scratch file.

[Jiberish]

On the new commentary for HN, during Body Movin', MCA says that MMM did all of the scratching on that record. So I guess that's the answer.

[Micodin]

All Hurra ever did was push play on the DAT player and pretended to scratch. Anyone could have been the Beasties DJ from 87-97 at their shows.

During the LTI days Hurra had 2 'LIVE" turntables hooked up during their sets. He was more than someone that pressed play on the DAT.

Just your quote alone makes me understand how little you know what you're yapping about.

[Kid Presentable]

On the new commentary for HN, during Body Movin', MCA says that MMM did all of the scratching on that record. So I guess that's the answer.

MCA couldn't remember the video that Time for Livin's clip was based on. He gets things wrong sometimes, because he's not an uber fan. Seriously. And it's nice to know that, because it means they don't vanish up their own asses.

You can tell the stuff MMM did, but there's incidental cuts that the songs already contain, which he wouldn't have done. The liner notes credit MMM on 'his' tracks.

[camo]

Wasn't 3 mc's originally wrote with the hurra?

I'm sure he's credited on it. Where's my cd?

[Kid Presentable]

Yeah Wendell Fite, writing credit, for fuck knows what. Probably the hook.

[camo]

wouldn't it be funny to know that it was originally a song made by/for hurra and when they dropped him they just handed it over to Mike.

I'm sure I read that they (beasties) went away and quickly came back with those lyrics. Maybe they were out back playing boggle whilst Mike was working and realised 'shit we need something quick'...

:D

[Jiberish]

MCA couldn't remember the video that Time for Livin's clip was based on. He gets things wrong sometimes, because he's not an uber fan. Seriously. And it's nice to know that, because it means they don't vanish up their own asses.

You can tell the stuff MMM did, but there's incidental cuts that the songs already contain, which he wouldn't have done. The liner notes credit MMM on 'his' tracks.


Yeah I agree w/ you actually. I was just reporting.

[Kid Presentable]

Yeah I agree w/ you actually. I was just reporting.

Hey man, I was just having one of my moments. The likelihood is that the band is right, but if so, then there are two (three even) very different styles of scratching on the record. The obvious flare-y shit that Mike does on Shame in Your Game and Grasshopper for example, and the straighter shit on The Move or Intergalactic. Interesting revelation if true, though.

[Mr. Juice]

I've asked this question many times and did some investigative reporting a few years back. Since you can't get a straight answer out of the B-Boys camp, here's how I surmise it went down:

In the late '90s, the Beasties were tired of doing the same-old-same-old (rhyming over full length instrumental tracks with Hurricane scratching over them). As many of you may remember, the Beastie Boys' set at the '97 TFC was somewhat of a breakthrough, where the group began rhyming over various beats on one song; and they did this for the duration of their set. (Hurricane was no stranger to dropping in different cuts, but he never did it for every song.)

The set was quite memorable (not to mention those lovely orange jumpsuits), which probably had the Beasties itching to do more of the same. And if you think about it, the many-instrumentals-per-song approach evokes the vibe of early New York City hip-hop (where the Beasties fell in love with the culture).

Because the Beastie Boys are perfectionists (believe it kids) they probably wanted to expand their studio and live sound, and no diss on Hurricane, but he wasn't able to fulfill this role. At the same time MCA encountered Mixmaster Mike, swapped info, and not long after Mixmaster delivered his now famous "tweak-scratch" phone call message to MCA which can be heard on Hello Nasty.

I'm sure there were some other politics involved, but I believe Hurricane was replaced because the Beasties wanted to do bigger and better (same reason why sports teams trade players and sign free agents).

At first I was furious, but 11 years later (has it really been that long?), I'm totally ecstatic to have MMM behind the 1's and 2's.

[DJ Pioneer]

And lets not forget that Hurricane always wanted to be more than just a DJ...he wanted to be a rapper and for some odd reason he thought he could be one without the B-Boys being on tracks with him or something. It always seemed he was unhappy just being the DJ.

I agree with ya. It seemed like Hurra wanted to concentrate more on his own rapping career, which is fine. He was maybe getting a little tired of being in the shadow of the Bboys. I think if Hurra was content and wanted to stay real involved, they would've definitely kept him around. I think it was more of a mutual thing when it happened...

[Jiberish]

Hey man, I was just having one of my moments. The likelihood is that the band is right, but if so, then there are two (three even) very different styles of scratching on the record. The obvious flare-y shit that Mike does on Shame in Your Game and Grasshopper for example, and the straighter shit on The Move or Intergalactic. Interesting revelation if true, though.

No worries. I actually do agree w/ you. I always assumed Ad Rock and MCA did a bunch of cuts because some are so simple compared to MMM's overall style. I also have no idea what I am talking about at any given moment and just enjoy speculating [slash] discovering new things about stuff I enjoy. so no worries.