LL Cool J & Chuck D Pay Tribute to MCA at the Grammy's

[Micodin]

At one point, the two men squared off center stage to yell the PE lyric at each other before Chuck threw it over to Morello, who tore off one of his signature turntable scratch-like solos. As the Rage guitarist moved into the booming riff from the Beastie Boys' "No Sleep Till Brooklyn," LL raised his hand to salute and said, "Beastie Boys, MCA forever!," in homage to Beastie Adam "MCA" Yauch,
 who died last year.

With "RIP MCA" scrolling across the screen, Cool J and D yelled the B-Boys song's chorus together before dropping back into the "Terrordome/Whaddup" mashup as the credits began to roll. (http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1701729/grammys-ll-cool-j-chuck-d-rage-against-the-machine.jhtml)

Respect.

[beasties#1fan]

(y)(y)

[LilTreyR]

Awesome (y)

[JoLovesMCA]

So cool!

Ugh.

Happiness and Sadness tonight. :(

Luv you Yauch.

always!!!!

jo

[WesleyOHSnaps!]

I'm sorry. I was dissapointed with it. I was hoping for more from LL who was hosting and I knew Chuck D was there.


Still no decent tribute.

[cj hood]

Of course he deserves more but if LL didn't host he wouldn't have gotten anything....

[Kid Presentable]

The only real tribute could be done by what's left of the Beastie Boys and their extended musical circle.

Still, Chuck and LL and the rest did a beautiful thing. (y)

[Laver1969]

The only real tribute could be done by what's left of the Beastie Boys and their extended musical circle.

Still, Chuck and LL and the rest did a beautiful thing. (y)

Cosignin'. I'm hoping for something like this....

[Praying Mantis]

I thought what was done was needed and also sincere. However, I agree with everyone else, more needs to be done. Yauch's contributions in the arts and in life extend everywhere. More should be done for a man who gave so much of himself..

[Brass Monk]

Of course he deserves more but if LL didn't host he wouldn't have gotten anything....

Yep

[WesleyOHSnaps!]

Yeah it will only really come the actual Beastie Family, but the Bands Levon Helm got a proper tribute by people who may have never met him.

I'm also over only LTI tributes.

I guess I just expected more. I need to stop that because I've been nothing but let down.

[GrapeApe]

Maybe I'm making too much of it, but that tribute was weak.

MCA is one of the most influential pop culture/musical figures of the last 25 years and he gets one line in a song?

I don't blame Chuck or LL, they did what they could, the producers of the show should have had something more significant planned.

Disappointed.

[abbott]

shit was sweet

[Headgotchecked]

This is easy. I mean let's be serious here, is there anything that's going to feel as satisfying as watching MCA walk out from behind the curtain and slam 8 bars down on the table?

I gave up on society and pop culture getting it right, and giving Adam the respect he deserves. And I also gave up on the idea that any show of respect posthumously could fill the void and ease the ache. It's the only way I can get by without getting pissed the fuck off.

[Brother McDuff]

i think Adam is receiving his fair props across the media outlets, within celebrity circles, and at industry functions. in fact, i think he's garnering more respect in these areas than I even imagined he would. shit, he got the rolling stone cover, the grammy's nod, the mtv special, the SNL moment of silence, etc. I don't understand this whole "not enough" or "not a proper tribute" talk. I mean if you're waiting for a scorsese documentary or a national holiday then i wouldn't hold my breath. Adam is getting his due for sure. i don't see the problem here. :confused:

[GrapeApe]

Not sure what any of those other things have to do with the Grammys.

The Grammys is THE music industry event, a Rolling Stone cover or an MTV tribute doesn't preclude the industry's biggest event from honoring MCA appropriately.

My complaint isn't with MCA not getting respect in general, I agree the tributes have been plentiful and emotional, I'm specifically talking about that event last night.

It's like saying you shouldn't be upset that your mom forgot your birthday because no one else did.

[cj hood]

i think Adam is receiving his fair props across the media outlets, within celebrity circles, and at industry functions. in fact, i think he's garnering more respect in these areas than I even imagined he would. shit, he got the rolling stone cover, the grammy's nod, the mtv special, the SNL moment of silence, etc. I don't understand this whole "not enough" or "not a proper tribute" talk. I mean if you're waiting for a scorsese documentary or a national holiday then i wouldn't hold my breath. Adam is getting his due for sure. i don't see the problem here. :confused:

the majority of last night's acts could trace their lineage back to the Beastie Boys....he needs more.

ex. no Beasties; no Adrock/Rubin collab; no LL

EDIT: I agree with KP that Mike & Adrock need to step up and set up their own proper tribute.

[YoungRemy]

seemed fitting and appropriate.

I heard (or read) there was also an MCA moment in the tribute section for musicians who passed away in 2012. another nice gesture.

The Grammy Award ceremony is to honor and celebrate the music that was made in the prior year.

LL and Chuck D did something very cool by incorporating that moment into their performance.

[pm0ney]

I thought that was an amazing tribute and that some of you are being way too critical here. Those guys were down with the Beastie Boys since the mid 80's and they close the 2013 Grammy Awards with the words No Sleep Till Brooklyn sprawled across the screen and thats not enough for you? LL is promoting a track off his new album in front of millions of viewers on live television and he takes the time to put in a tribute to MCA (who has absolutely nothing to do with LL's career) and you guys are complaining about it? Come on now. That was fucking beautiful.

[Bernard Goetz]

EDIT: I agree with KP that Mike & Adrock need to step up and set up their own proper tribute.

"Need to"? I don't think KP was saying that at all. They don't need to do shit; it would just be nice.

[GrapeApe]

I thought that was an amazing tribute and that some of you are being way too critical here. Those guys were down with the Beastie Boys since the mid 80's and they close the 2013 Grammy Awards with the words No Sleep Till Brooklyn sprawled across the screen and thats not enough for you? LL is promoting a track off his new album in front of millions of viewers on live television and he takes the time to put in a tribute to MCA (who has absolutely nothing to do with LL's career) and you guys are complaining about it? Come on now. That was fucking beautiful.

You might want to try reading what people actually wrote.

No one is criticizing Chuck or LL, it's the Grammys, or more specifically the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences who are the focus here.

Chuck and LL did a great thing, no one is questioning that.

[JoLovesMCA]

I think the press publications have done a decent job with the tributes. The L.A. Billboards were probably my favorite. Seeing NAMASTE on a massive billboard for everyone to see as they drive by was just… I’d use epic but that word sucks now!

And then the murals done by all of these artists… so good! The RS cover and the little tribute shows by folks like Karl Denson again… (y) And I agree last night was cool. I have no problem with it…So over-all nice job in remembering Adam.

In my opinion it would be nice if just ONE of the big award shows would have some something other than a photo glimpse of him and then have somebody pump a fist yelling NO Sleep till Brooklyn “Yeah Beastie’s forever!” Although I am fine with Chuck D and LL’s thing because I know it comes from a sincere place.

If we had a moment where the 35 million people tuning at home and the entire attention hungry big ego celebs would watch and take note of somebody who was in the business not for himself…. but for others. Take a little time out of your night to remember a true humanitarian who gave so much and never expected anything back in return.

The mention alone is sweet, but it doesn’t show who he was. Show Adam in action doing his thing. Throw up some big moments from his speeches, Tibet movement…something!!!! Or just more than what the average person knows which was good guy from the Beasties/Fight For Your Right Hip Hop Golden age.


Just remind the folks that this is WHO we lost, not that we lost another rapper.

But if it doesn’t happen then I am not going to constantly whine about it. Adam wouldn’t want that… But who knows maybe one day they will do it.

[abbott]

I know you know, but .. so during the earlier tribute when they showed the photos of all that had past, when MCA's picture went up you could hear a large cheer from the crowd that I thought was cool as shit also

[LongDuckDong]

This is easy. I mean let's be serious here, is there anything that's going to feel as satisfying as watching MCA walk out from behind the curtain and slam 8 bars down on the table?

I gave up on society and pop culture getting it right, and giving Adam the respect he deserves. And I also gave up on the idea that any show of respect posthumously could fill the void and ease the ache. It's the only way I can get by without getting pissed the fuck off.

Interesting thought and definitely agree.



So cool!

Ugh.

Happiness and Sadness tonight. :(

Luv you Yauch.

always!!!!

jo

Thx for signing this. I'm sure Yauch wouldn't have known it was you otherwise.

[JoLovesMCA]

Interesting thought and definitely agree.





Thx for signing this. I'm sure Yauch wouldn't have known it was you otherwise.

You are more than welcome!!! ;)

jo

[pm0ney]

You might want to try reading what people actually wrote.

No one is criticizing Chuck or LL, it's the Grammys, or more specifically the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences who are the focus here.

Chuck and LL did a great thing, no one is questioning that.



Don't condescend me, I can read just fine.

[LilTreyR]

the majority of last night's acts could trace their lineage back to the Beastie Boys....he needs more.

ex. no Beasties; no Adrock/Rubin collab; no LL

EDIT: I agree with KP that Mike & Adrock need to step up and set up their own proper tribute.

Why so miserable & demanding dude?

[CatchaGroove]

Many Thanks to Chuck and Uncle L

Made me smile.

[cj hood]

Why so miserable & demanding dude?

I'm asking for a proper MCA tribute on a Beastie Boys message board. What was I thinking?

[LilTreyR]

I'm asking for a proper MCA tribute on a Beastie Boys message board. What was I thinking?

Quite honestly I was not expecting the Grammys to do anything other than their usual honorable mention of those who passed. If it wasn't for LL hosting, I'm sure that would have been the end of it. What was done came from the heart of if a few that truly cared about Yauch. Nothing wrong with appreciating the little things without expecting more. IMO.

[Brass Monk]

I'm also over only LTI tributes.



Most groups are usually remembered/memorialized from when they 1st hit the scene (their 1st albums). Pretty much every legendary group gets the same treatment in this respect.

[Headgotchecked]

I'm asking for a proper MCA tribute on a Beastie Boys message board. What was I thinking?

I agree with you. I think that the over-arching psychology that governs this issue is being ignored. I think that wanting something grandiose for a fallen comrade is for many people a natural desire. Some people say that a small token gesture is fine, and I can empathize with people that feel that way. In fact, I'm jealous of them.

I just think that perhaps the empathy should be reciprocated. Instead of going, "What do you mean, the tribute was FIIINE" maybe a slightly more sensitive (and imho more aware and compassionate) response would be something like, "sorry you felt let down" or "you may be right" or something. Like I was saying in my first response, my ills can't be remedied with a tribute, either large or small and that's just what's in my heart and I have a right to that. Saying that I should be fine with what is being offered and basically dictating to me what my feelings should be doesn't get anyone anything, in the end.

[LilTreyR]

I agree with you. I think that the over-arching psychology that governs this issue is being ignored. I think that wanting something grandiose for a fallen comrade is for many people a natural desire. Some people say that a small token gesture is fine, and I can empathize with people that feel that way. In fact, I'm jealous of them.

I just think that perhaps the empathy should be reciprocated. Instead of going, "What do you mean, the tribute was FIIINE" maybe a slightly more sensitive (and imho more aware and compassionate) response would be something like, "sorry you felt let down" or "you may be right" or something. Like I was saying in my first response, my ills can't be remedied with a tribute, either large or small and that's just what's in my heart and I have a right to that. Saying that I should be fine with what is being offered and basically dictating to me what my feelings should be doesn't get anyone anything, in the end.

I don't think anyone here doesn't agree. However well intentioned your analysis of what has been said here may be, I think you may be confused. I don't think there is a soul here who doesn't believe that Adam does not deserve a fitting tribute. No one has said it is wrong to want more. I'm pretty sure the point here is when someone does do something in Adams honor, not to be so critical and appreciate all that is done to show love and honor his memory. I don't really believe that anyone meant any of that other bs you said. And yes nothing is ever good enough for people we care about.

[TreasureEverywh]

I think you're right, Trey. Obviously the people on this board care, and we all agree that he deserves more recognition by the world as a whole than a brief shoutout in an awards show (or newspaper mentions thereof, for that matter... I spent quite a bit of time looking for those yesterday).

Now we might reasonably say that "The Grammys" (and others) should know to honor him in more depth. But what we could also take away from feeling there should be more is the thought that people don't know better, so it's up to those who care and who want the man to receive the recognition we feel he deserves to make it so. I think there's great stuff going on -- doing good work in the name of MCA, MCADay, the stamp thing and loads more. I really hope that everyone can keep going.

[WesleyOHSnaps!]

I know you know, but .. so during the earlier tribute when they showed the photos of all that had past, when MCA's picture went up you could hear a large cheer from the crowd that I thought was cool as shit also

That was pretty amazing.

[dave790]

I don't see how a shout out or a mention at any awards show can do 'justice' to Yauch in the way that is longed for at points in this thread. It's an opportunity for one or two fellow musicians to show their respect, and they have. I don't understand why it's so important for every occasion of this nature to acknowledge Yauch in a huge way. He really genuinely seemed a wonderful human being - we all know that - and the wave of affection for him in the music world following May 4th would suggest he touched many of his peers.

He never struck me as the type to seek mass accolades or attention, and when it gets to the point when people are complaining that people showing Yauch a few seconds of respect is not enough or whatever, it seems a bit ridiculous. There is no way the likes of LL Cool J can summarise and honour every aspect of great man's life mid-song!

I have really enjoyed - if that's the right word - the press articles in the wake of Yauch's death. Many seemed to really have understood his and the Beastie Boys impact in terms of music and culture, as well as Yauch's personal and spiritual growth and positive influence on others. Many have even commented how his death was an exception from the norm, with many fans feeling a real personal sense of loss. I'm rambling, but I guess my point is that I've found many tributes kind of heart-warming, because plenty of people don't get the attention and kudos they deserve...and well, I think Yauch will always be widely remembered with adulation and respect.

[TreasureEverywh]

He never struck me as the type to seek mass accolades or attention [...]


True. So one wonders what he himself would make of award show tributes and the idea of a stamp. And yet, and yet... it's hugely pleasing to hear/see/read about other people acknowledging him in one way or another, isn't it?


I have really enjoyed - if that's the right word - the press articles in the wake of Yauch's death. Many seemed to really have understood his and the Beastie Boys impact in terms of music and culture, as well as Yauch's personal and spiritual growth and positive influence on others. Many have even commented how his death was an exception from the norm, with many fans feeling a real personal sense of loss.

(y)

[M|X|Y]

id guess that they wanted it and that's what they were allowed to do

true though... he deserves more

[JoLovesMCA]

I don't understand why it's so important for every occasion of this nature to acknowledge Yauch in a huge way.


I agree that it’s not expected that they mention him on every occasion, but I think the argument among some fans is that it’s just been very mediocre compared to what other famous people have been given.. and with Yauch’s huge accomplishments to music you know.

Yeah and it’s true we know the deal and so does his close friends in music, but think about the Video Vanguard the band won years ago. That was incredible. I loved seeing them get that honor and for MCA as a director it probably made him feel good...

I think Nathaniel Hornblower needs another big moment like that for all to see!

[KENNY GUIDO]

time is of the essence with highly profiled, tv concerts/venues. you know the censors were all about pressing the "bleep" button.

[Rodie]

I agree that it’s not expected that they mention him on every occasion, but I think the argument among some fans is that it’s just been very mediocre compared to what other famous people have been given.. and with Yauch’s huge accomplishments to music you know.

Yeah and it’s true we know the deal and so does his close friends in music, but think about the Video Vanguard the band won years ago. That was incredible. I loved seeing them get that honor and for MCA as a director it probably made him feel good...

I think Nathaniel Hornblower needs another big moment like that for all to see!

I'd also like to see more, not necessarily from the Grammys (didn't watch) but some sort of tribute or something would be nice.

Also, what's up with the avatar?!?

[JoLovesMCA]

I'd also like to see more, not necessarily from the Grammys (didn't watch) but some sort of tribute or something would be nice.

Also, what's up with the avatar?!?

It's Mike D. Does he look evil? I thought it looked a little off... Hmmm I might change it lol.

[Rodie]

It's Mike D. Does he look evil? I thought it looked a little off... Hmmm I might change it lol.

It's just that its not MCA. I was flabbergasted lol

[dave790]

I agree that it’s not expected that they mention him on every occasion, but I think the argument among some fans is that it’s just been very mediocre compared to what other famous people have been given.. and with Yauch’s huge accomplishments to music you know.



Well obviously there is a large contribution from Yauch outside of music as well. And I see your point, but I can't think of anyone who has really been honoured in an extraordinary way.

I guess I just feel that the people who know Yauch's life and the world's subsequent loss really know it, and yes, it would be great for the whole world to understand that, but it just isn't important, especially at increasingly meaningless, commercial and self-congratulating awards shows etc.

[dave790]

True. So one wonders what he himself would make of award show tributes and the idea of a stamp. And yet, and yet... it's hugely pleasing to hear/see/read about other people acknowledging him in one way or another, isn't it?



(y)

Yeah of course. I mean it's nice to see as it's deserved. As to what he'd make of it, who knows. But he increasingly struck me as someone who would of course be humbled by such accolades, but was really genuinely selfless enough not to give a fuck if he didn't get high-five'd through life.

[JoLovesMCA]

It's just that its not MCA. I was flabbergasted lol


Well shit I thought the photo was warped. Yes I do have my D moments too. :cool:



Well obviously there is a large contribution from Yauch outside of music as well. And I see your point, but I can't think of anyone who has really been honoured in an extraordinary way.


Oh yes of course more than music. I didn't leave that out intentionally. There's no end to the list of contributions he's made to the world. And might I add so has Horovitz and Mike D.

Here's how I view it. Adam wanted to take the time out at award shows and use that platform to talk about real shit. I'd like to pay it forward back to him. But we're all right here, big tribute or not.. it won't change anything he's done and how we feel about him.

[Brother McDuff]

I guess I just feel that the people who know Yauch's life and the world's subsequent loss really know it, and yes, it would be great for the whole world to understand that, but it just isn't important, especially at increasingly meaningless, commercial and self-congratulating awards shows etc.

(y) well put, Dave.



Don't lose perspective here people. Yauch was a great guy and impacted alot of people, but so have tons of other people who don't get squat by way of recognition, let alone a singular mention at the Grammy's. Shit, i'd rather see it go down as classy and brief as it did rather than watch P Diddy and Drake and Lil Wayne bullshit around doing some half-assed beastie medley tribute. the Grammy's are a joke anyway, truly.

[brooklyndust]

(y) well put, Dave.

Shit, i'd rather see it go down as classy and brief as it did rather than watch P Diddy and Drake and Lil Wayne bullshit around doing some half-assed beastie medley tribute. the Grammy's are a joke anyway, truly.

Exactly.

Also, could you imagine if they did some kind of Whitney Huston type tribute with Yauch? Presented by some phony celebrities and plastic talking heads off of entertainment tonight. Or how about a 20/20 sit down interview with a tearful Mike D and Ad-Rock.

If those are proper tributes I don't want to see them.

[JoLovesMCA]

Good points guys. (y)

I gotta say those prayer vigils the Tibet people did for Adam were better than any award show could do.

So no I definitely don’t wanna see some fake ass people reading off of a script about Adam or performing more medley's.

[Kid Presentable]

Exactly.

Also, could you imagine if they did some kind of Whitney Huston type tribute with Yauch? Presented by some phony celebrities and plastic talking heads off of entertainment tonight. Or how about a 20/20 sit down interview with a tearful Mike D and Ad-Rock.

If those are proper tributes I don't want to see them.

That is certainly not what is meant by 'proper' tributes. It boggles my mind that anybody could be so dim as to think it would be. Scorcese films? Where in the fuck are these inferences coming from? Is the 'anger' stage of grief the root cause of these smart arsed replies?

It should be obvious that while nods and respect from wide, unexpected and expected corners of pop culture and the media are very nice, they're not real tributes. And they're not real because they don't come from the people who knew the man himself, nor do they speak his language (music).

As weird and difficult as it may be to conceptualise (let alone implement without 1/3 of the group's voice), that wider circle and the remaining B-Boys are the only ones capable of a real tribute to MCA. Of course the nods here and there are good, but the truth of this matter should be obvious.

And I think they may do something this year, be it a tribute 'show' and/or releasing new music (even without the final sessions I think the two still have something to offer in the band's name). And to repeat myself ad-nauseum, I realise they don't have to. But they certainly could.

People are getting way too hung up on picking apart the semantics of other's opinions on these mini-tributes. There is still time for something really special, by those closest.

[brooklyndust]

Where in the fuck are these inferences coming from? Is the 'anger' stage of grief the root cause of these smart arsed replies?

I don't know, you tell me?


It should be obvious that while nods and respect from wide, unexpected and expected corners of pop culture and the media are very nice, they're not real tributes. And they're not real because they don't come from the people who knew the man himself, nor do they speak his language (music).

Yes they are. A tribute is: "A gift, testimonial, compliment, or the like, given as due or in acknowledgment of gratitude or esteem."


As weird and difficult as it may be to conceptualise (let alone implement without 1/3 of the group's voice), that wider circle and the remaining B-Boys are the only ones capable of a real tribute to MCA. Of course the nods here and there are good, but the truth of this matter should be obvious.

No.


And I think they may do something this year, be it a tribute 'show' and/or releasing new music (even without the final sessions I think the two still have something to offer in the band's name). And to repeat myself ad-nauseum, I realise they don't have to. But they certainly could.

That would be great, but people would still find something to complain about, especially if the picked the wrong person to collaborate with.


People are getting way too hung up on picking apart the semantics of other's opinions on these mini-tributes.

I think people are getting way too hung up on picking apart the way other people choose to show their respects.


There is still time for something really special, by those closest.

Yes. There have also been many special moments of recognition that is above and beyond what most people will ever get (front page obituary on the New York times for one).

I don't make a habit of arguing on the Internet anymore. So I will leave it at this.

People grieve differently. Some people want to dump a 40 on the sidewalk, some people want to make a postage stamp and some people want a plaque on the side of the moon. You have to ask yourself what difference does it really make? Recognition is recognition.

[LilTreyR]

Musically, I really don't see how Adam & Mike could do this. I just don't see it.

[Kid Presentable]

^Fair, to both previous posts. I believe it can be done, but it's not straightforward, for sure.

And while my tone might seem exasperated, I assure you it's not. I just figure that Yauch loved the fans, and Mike and Adam know this.

Whatever happens or doesn't happen, I don't begrudge anyone their right to see any act of acknowledgement as fitting. I too only see it as a good thing; any type of tribute. But there are more appropriate means of tribute, and I think that the Beastie family (when and if it ever feels right - which could be never) has a pretty special opportunity to use its love and proximity in such a way.

That's all. Enough from me.

[LilTreyR]

Just the thoughts of this suck.

[Brass Monk]

Shit, i'd rather see it go down as classy and brief as it did rather than watch P Diddy and Drake and Lil Wayne bullshit around doing some half-assed beastie medley tribute. the Grammy's are a joke anyway, truly.

Lil Wayne doing Hello Brooklyn 2.0 was ill as f*ck. And I am not a big Diddy fan, but I thought his tribute at the Hip Hop Honors was cool and came from a place of sincere admiration. Although those tributes did come prior to Yauch's passing, of course