I remember my 9-year-old daughter going wild to Beastie Boys' "Sabotage." "It's such a rush," she said. Yes, it was. It still is all these years later.
Three white dudes from Brooklyn becoming one of the most important hip-hop acts of all time, helping rap to become a mainstream art – that was some courageous feat! And, my God, they were so good! It's no wonder Madonna, always with impeccable sense for commercial success, had them touring with her throughout 1985.
The most amazing part of the Beastie Boys' history to me, though, is the fact that they never lost themselves and each other. Entering the roughest and toughest area of the music industry did not change their core values. And they never broke up. I cannot say it better than MCA himself did in "Intergalactic":
"Well I gotta keep it going, keep it going full steam
Too sweet to be sour too nice to be mean
Well on the tough guy style I'm not too keen
Try to change the world, I'mma plot and scheme"
It's not surprising that when it came to putting his riches to work, one of Adam's outlets was his company Oscilloscope Pictures responsible for distribution of such brave cinematic projects as "Wendy and Lucy," "The Messenger," "The Exploding Girl," "Howl," "Exit through the Gift Shop," and "We Need to Talk about Kevin." All commercially unsuccessful, but highly important films.
Don't be surprised – as a career financial professional with a soul, I can expertly advise you that it's not all about money. In the long-run, there are far more valuable returns on investments. It is my learned opinion that in the face of terminal decease, no amounts of cash matter. MCA couldn't use it to save himself, nor could he take it with him. Yet, the music, the movies – they will remain. They will continue making impact on other people's lives. And for that we thank you, Adam. Rest in peace – you've earned it.
The Frustrated CFO 