The Beastie Boys Story documentary was released via Apple TV + last week, bringing the tale of “three bad brothers you know so well” into homes all over the world. For roughly two hours, the surviving members of the New York City trio — Michael “Mike D” Diamond and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz — looked back on the path that took them to legendary status with the assistance of director Spike Jonze.
As they’re discussing their Def Jam Recordings days, Mike D and Ad-Rock mentioned their fallout with Def Jam co-founders Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons. For even the most ardent Beastie fans, it was somewhat surprising to learn things had gone so horribly wrong.
Following the massive success of their 1986 rap debut Licensed To Ill and subsequent tour, the Beasties said Simmons pressured them to get back on the road with a Budweiser in hand and a whole bunch of other “clown shit.” With that, Yauch told Simmons, “I quit!”
“During all this madness, we stopped being paid royalties,” Ad-Rock explains in the film. “We made money for playing shows — big shows like Madison Square Garden shows but zero dollars for the multiplatinum, smash hit Licensed To Ill.”
Apple TV +
Shortly after the documentary aired, Simmons addressed the fallout and expressed regret about how he handled the situation.
“Watching the Beastie Boys documentary ….Emotional roller coaster, beautiful story mirroring the coming of age for many in hip hop, plus a great story of the 3 Mens personal evolution and spiritual growth …They were my dear friends And we (mostly them) created some inspiring, fun moments I cant tell you in words how much i really Loved the documentary…. The best parts for me are amongst my greatest memories in my entire life.
“For years i wished i had been more sensitive smarter and compassionate in my dealings with them and SONY .. (who advised us to hold their next royalties until they gave in or at least began working on the new album / a big mistake on our part ) and i wished i was better with all of our partners.”
Simmons goes on to admit youthfulness played a role in how things ended.
“i just wasn’t mature, sensitive or human enough to do better. But now i see these 2 incredibly talented beautiful people who are music legends and again i get to morn the loss of the great Adam (MCA) … #ripadamyauch ( ‘I would rather be a hypocrite then the same person forever’ Adam Yauch ),” he added. “This is a beautiful documentary about the shared experiences of 3 iconic artists and amazing people SEE THIS and celebrate these hip hop, rock and multitalented pioneers’ journey.”
Beastie Boys Never Planned On Making It — But It Was 'Fucking Cool' When They Did
Beastie Boys ultimately ended up on Capitol Records for 1989’s Paul’s Boutique, which was initially a commercial failure but has since become a certified Hip Hop classic. Mike D and Ad-Rock talked about their reinvention — helmed by the late MCA — during a recent interview with HipHopDX.
Russell Simmons was just doing what every record label executive does and has done. Puff does the same thing. It is called greed and immoral business practices. The only reason he is saying something now is because of his impending legal issues. He got paid from his actions then at there expense. That is why. The Beasties were smart enough to keep it moving.
Damn!! They put Suge away and let this piece of shit walk around. Worlds changing for the worst
I understand with light being shed on some of Russell’s past behavior you feeling some type of way. What we need to stop doing is judging people from a retrospective standpoint and judge them on if they have learned and evolved from this. Now if people are the same POS’s they use to be then let them have it.
No buddy, we will let judges judge people, and express our opinion based on the information put forth In accordance with the first amendment. What dude is doing NOW is denying several accusers of sexual assault’s a ligations. Also, dude FOR SURE knew about all of Afrika Bambataa’s little kid rubbing and did/said nothing. Like a lot of old school NYC heads. That’s like saying with Weinstein or Cosby “let’s not judge and focus on the good.” We get it, Biden has already lost so now the narrative with women accuser is “fair day in court” etc.
Great doc but not one mention of DJ Hurricane or Mixmaster Mike, kind of lame.
SO TRUE!!!
“For even the most ardent Beastie fans, it was somewhat surprising to learn things had gone so horribly wrong.”
The ardent Beastie fans have known this for 30+ years my man.
The Great Russell Simmons!! You look good and healthy.I always did love the way you dress ,Just God Bless you walking legend
While they were on tour he probably gave them a RUSH card to pay for expenses but it charged a dollar for every transaction and that started to add up quick the called customer support but no one was there to listen