The pioneering rapper, whose real name is Adam Yauch, instructed in his will that his image, music and any art he created could not be used for advertising, saving himself from the fate of other deceased musicians whose faces and songs have become corporate shills.
Yauch’s will, filed Tuesday in Manhattan Surrogate Court, says the Brooklyn native’s entire fortune of $6.4 million should be placed in a trust for his wife, Dechen Yauch, and their 13-year-old daughter. It also says Dechen has the right to sell and manage his artistic property.
Beastie Boys aren’t gonna let the ads … drop. Yauch died of salivary cancer back in May, and it was things like this which earned him universal respect among musicians and other artists. (ht Pitchfork)
If only it were that easy. Bravo to The Onion for helping us laugh through our pain.
In 2011 it had been reported that Yauch had beaten the disease, but reports were sadly exaggerated. On the band’s website he wrote:
“Hello My Friends While I’m grateful for all the positive energy people are sending my way, reports of my being totally cancer free are exaggerated. I’m continuing treatment, staying optimistic and hoping to be cancer free in the near future.”
Most recently, it appeared Yauch’s health had taken a turn for the worst when it was announced that he was unable to attend the Beastie Boys’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland on March 14.
Adam Yauch Dead: Beastie Boys’ MCA Dies After Battling Cancer
Some recent background on Yauch.
Here’s the 2009 video in which Adam Yauch told his fans that he had cancer — seems so long ago now. (ht @AntDeRosa)
Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys has passed. GlobalGrind is confirming this very sad news. One of our heroes, Adam Yauch aka MCA of the Beastie Boys has passed this morning after a long bout with cancer. Our prayers go out to the family of Adam and the entire Beastie Boys crew.
Global Grind is owned by Russell Simmons, who played a key role in starting the Beastie Boys’ career. TMZ is now also reporting the news.
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