Adam Nathaniel Yauch born August 5, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York. Also known as MCA, and Nathaniel Hornblower. A member of the Beastie Boys since their earliest days (the Beasties first gig was a Yauch's 15th birthday party), Yauch was sometimes known as the wildest of the 3 boys. Like all 3 Beastie Boys he plays an assortment of instruments, but most often plays bass. During the period of time between 1992 and 1995, Yauch became an avid snowboarder. During a snowboarding trip to Nepal Yauch met Tibetan refugees, escaping into exile. This spawned Yauch's interest in Tibet, for which he is currently best known. Since first learning of the Tibetan conflict, Yauch has been instrumental in starting the Milarepa Fund, and putting on the annual Tibetan Freedom Concerts. Yauch married Dechen Wangdu on May 31 1998. They met at a speech by the Dalai Lama. Their daughter, Tenzin, was born September 31, 1998.
Editor's note: Adam Yauch died May 4, 2012.