Originally a punk rock band formed by Yauch and Michael Diamond, later known as Mike D, in 1979, Adam Horowitz (Ad-Rock) joined the group in 1983 to form the famed trio. While they experimented with hip hop, they fully embraced the still nascent rap genre after hooking up with producer Rick Rubin who had recently co-founded Def Jam Recordings with Russell Simmons.

They released their first masterwork Licensed to Ill in 1986, containing the hits “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!)” and “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.” Licensed to Ill became the best-selling rap album of the 1980s and was the first rap album to top the Billboard charts.

The Beastie Boys continued their string of successes with 1989’s Paul’s Boutique – generally considered the group’s greatest achievement – followed by 1992’s Check Yo Head and 1994’s Ill Communication, featuring the classic song and video, “Sabotage.”

The group continued making music throughout the 90s and 00s but had to postpone their last album, Hot Sauce Committee as well as the subsequent tour following the announcement of Yauch’s cancer. That album finally saw the light of day in April 2011.

Just last month, The Beastie Boys were among the inductees into the 2012 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

As we mourn the loss of yet another brilliant performer, it’s important to remember what made him so brilliant to begin with. Below, one of the Beastie Boys’ best, the video for “Sabotage,” directed by Spike Jonze:

Yauch is survived by his wife and daughter.  R.I.P. MCA. [TMZ]

Since being introduced by Dustin Hoffman on the set of Kramer vs. Kramer — for which both Hoffman and Streep won their first Oscars – Lacombe and Streep have been good friends. And it is because of this relationship that Meryl feels so comfortable and at ease with Brigitte behind the lens.

“Out of all the actors I know she is the most reluctant to be photographed,” Lacombe tells NOWNESS. “I think because it’s me and she trusts me, she sees the photography now as an extension of our friendship…She’s the only actress I know who really has no genuine interest or pleasure in looking at herself. She’s interested in the work she’s doing, and after that she just wants to live her life, unobserved.”

Check out NOWNESS for more images and the rest of the interview with Brigitte Lacombe.

Meryl giving face in 1990

Meryl with Spike Jonze on the set of Adaptation, 2001

Meryl kee-keeing with Amy Adams on the set of Doubt, 2008

Meryl on the set of 1984's Falling in Love

Dustin vs. Meryl in Kramer vs. Kramer, 1979

Chillaxin' on the set of Mamma Mia, 2008

Opening Ceremony has been doing limited edition Where The Wild Things are products for awhile now, but they may just have saved the best for last. I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I’m eager to do so. This special edition of the novel was made just for Opening Ceremony, and could definitely make the perfect Christmas/holiday gift.

LINK LOVE: Hypebeast

In the current issue of Dazed Digital, on newsstands on Nov 12, director Spike Jonze exclusively interviews his friend, the 81-year-old author Maurice Sendak.

“The line features a full range of faux fur pieces for both men and women, subtly evoking Max’s crew of wild friends including Carol, Judith, K.W., Douglas, and Bull. The line even includes Max’s iconic one-piece playsuit – complete with furry-eared hood and raccoon tail. To top it off, Pamela Love has also contributed to the project, creating silver and brass men’s and women’s jewelry inspired by the film’s iconography.”

LINK LOVE

Check out the trailer for Where the Wild Things Are, the film adaptation of the Maurice Sendak 1963 children’s book of the same name. The film is directed by Spike Jonze, the boyfriend of Michelle Williams.

VIA: Just Jared

Here’s are four of our least favorites…