So… Monks break dancing to the Beastie Boys? Yes, monks breakdancing to the Beastie Boys. In New York City.
THIS HAPPENED, PEOPLE. You don’t need any more information.
OK FINE. Saturday was the third annual MCA Day, a Brooklyn-based event to honor Adam “MCA” Yauch. The legendary Beastie Boys rapper passed away on May 4, 2012 after a long battle with cancer.
The four monks converged on Union Square in Manhattan, the site of the first MCA Day, to celebrate Yauch's life and music the best way possible: breakdancing to his songs.
It’s difficult to imagine a more fitting (and more awesome) tribute. Yauch himself was a Buddhist who worked tirelessly to promote the struggle for Tibetan independence. The monks’ presence also underscores the global reach of hip hop — and hip hop culture — which the Beastie Boys helped pioneer.
The group released its first album, License to Ill, in 1986 and produced seven platinum albums in the 25 years since. It’s a safe assumption that these monks have all of those albums. Probably on cassette tape.
In the meantime: MONKS BREAKDANCING to “Ch-Check It Out,” off the 2004 album To the 5 Boroughs.
MCA-DAY "Buddhist Monks" from KNARF® New York on Vimeo.
There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 319 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!