Beastie Boys: New Album And (Hopefully) Cancer Free

By Stephanie McKinny

Great news – Beastie Boy Adam Yauch is now (almost) cancer-free. Didn’t know he had it? Well he did, and last week fellow band mate Mike D spoke out about the situation, saying:

“[It's] a good thing. We’re really happy about it.”

And although it’s uplifting news, MCA took to the band’s Website himself to clarify the all-better reports, posting:

“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.”

Damn. Well, at least the band believes he’s doing well enough to finally release their new album, Hot Sauce Committee Part 2. They were set to put out Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 back in the summer of 2009, but decided to put it on hold since their emcee was diagnosed with cancer in his parotid gland that July. The record seems to be exactly the same, other than the last part of its name, probing Mike D to explain:

“I know it’s weird and confusing, but at least we can say unequivocally that Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 2 is coming out on time, which is more than I can say about Part 1, and really is all that matters in the end.”

Cool. Whatever, just as long as it still sounds classic and Adam gets better, right? He’s been taking the natural route, taking Tibetan medicine and staying on an all vegan and organic diet and even consulting with the Dalai Lama. Whatever works, man. Best of luck and we look forward to the music.