Ad-Rock

HIDDEN ERROR: Usage of "spouse" is not recognized

Adam Keefe Horovitz (born October 31, 1966), better known as Ad-Rock or King Ad-Rock, is an American musician, guitarist, rapper, producer, and actor. He is best known as a member of the hip hop group the Beastie Boys. He is married to musician and feminist activist Kathleen Hanna.

Early life

Horovitz was born and raised on Park Avenue, Manhattan, New York, the son of Doris (née Keefe) and playwright Israel Horovitz. He has denied internet listings that he was born in South Orange, New Jersey. His sister is film producer Rachael Horovitz. His father is Jewish, and his mother, who was of Irish descent, was Roman Catholic.

Career

Horovitz began his music career with a stint in the punk rock band the Young and the Useless, who would often perform with the Beastie Boys. In 1982, Beastie Boys guitarist John Berry quit and Horovitz replaced him. He was only 16 at the time. After Horovitz joined the band, the Beastie Boys changed their sound, evolving from a hardcore punk band to a more hip-hop oriented group. The band was signed to Def Jam, and released their debut album Licensed to Ill in 1986. The album was a huge commercial success, and spawned six hit singles. Seven further albums followed, and by 2010 the Beastie Boys had sold 22 million records in the United States alone, and 40 million worldwide. In 2012, the Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.