"Um...did you get a copy of the bio or anything like that?," says Yauch, making a last minute attempt to evade our scheduled conference call. Given his involvement in the nonprofit Milarepa Fund--an organization dedicated to the promotion of universal compassion and nonviolence that backs the Tibetan Freedom Concerts--we expected a spiritual and politically charged discussion with the rapper about the international Beastie Boys phenomenon.
Amazon.com: You must be proud of Hello Nasty. It's a great album.
Adam Yauch: Oh, cool. I'm glad you like it.
Amazon.com: To what do you attribute the Beastie Boys' crossover appeal?
Yauch: I don't know. That's a good question.
Amazon.com: Do you have any personal theories?
Yauch: The music's good.
Amazon.com: With all your political involvement, do you ever worry that people are going to look at you as the serious one in the group?
Yauch: I don't really give a fuck.
Amazon.com: Are you the serious one?
Yauch: Not necessarily, but if I feel strongly enough on certain issues, I'll say it.
Amazon.com: You're not saying much today.
Yauch: I know.
Amazon.com: In fact, you're not really saying anything.
Yauch: Listen to the interview tape. I'm sure there are some good quotes in there.
