Mike D

Mike D is an American rapper and producer who co-founded the Beastie Boys. Born in Manhattan, he formed the Young Aborigines in 1979, which evolved into the Beastie Boys after Adam Yauch joined on bass and Adam Horovitz took over guitar; their sound shifted from punk to hip-hop. Licensed to Ill, the 1986 Def Jam debut, became a major multi-platinum hit and was later certified diamond, while (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!) reached number 7. The group released seven further studio albums before disbanding in 2012. Diamond founded the band's label Grand Royal Records and signed Luscious Jackson, and he later produced records for acts such as Portugal. The Man and Soft Play. In 2026 he began issuing solo singles and announced an album titled Thank You with his band Mike D 5D. He also presents The Echo Chamber, an Apple Music radio show.