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Key Information

Adam Keefe Horovitz (born October 31, 1966),[1][2] popularly known as Ad-Rock, is an American rapper, guitarist, and actor. He was a member of the hip-hop group Beastie Boys. While Beastie Boys were active, Horovitz performed with a side project, BS 2000. Since the group disbanded in 2012 following the death of Adam Yauch, Horovitz has participated in several Beastie Boys-related projects, worked as a remixer, producer, and guest musician for other artists, and acted in a number of films.

Early life and education

[edit]

Horovitz was born on October 31, 1966, and raised on Park Avenue, Manhattan, New York City, the son of Doris (née Keefe) and playwright Israel Horovitz.[3] His sister is film producer Rachael Horovitz. His father was Jewish, whereas his mother, who was of Irish descent, was Catholic.[4][5] He had a secular upbringing.[6]

Career

[edit]
Ad-Rock in 2007
Horovitz with Beastie Boys in Barcelona, Spain on September 5, 2007.

Horovitz began his music career with a stint in the punk rock band The Young and the Useless, who often performed with Beastie Boys. In 1982, Beastie Boys guitarist John Berry quit and Horovitz replaced him. He was only 16 at the time.[7] After Horovitz joined the band, Beastie Boys changed their sound, evolving from a hardcore punk band to a more of a hip-hop group. The band was signed to Def Jam, and released its debut album, Licensed to Ill, in 1986. The album was a huge commercial success and spawned six singles, of which one, "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)", reached the top 20 of the US Hot 100 (US #7). The album was certified diamond several years later. Several albums followed, with some attaining platinum or multi-platinum status, and by 2010, Beastie Boys had sold 40 million albums worldwide, including 22 in the U.S. In 2012, Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In addition to his work with Beastie Boys, Horovitz remixes numerous tracks for other artists under the alias 41 Small Stars.[8] He plays bass in The Tender Moments, the backing band of New York-based cabaret performer Bridget Everett.[9]

Horovitz has acted in several motion pictures and television shows. His roles include Tim "Chino" Doolan in Lost Angels (1989), Sam in Roadside Prophets (1992), Repulski in Godspeed (2007), Fletcher in While We're Young (2014), and Nick in Golden Exits (2017).

In 2020, he was featured in the documentary Have a Good Trip.[10]

Personal life

[edit]

In the late 1980s, Horovitz was in a relationship with American actress Molly Ringwald. They met on the set of The Pick-up Artist.[11][12]

Horovitz was married to actress Ione Skye from 1992 to 1999. She is mentioned in the song "Get It Together". They separated in 1995, got back together in 1996, and separated again that year. They divorced in 2000.

After his separation in 1996, he entered into a relationship with riot grrrl artist Kathleen Hanna; they married in 2006.[13] Horovitz appeared prominently in The Punk Singer, a 2013 documentary film about Hanna's life and career, and even shot some scenes.[14] Horovitz and Hanna adopted a son, Julius Hanna Horovitz, in 2013.

Horovitz began to wear a medical alert bracelet after having a tonic–clonic seizure in 2003.[15]

Horovitz has been close friends with actress Nadia Dajani since childhood; the two attended elementary school together.[16]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Beastie Boys discography

with Beastie Boys

with BS 2000

Filmography

[edit]
Film and Television credits
Year Title Role Notes
1982 Beastie himself Documentary Film
1985 Krush Groove himself Film
1985 The Equalizer Ronald Baines Episode: "Mama's Boy"
1988 Tougher Than Leather himself Film
1989 Lost Angels Tim "Chino" Doolan Film
1991 A Kiss Before Dying Jay Faraday Film
1992 Roadside Prophets Sam Film
2007 Godspeed Repulski Short Film
2013 The Punk Singer himself Documentary Film
2014 While We're Young Fletcher Film
2015 808 himself Documentary Film
2017 Golden Exits Nick Film
2018 Bad Reputation himself Documentary Film
2020 Beastie Boys Story himself Documentary Film

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Ad-Rock

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Adam Horovitz, professionally known as Ad-Rock or King Ad-Rock, is an American rapper, guitarist, producer, and actor best known as a founding member of the influential hip hop group . Born on October 31, 1966, in , he was raised in by his mother, artist Doris Keefe, after his father, playwright , left the family in 1969. As a teenager in the punk scene of New York, Horovitz played guitar in the band Young and the Useless before joining the in 1982 at age 16, replacing original guitarist John Berry and helping shift the group from to hip hop. Horovitz's contributions to the spanned over three decades, during which the trio—alongside Michael "Mike D" Diamond and Adam "MCA" Yauch—pioneered a fusion of , , and punk that broke racial and barriers in music. He rapped, played guitar, and co-produced eight studio albums with the group, including their breakthrough debut (1986), which became the first rap album to reach number one on the and was later certified diamond for 10 million U.S. sales. Key releases followed, such as the innovative sample-heavy Paul's Boutique (1989), the multi-platinum (1992), (1994), the Grammy-winning (1998) for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group ("Intergalactic"), (2004), the instrumental (2007), and their final album (2011). The sold over 20 million albums in the U.S., earned three , and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing their legacy as hip hop trailblazers. Following Yauch's death from cancer in 2012, Horovitz retired the Beastie Boys name but continued creative pursuits, including acting in films like Lost Angels (1989) and Noah Baumbach's While We're Young (2015), scoring soundtracks such as the 2014 documentary No No: A Dockumentary, and playing bass in the band Bridget Everett and the Tender Moments. He co-authored the bestselling memoir Beastie Boys Book (2018) with Diamond, which became a New York Times bestseller, and collaborated on the Spike Jonze-directed stage show and Apple TV+ documentary Beastie Boys Story (2020), both recounting the band's history. In his personal life, Horovitz was previously married to actress Ione Skye and has been married to musician Kathleen Hanna since 2006; the couple has a son, co-wrote screenplays, including a pilot sold to Comedy Central, and he splits time between New York and California.

Early life

Family background

Adam Keefe Horovitz, known professionally as Ad-Rock, was born on October 31, 1966, in , . His father, , was a renowned , director, and , while his mother, Doris Keefe, was an and painter. Horovitz's father was Jewish, and his mother was of Irish Catholic descent, though he was raised in a secular household. Horovitz has two older siblings: a brother, Matthew Horovitz, who is an actor, and a sister, , a . His parents divorced when he was three years old, after which he was primarily raised by his mother in . From an early age, Horovitz was exposed to through his father's extensive involvement in theater and his mother's connections in the New York art scene, which fostered a creative environment in his childhood home.

Education and early influences

Adam Horovitz, known professionally as Ad-Rock, attended City-As-School, a progressive high school in that emphasized through work-study programs, allowing students flexibility to pursue interests outside traditional classrooms. This environment suited his burgeoning involvement in New York's underground music scene during his teenage years, where he often skipped classes to attend punk shows and clubs. Earlier, he had attended the , a private institution in , but found himself frequently in detention for late nights at after-hours venues like . After high school, Horovitz briefly enrolled at but dropped out after just two hours, opting instead to fully immerse himself in the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Raised in an artistic household—his father, , was a renowned , and his mother, Doris Keefe, was a visual artist—Horovitz was exposed from a young age to creative expression, which complemented the raw energy of and New York. This backdrop fostered his early passion for music and performance, drawing him into the city's diverse scenes without formal higher education. As a teenager, Horovitz dove into the New York hardcore punk scene, a high-octane subculture thriving in venues like and characterized by its aggressive, DIY ethos. He was particularly influenced by pioneering punk bands such as , whose blistering fusion of hardcore, , and metal inspired a generation of young musicians in the city. His first musical forays involved learning guitar and fronting high school punk bands, including The Young and the Useless, where he channeled the fast-paced, rebellious sound of the era alongside peers at local gigs. Simultaneously, the burgeoning hip-hop culture of 1980s New York—fueled by block parties, graffiti, and breakdancing in neighborhoods like the Bronx and Manhattan—began shaping Horovitz's worldview, blending street-level innovation with the punk attitude he already embraced. This exposure to early rap acts and the city's multicultural soundscape, from dub to salsa blasting from boomboxes, sparked his interest in rhythmic experimentation and performance, setting the stage for his evolution as an artist.

Musical career

With the Beastie Boys

Adam Horovitz, known professionally as Ad-Rock, joined the in 1983 as the band's guitarist, replacing founding member John Berry, at the age of 16; the group was initially a outfit influenced by the New York scene. In 1983, the transitioned to hip-hop under the production guidance of , releasing their debut single "," a prank-call novelty track that blended rock guitar riffs with scratching and became an underground hit in New York clubs. Ad-Rock contributed as a rapper, , and songwriter throughout the ' career, helping shape their eclectic sound that fused hip-hop with rock, , and punk elements. Their debut album, (1986), marked their breakthrough, becoming the first rap album to top the and achieving diamond certification for 10 million units sold in the U.S. Subsequent releases included the sample-heavy Paul's Boutique (1989), the -infused Check Your Head (1992), the punk-rap hybrid (1994), the playful (1998), the introspective (2004), the all-instrumental (2007), and their final studio album, (2011). Specific contributions from Ad-Rock include the distorted guitar riff and lead vocals on "Sabotage" from , as well as rhymes on tracks like that one, while his guitar work underpinned the live energy of songs such as "Intergalactic" from . The Beastie Boys' extensive touring, including the high-energy promotion, was marred by controversies, notably during their 1987 European tour where audience fights, beer-throwing incidents, and allegations of mocking disabled fans led to arrests—including Ad-Rock's in —and widespread media backlash in the UK. Over time, their music evolved from the frat-boy party rap of to more experimental and mature themes, incorporating social commentary, Buddhism-inspired introspection, and genre-blending innovation in later works like . The death of bandmate Adam Yauch (MCA) from cancer on May 4, 2012, at age 47 profoundly impacted the group, with surviving members Mike D and Ad-Rock stating they would not produce new Beastie Boys music or perform live without him, effectively ending the band's recording and touring era.

Solo projects and collaborations

Ad-Rock formed the side project BS 2000 in the mid-1990s alongside drummer Amery "AWOL" Smith, a longtime collaborator who had previously toured with the Beastie Boys as their drummer. The duo's music blended hip-hop, rock, and electronic elements through short, experimental instrumentals often driven by drum machines and samples. Their debut album, BS 2000, arrived in 1997 as a limited vinyl-only release on the Beastie Boys' Grand Royal Records label, showcasing frenetic beats and cryptic samples that appealed to breakbeat DJs. The project culminated with the 2001 full-length Simply Mortified, also on , which expanded on their lo-fi aesthetic with 19 tracks averaging under two minutes each, including contributions from vocalist Janay North on select songs. toured briefly in support, with Ad-Rock handling vocals, guitar, keyboards, and production duties, allowing him to explore punk-infused electronic sounds distinct from his work. Beyond , Ad-Rock contributed to production and remixing for other artists, notably co-producing the track "So Rock On" for Luscious Jackson's 2013 reunion album Magic Hour, infusing it with his signature playful rhythms. He also remixed songs for acts like and , drawing on his experience with signees to craft eclectic, genre-blending versions. Following the ' 2012 hiatus, he participated in post-group projects, such as co-creating and performing in the Spike Jonze-directed stage show and Apple TV+ documentary (2020), which recounts the band's history. In recent years, Ad-Rock has played bass in the band and the . In 2023, Ad-Rock delivered a reflective speech at the unveiling of Square in New York City's Lower East Side, honoring the group's origins while sharing personal anecdotes about his creative evolution and enduring connection to music-making. This event underscored his individual voice in preserving and extending the ' legacy through solo perspectives on artistry and community.

Acting and media

Film and television roles

Adam Horovitz, known professionally as Ad-Rock, transitioned from his music career with the into in the mid-1980s, leveraging his rising fame to secure early roles in television and film. His acting debut came in 1985 on the television series , where he portrayed Ronnie, a drug dealer entangled in a mother's desperate bid to save her son from a dangerous lifestyle, in the episode "." This small but pivotal role marked Horovitz's entry into scripted performance, showcasing his ability to embody troubled youth characters. In 1989, he took on his first lead film role as Tim "Chino" Doolan, a rebellious middle-class teenager grappling with family dysfunction and , in the drama , directed by and co-starring . Horovitz continued with supporting roles in independent films, including (1992), where he played Sam, a restless young hitchhiker joining a quirky road trip with musician Joe Mosely (), in Abbe Wool's cult comedy exploring themes of freedom and loss. He also provided voice work as the heads of Ad-Rock and MCA in the episode "" (1999), appearing as animated versions of himself and bandmate in a satirical sci-fi context. Later television appearances included a cameo as himself in the 30 Rock season 3 finale "Kidney Now!" (2009), joining other musicians in a benefit performance subplot. In film, Horovitz returned for a supporting part in Noah Baumbach's While We're Young (2014), portraying Fletcher, a pragmatic young father contrasting the midlife protagonists played by and . Earlier, he contributed to with a memorable comedic performance in the ' "" (1994), directed by , where he played the undercover cop Bobby "The Rookie" (credited as Vic Colfari), parodying television action tropes alongside his bandmates. These roles highlight Horovitz's selective forays into , often blending humor, rebellion, and personal authenticity drawn from his musical background.

Documentaries and public appearances

Ad-Rock, whose real name is Adam Horovitz, featured prominently in the 2020 documentary , directed by , where he and bandmate shared personal anecdotes about the formation and evolution of the over four decades. The film, presented in a live documentary style, drew from their 2018 and included archival footage to illustrate their journey from punk roots to hip-hop icons. In 2020, Horovitz appeared in the Netflix documentary Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics, directed by Donick Cary, contributing to discussions on the cultural and personal impacts of hallucinogenic substances alongside celebrities like A$AP Rocky and . His segment highlighted comedic and reflective stories from his experiences, tying into broader explorations of psychedelics' role in music and society. Horovitz participated in public speeches, notably the September 9, 2023, unveiling of Beastie Boys Square at the intersection of and streets in New York City's , alongside . The event honored the band's origins in the neighborhood, featuring speeches that reminisced about their early performances and community ties, with a guest DJ set to celebrate their legacy. In a December 2024 episode of the Questlove Supreme , Horovitz discussed his early career with the , reflecting on their transition from a punk band to hip-hop pioneers and the influences that shaped their authentic sound. The interview delved into passion-fueled creative processes and personal growth, providing insights into the band's formative years.

Activism and philanthropy

Tibetan freedom efforts

Ad-Rock supported the Milarepa Fund, founded by his Beastie Boys bandmate Adam Yauch in 1994 to raise awareness and funds for Tibetan independence and human rights initiatives. The nonprofit, named after the 11th-century Tibetan poet-saint Jetsun Milarepa, focused on supporting Tibetan cultural preservation and advocacy against Chinese occupation. Through the Milarepa Fund, Ad-Rock and Yauch organized the Tibetan Freedom Concerts from 1996 to 1999, a series of large-scale music festivals aimed at amplifying global attention to the Tibetan cause. The inaugural event in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park in June 1996 drew 100,000 attendees and featured performers including the Beastie Boys, Smashing Pumpkins, Björk, Rage Against the Machine, and Sonic Youth. Subsequent concerts in New York (1997), Washington, D.C. (1998), and Chicago (1999) built on this momentum, with the series collectively raising over $2.5 million for Tibetan exile organizations and related social justice efforts. Ad-Rock contributed to the production of the live album Tibetan Freedom Concert in 1997, capturing performances from the New York event to further promote the cause and generate proceeds. The double-disc release, featuring tracks from artists like the Beastie Boys, U2, and De La Soul, was complemented by promotional compilations such as Selections from the Tibetan Freedom Concert, which helped sustain fundraising and awareness. Following Yauch's death in 2012, Beastie Boys royalties have continued to support Tibetan freedom efforts, with Ad-Rock endorsing the legacy through public reflections. In a 2022 , he reflected on the concerts' enduring impact, reaffirming the band's commitment to Tibetan advocacy via the Fund's legacy.

Other social causes

Ad-Rock, whose real name is Adam Horovitz, has demonstrated support for LGBTQ+ rights through public apologies for earlier homophobic content in his music and direct financial aid to transgender individuals. In 1999, he issued a formal apology to the gay and lesbian community for derogatory lyrics on the Beastie Boys' debut album Licensed to Ill, acknowledging the harm caused and committing to more responsible expression. Additionally, the Beastie Boys quietly funded the gender-affirming surgery of their longtime transgender colleague and friend, rock musician Donna Lee Parsons, in the 1980s, providing crucial support during a time when such care was scarce and stigmatized. Horovitz has also been involved in initiatives promoting girls' education in West Africa as part of his broader philanthropic efforts. In collaboration with his wife, , he participated in the Tees 4 Togo project launched in 2018 under the Peace Sisters nonprofit, which sells artist-designed t-shirts to fund school tuition for underprivileged girls in Dapaong, Togo, where economic barriers often prevent . Proceeds from each $40 shirt cover one year of schooling for a girl, addressing gender disparities in access to learning. This involvement was highlighted in a 2022 interview with , where Horovitz and Hanna discussed the project's impact on empowering young women through education. In 2024, Horovitz joined Hanna in announcing the Beastie Revolution: MCA Day UK event in London, held to honor the late Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch on his birthday. The June 1 gathering at Signature Brew featured performances by various artists, with all proceeds benefiting Peace Sisters—continuing support for Togolese girls' education—and the Everyone On Boards charity, which promotes skateboarding programs for underserved youth worldwide. Horovitz's activism extends to environmental and anti-war causes, often through the Beastie Boys' collective efforts, including contributions to benefit albums and concerts. The group supported anti-war campaigns, such as performances at events protesting violence and conflict, reflecting a shift from their early provocative image to advocacy for peace. Environmentally, they incorporated sustainable practices into tours, like reducing waste and energy use, as part of broader industry pushes for greener operations. These stances built on the Milarepa Fund's model of using music for social good.

Personal life

Relationships and family

Adam Horovitz, known professionally as Ad-Rock, was first married to actress from 1992 until their in 2000. The couple met in her late teens through overlapping circles in the entertainment industry and shared a relationship marked by mutual affection early on, though they separated in 1995 before briefly reconciling the following year. Their split was amicable, with the pair announcing they had been separated for some time prior to finalizing the . In 2006, Horovitz married , the influential musician and activist best known as the frontwoman of and . The couple's relationship, which began in the mid-1990s after meeting at music festivals, has been characterized by deep partnership and shared values. Their marriage has bolstered their collaborative efforts in social activism, particularly in feminist and political causes. Horovitz and Hanna adopted their son, Julius, in 2013. The family resides in , where they prioritize a low-profile , shielding their personal life from media attention and focusing on nurturing family bonds and co-parenting in a supportive environment.

Health and lifestyle

In 2003, Adam Horovitz, known professionally as Ad-Rock, experienced a that led to his with . Following the incident, he began wearing a medical alert bracelet to manage potential risks associated with the condition. Horovitz has since managed his long-term through ongoing awareness and precautions, allowing him to continue his creative pursuits without major public interruptions, though the experience prompted a heightened focus on personal health. In the years following, particularly after turning 40, he shifted toward a healthier, more grounded lifestyle, emphasizing stability over high-risk activities. By 2015, at age 48, Horovitz revealed he had not skateboarded in a decade, describing it as "way too much work" amid physical changes like a bad back that made such pursuits less appealing. He also stepped away from clubbing and past excesses, such as ecstasy use, prioritizing his role as a stay-at-home father to his young son in New York. Horovitz has long maintained sobriety, a choice the Beastie Boys adopted early in their career after their initial forays into the 1980s New York party scene, where drugs and alcohol were prevalent in the punk and hip-hop circles they navigated. In a 2024 appearance on the Questlove Supreme podcast, he reflected on that era's chaotic energy—filled with nonstop experimentation and nightlife—as a stark contrast to his current life in his fifties, where joy comes from quieter, family-centered routines and creative consistency rather than hedonistic highs. This evolution underscores his commitment to sustainable well-being, informed by decades of sobriety and health awareness.

Legacy

Awards and recognition

As a founding member of the Beastie Boys, Ad-Rock (Adam Horovitz) shared in the group's numerous accolades, reflecting their pioneering role in hip-hop and alternative music. The Beastie Boys received two at the in 1999: Best Alternative Music Album for and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for the single "Intergalactic." These wins highlighted the commercial and artistic success of their 1998 album, which debuted at number one on the 200. In 2008, the group earned another Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album with , recognizing their innovative all-instrumental release that topped the Independent Albums chart. The were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 as part of the performers category, with and accepting on behalf of the group during the in , ; MCA () was unable to attend due to illness. At the , the received the Video Vanguard Award in 1998 for their lifetime contributions to , making them the second hip-hop act to earn this honor after . The following year, they won Best Hip-Hop Video for "Intergalactic" at the 1999 VMAs. Additionally, the group was honored at the Hip Hop Honors in , celebrating their influence on the genre alongside pioneers like and .

Cultural impact

Ad-Rock, as a core member of the , played a pivotal role in bridging punk, hip-hop, and , fusing hardcore influences from bands like and with rap elements to create genre-bending music that expanded hip-hop's mainstream appeal. This innovative approach, evident in albums like , helped pioneer multi-genre experimentation and inspired artists across styles, including , who has repeatedly cited the Beastie Boys as a major influence on his energetic, irreverent rap delivery and video aesthetics. Ad-Rock's iconic style further amplified the Beastie Boys' cultural footprint, popularizing baggy clothing, oversized shirts, and casual accessories like trucker hats and lumberjack flannels that defined 1990s skater and streetwear fashion. His contributions to the group's humorous rap style—marked by witty, playful lyrics and satirical attitudes—also shaped youth culture, promoting a lighthearted rebellion that contrasted with hip-hop's often serious tones and influenced the irreverent attitudes of 1990s alternative scenes. Posthumous tributes to the , in which Ad-Rock has actively participated, underscore their enduring legacy, including the 2018 release of Beastie Boys Book, a memoir co-authored by Ad-Rock and that serves as a vivid tribute to their friendship, music, and late bandmate . In 2023, honored the group by naming the of Ludlow and Rivington "Beastie Boys Square," a site tied to their album , with Ad-Rock joining fans and officials for the unveiling to celebrate their impact on the city's cultural fabric.

Works

Discography

Ad-Rock, as a founding member of the , contributed to the group's extensive catalog of , singles, and compilations throughout their career from 1981 to 2012. His solo and collaborative work includes side projects such as DFL and , as well as contributions to and the Tender Moments, with releases continuing into the 2020s.

With the Beastie Boys

Studio albums

YearTitle
1986
1989
1992
1994
1998
2004
2007
2011

Selected singles

Compilations and soundtracks

With DFL

  • My Crazy Life (1994, album)

With

  • BS 2000 (1997, album)
  • Simply Mortified (2000, album)

With Bridget Everett and the Tender Moments

  • Pound It (2013, album)
  • "Thanking You" (2023, single)

Filmography

Ad-Rock, whose real name is Adam Horovitz, has pursued an acting career alongside his music endeavors, appearing in a variety of , shows, documentaries, and music videos. His roles often blend his persona as a member with fictional characters, showcasing a range of dramatic and comedic performances. He has also composed music for .

Film Roles

Horovitz made his screen debut in the hip-hop film (1985), playing a version of himself as part of the ' early group appearance. He followed with a supporting role as Tim "Chino" Doolan, a troubled teen, in the drama (1989), directed by . In A Kiss Before Dying (1991), he portrayed Jay Faraday, the twin brother of the protagonist, in this thriller adaptation of Ira Levin's novel. His role as Sam, a free-spirited musician, in the cult road movie Roadside Prophets (1992) highlighted his comedic timing alongside John Doe and David Anthony Marshall. Horovitz appeared as the Young Man in the independent drama Cityscrapes: Los Angeles (1994), a vignette-style film exploring urban life. In the mockumentary concert film Awesome; I F... Shot That! (2006), he performed as himself, capturing a live Beastie Boys show filmed by audience members. Later roles include Fletcher, a record executive, in Noah Baumbach's comedy While We're Young (2015), where he shared scenes with Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts. In Alex Ross Perry's ensemble drama Golden Exits (2017), Horovitz played Nick, a sound engineer navigating personal relationships in Brooklyn. He also featured in the short film Temporary Color (2016) in an acting capacity.

Television Appearances

Horovitz provided voice work for the animated series , voicing his own head (as Ad-Rock) and MCA's head in the episode "Hell Is Other Robots" (1999), a nod to the ' futuristic cameos. He made a brief cameo in the episode "Kidney Now!" (2009), appearing alongside in a fictional scene. In (2014), Horovitz danced as a background performer in the sketch "Slut-Shaming," supporting cabaret singer Bridget Everett's musical number. The , including Horovitz, served as musical guests on in 1994 (hosted by ) and 1998 (hosted by ), performing tracks like "" and "Intergalactic."

Documentaries and Non-Fiction

Horovitz appeared as himself in Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of (2011), contributing insights to the hip-hop group's story. He featured in the performance documentary Contemporary Color (2016), directed by Kahlil Joseph and , showcasing color guard routines with musical acts. In the Spike Jonze-directed (2020), Horovitz shared personal anecdotes about the band's history and the loss of . He also contributed to Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics (2020), a documentary exploring hallucinogens through celebrity interviews, recounting his own experiences. Horovitz appeared as himself in Bad Reputation (2018), a documentary about .

Composer credits

  • No No: A Dockumentary (2014, composer for soundtrack)

Music Videos and Other Visual Media

Horovitz starred in the Beastie Boys' iconic "Sabotage" music video (1994, released 1997 in some compilations), adopting a guerrilla-style disguise as part of the group's parody of 1970s cop shows. He appeared across multiple entries in Beastie Boys Video Anthology (2000), a DVD collection of the band's visuals. His voice work extends to commercials, though specific animated roles beyond remain limited in public credits.

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  35. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/roadside_prophets/cast-and-crew
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0149460/characters/nm0395259/
  37. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/30-rock/s03/e22/cast-and-crew
  38. https://www.kerrang.com/a-deep-dive-into-beastie-boys-sabotage-video
  39. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11615290/
  40. https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/beastie-boys-story/umc.cmc.6d0mrskjsusw2jd2d228p88c2
  41. https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-asap-rocky-kathleen-hanna-ad-rock-more-in-trailer-for-new-netflix-documentary-on-psychedelics/
  42. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12133722/
  43. https://pitchfork.com/news/mike-d-and-ad-rock-unveiling-beastie-boys-square-in-new-york-on-saturday/
  44. https://consequence.net/2023/09/ad-rock-mike-d-beastie-boys-square/
  45. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adam-adrock-horovitz/id1485250501?i=1000680781489
  46. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-questlove-supreme-53194211/episode/adam-adrock-horovitz-249443883/
  47. https://www.fastcompany.com/62376/tibetan-freedom-concerts/
  48. https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2012/05/04/152053809/how-adam-yauch-grew-into-his-voice
  49. https://pitchfork.com/features/article/the-anti-woodstock-99-an-oral-history-of-the-tibetan-freedom-concert/
  50. https://www.spin.com/2020/06/quarantine-classic-concerts-tibetan-freedom-concert/
  51. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/beasties-take-tibet-concert-global-101236/
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/1511148-Various-Selections-From-The-Tibetan-Freedom-Concert
  53. https://www.facebook.com/PeaceSisters.org/videos/dan-rather-interviews-kathleen-hanna-ad-rock-about-peace-sisters-tees-4-togo-msk/636906080950641/
  54. https://pagesix.com/2023/03/20/ione-skyes-memoir-will-spill-all-on-anthony-kiedis-ad-rock/
  55. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kathleen-hanna-rebel-girl-book-excerpt-1234983666/
  56. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/23/arts/music/kathleen-hanna-rebel-girl-memoir.html
  57. https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-ad-rock-beastie-boys-pasadena-20181018-story.html
  58. https://www.myepilepsyteam.com/resources/what-adam-ad-rock-horovitz-epilepsy-diagnosis-does-for-the-rest-of-us
  59. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5256665/
  60. https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/beastie-boys-classic-interview-769017
  61. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tdz46vFAv-U
  62. https://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-b/beastieboys_main.htm
  63. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/beastie-boys-blazed-billboard-chart-history-489107/
  64. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1561997/awards/
  65. https://rockhall.com/inductees/beastie-boys/
  66. https://www.billboard.com/lists/mtv-vmas-video-vanguard-award-winners-list/
  67. https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/vmas-greatest-videos-of-all-time-beyonce-8527877/
  68. http://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/7-great-vh1-hip-hop-honors-performances/
  69. https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/33824/1/beastie-boys-adam-yauch-new-york-anti-racism
  70. https://www.complex.com/music/a/edwin-ortiz/eminem-talks-beastie-boys-influence-berzerk-face
  71. https://www.complex.com/style/a/alex-gale/style-history-the-beastie-boys
  72. https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/fashion/article/beastie-boys-style
  73. https://beastieboys.com/discography
  74. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/monk-rock-u2-beastie-boys-more-at-tibetan-freedom-concert-99951/
  75. https://www.discogs.com/master/204317-BS-2000-BS-2000
  76. https://www.discogs.com/master/90795-BS-2000-Simply-Mortified
  77. https://music.apple.com/us/album/thanking-you-single/1691419843
  78. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/adam_horovitz_2
  79. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0395259/
  80. https://futurama.fandom.com/wiki/Ad-Rock
  81. https://www.reddit.com/r/BeastieBoys/comments/1fw1r7e/ad_rock_and_mike_d_cameo_in_30_rock/
  82. https://www.spin.com/2014/06/beastie-boys-ad-rock-bridget-everett-inside-amy-schumer-video/
  83. https://snl.fandom.com/wiki/Beastie_Boys
  84. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/beastie_boys_story
  85. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7525514/
  86. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3399112/soundtrack
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