Mike D, a pivotal figure in the music industry, co-founded the renowned Beastie Boys with Adam Yauch in 1981, subsequently welcoming Adam Horovitz to the group. Initially, the trio emerged as a punk band, but their true calling was soon discovered in the realm of hip-hop music. In 1985, they seized the opportunity to open for the iconic Madonna on her highly acclaimed "Like a Virgin" tour, thus catapulting their career to new heights.
As the Beastie Boys' popularity continued to soar, they went on to release numerous chart-topping albums and embark on extensive tours, solidifying their status as a household name. In 1993, Mike D, along with his fellow band members, took the bold step of establishing their own record label and magazine, aptly titled Grand Royal. This venture allowed them to maintain creative control and nurture emerging talent.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mike D has also collaborated with various esteemed artists, including Mike Watt and Kenny 'Tick' Salcido, as well as Miho Hatori and Yuka Honda of the critically acclaimed band Cibo Matto. These partnerships have not only showcased his versatility as a musician but also contributed to the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.