Review: D.M.C.’s visit enlivens Beastie Boys’ benefit

Spencer Patterson

Monday, April 28, 2003 | 8:21 a.m.

The Beastie Boys headlined the first "Jam Master Jay Benefit" Friday night, but an unannounced visit by one of the men famous for rapping over the slain DJ's turntable rhythms helped make the event a success.

Darryl McDaniels, aka D.M.C., took the stage partway through an opening set by DJ Hurricane and electrified a sold-out crowd of 1,800 at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay.

Although McDaniels' voice has been stripped of the sheer force that was once a trademark of Run-D.M.C.'s pioneering hip-hop sound, the 38-year-old's frenetic energy was more than enough to overshadow a fun but musically lackluster set by the Beasties.

Throughout his 30-minute performance, McDaniels paid tribute to his fallen friend and longtime collaborator. Jam Master Jay (born Jason Mizell) was murdered last October in Queens, N.Y., officially closing the book on the groundbreaking trio recently named rap music's No. 1 all-time act by VH1.

Wearing a black hat, a T-shirt featuring Mizell's image and -- what else? -- adidas sneakers, McDaniels announced, "This is dedicated to the memory of Jay," as he and Hurricane kicked off "Jam-Master Jay." The track, from Run-D.M.C.'s eponymous 1984 debut, was a staple of the trio's live shows.

It was the first of many classic Run-D.M.C. numbers performed by McDaniels. Bouncing as one, the audience delighted in hearing "Sucker M.C.'s," "It's Tricky" and "Walk This Way," the Aerosmith remake that propelled the group -- and rap music -- into the mainstream in the mid-1980s.

The special guest was briefly joined by an even more unexpected guest musician, Korn bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, who contributed vocals to one of McDaniel's post-Run-D.M.C. compositions.

Of course, though the crowd may have been aware that the concert was billed as a benefit for Jay's widow, Terry Mizell, the throngs lined up early to witness a rare appearance by the Beastie Boys, one of music's most elusive live acts.

The popular trio hadn't played Las Vegas since 1994, hasn't released an album since 1998 and hasn't toured since 1999. And despite the best efforts of DJ extraordinaire Mixmaster Mike to keep the music flowing smoothly, the three Beasties showed plenty of the rust that comes with playing so infrequently.

From the start, the group's vocal combination -- the most important element of its sound -- was off. While rappers Ad-Rock and Mike D projected clearly, third member MCA was nearly inaudible.

It might have been the result of equipment problems, poor mixing or, as some in the crowd speculated when they saw MCA make frequent returns to his water bottle, a sore throat. But whatever the cause, it prevented MCA's low, gravely voice from counter-balancing the high-pitched stylings of his two mates.

It was also nearly impossible to hear MCA -- a noted social activist -- speak between songs, such as when he attempted to speak about gun control in reference to Jay's murder.

Even after MCA's vocals were boosted slightly midway through the show, the all-too-brief set -- which clocked in at just more than an hour, encore included -- was plagued by other snafus.

"Wait, what song is this?" Ad-Rock asked at one point, halting Mixmaster Mike's attempt to start up the classic "Pass the Mic."

Both "Shake Your Rump" and the Beasties' newest track, war protest song "In a World Gone Mad," stalled midway because of forgotten lyrics. And the set-closing "So What'cha Want," lost some of its momentum after a false start by the DJ.

Still, the Beastie Boys' performance was not without its highlights. "Root Down" and "Body Movin' " showed off the three men's ability to weave vocals around one another, "Sure Shot" featured a return appearance by DJ Hurricane and the encore combination of "Three MCs and One DJ" and "Intergalactic" capped the show with pizazz.

Just the chance to watch the Beasties might have been worth the price of admission. Though MCA seemed worn down and somewhat lethargic, Mike D and Ad-Rock bounded around the small stage vigorously.

As always the three were a study in contrasts: the rail-thin, spastic Mike D, the smallish, goofy Ad-Rock and the serious, ultra-cool MCA.

For fans of old school rap music, Friday night's up-close visit with old friends was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.