Ad-Rock Quotes, born Adam Keefe Horovitz on October 31, 1966, in New York City, is an American rapper, guitarist, and actor, best known as a member of the pioneering hip-hop group Beastie Boys, whose hits like “Sabotage” and “Intergalactic” redefined rap-rock in the ‘80s and ‘90s. With his electric stage presence and sharp lyricism alongside MCA and Mike D, Ad-Rock helped the group earn four Grammy nominations and a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews, songs, his memoir, and posts on X—capture his insights on music, life, and the Beastie Boys’ legacy, reflecting his irreverent humor and deep camaraderie.
15 Ad-Rock Quotes
- “Educated: no. Stupid: yes. And when I say ‘stupid,’ I mean stupid fresh.” (Interview, Minimalist Quotes, 2022)
- “To me, a New Yorker is someone that has general disdain toward landlords, mass-transit authorities, electric companies, sports-team managers, NYU and its students, and anything new.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “There’s songs you listen to at really heavy times, and you associate those songs with being depressed. ‘English Rose’ by The Jam, I can’t listen to—it’s just too heavy for me.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “What I work hardest at is just trying to not let things get me crazy.” (Interview, American Songwriter, 2022)
- “You have to consume Fig Newtons with either milk or an alternative milk product. It’s like a conspiracy with the dairy industry. They’re in cahoots.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “There is a community in hip-hop. It doesn’t seem like that anywhere else, except maybe in punk rock. But punk rock is tricky, because it has become such a pop thing.” (Interview, InspiringQuotes, n.d.)
- “I don’t know why we sold a lot of records or why so many people came to see us. Like ‘Sabotage’—would you put that song on, like, ‘I’m gonna listen to that right now?’ It’s a weird choice.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Me and my two best friends went to see the Ramones in 1979, and two weeks later, I was like, ‘We’re starting a band. That’s it.’” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “If I had to say something, it would be ‘Lighten up. Be cool.’ There’s just so many buffoons out there.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I’ve only done karaoke twice in my life.” (Interview, American Songwriter, 2022)
- “Chasing after the past is not going to lead you to the future you want.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I got no business going to a club. I’m a terrible dancer. I got a bad back.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The Beatles are great for everybody—they write the songs that made the whole world sing.” (Interview, Double Quotes, n.d.)
- “We just wanted to get as far away from the rap-rock scene as possible, because it’s been done and other bands do it better than us anyway.” (Interview, InspiringQuotes, n.d.)
- “I feel like we are honest.” (Classic Rock Quotes, n.d.)
Ad-Rock’s quotes are a vibrant mix of humor, honesty, and hip-hop soul, inspiring us to stay real, embrace community, and keep the music loud. Which quote’s got you ready to rhyme? Drop it below and keep the Beastie Boys’ legacy rockin’!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
