Mike D facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mike D
Diamond performing in 2007
Background information
Birth name	Michael Louis Diamond
Also known as	Mike Diamond Country Mike The King of Lunch Meshach Sweet Lou Malibu Mike
Born	(1965-11-20) November 20, 1965 (age 59) New York City, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop rap rock hardcore punk alternative hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper musician songwriter
Instruments	Vocals drums percussion keyboards
Years active	1979–present
Associated acts	Beastie Boys The Latch Brothers The Young Aborigines Slaves Del The Funky Homosapien Dinosaur Jr Cat Power Cassius Jon Spencer Blues Explosion Portugal. The Man Sonic Youth Chuck D Beck
Signature

Michael Louis Diamond (born November 20, 1965), known as Mike D, is an American rapper, musician, and music producer. He is famous for being a founding member of the hip hop group Beastie Boys.

Early Life

Michael Diamond was born in New York City. His father, Harold Diamond, was an art dealer. His mother, Hester Diamond, was an interior designer and art collector. He grew up on the Upper West Side of New York City. His home was filled with many famous artworks. He went to arts-focused schools like Saint Ann's School and Walden School.

Music Career

Mike D rapping with the Beastie Boys at Trans Musicales 2004 in Rennes

In 1979, Mike D helped start a band called The Young Aborigines. In 1981, his friend Adam Yauch, also known as MCA, joined the band as the bass player. A band member suggested they change their name to the Beastie Boys. By 1983, Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock) joined the group. Their music then started to change from punk rock to hip hop.

In 1986, the Beastie Boys released their first album, Licensed to Ill. It was a huge success. The album sold millions of copies. It included the popular song "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)". The group released many more successful albums over the years.

In 1992, Mike D started the Beastie Boys' own record label, Grand Royal Records. This label is no longer active. Mike D is also interested in interior design. He designed special wallpaper with Brooklyn themes. This wallpaper was used in a nightclub in New York City.

After Adam Yauch passed away in 2012, Mike D continued to make music. In 2013, he released a remix called "Humberto Vs the New Reactionaries". He also worked with Adam Horovitz on a remix for Yoko Ono's song "Bad Dancer". Mike D has also worked as a music producer. He produced an album for the band Portugal. The Man. He also produced the album Take Control for the English punk duo Soft Play (formerly Slaves).

Mike D also hosts a podcast on Apple Music called The Echo Chamber.

Personal Life

In 1993, Mike D married Tamra Davis. She is a director for films, TV, and music videos. They have two children together, Davis Diamond and Skyler Diamond. Their children formed a group called Very Nice Person. Mike D has lived in different parts of New York City, including Brooklyn and Tribeca. As of 2016, he lives in Malibu, California.

Discography

with Beastie Boys

• Licensed to Ill (1986)
• Paul's Boutique (1989)
• Check Your Head (1992)
• Ill Communication (1994)
• Hello Nasty (1998)
• To the 5 Boroughs (2004)
• The Mix-Up (2007)
• Hot Sauce Committee Part Two (2011)

See Also

In Spanish: Michael Diamond para niños