The group, formed in 1981, consisted of rappers Adam "MCA" Yauch (vocals, bass), Michael "Mike D" Diamond (vocals, drums), Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz (vocals, guitars), and Kate Schellenbach (drums), originally accompanied by DJ Hurricane and later accompanied by turntablist Mix Master Mike.

The band made the shift into hip hop music with the single "Cooky Puss" (1983).

They later signed to Def Jam Recordings, releasing "Rock Hard" in 1984.

Since 1986, the group has released eight studio albums, four of which have topped the US Billboard 200 chart.

[1] DJ Hurricane featuring Ad Rock and Black Thought Teriyaki Boyz (produced by Ad Rock} Teriyaki Boyz featuring Ad Rock Cassius featuring Mike D