Beastie Boys
At one of those dismal, dull annual music industry seminars in the mid '80s a well known Rap producer was asked, during a panel discussion, whether Rap and/or Hip-Hop artists would have to modify their approach to reach a "broader" audience. The gentleman shrugged and pointed out that there was no need for artists to change anything. White performers would come along soon enough to handle the mainstream. Just as they had with Blues, R&B and Soul. Those words were certainly timely, if not prophetic. Three New York Punk Rockers, Adam Horovitz (King Ad-Rock), Adam Yauch (Master of Ceremonies Adam - MCA for short) and Michael Diamond (Mike D) were incorporating Rap elements into their act and even using DJ RR (Rick Rubin).
Diamond and Yauch formed the Beastie Boys with various members coming and going, including Kate Schellenbach, who later joined Luscious Jackson (the group recorded for the Beastie Boys' Grand Royal label). Eventually, Horovitz signed on completing the line-up. The Beastie Boys made their first dent in '85 when "She's On It" appeared on the "Krush Groove" soundtrack.
With the hooded sweats, Adidas sneakers and baseball caps in place, the Beastie Boys, veterans of New York's CBGBs, hit the road opening for Madonna. Soon they were signed to Rubin's Def Jam label and released the single "Rock Hard," which was followed by their full length debut in '86, "Licensed To Ill." The album was a symbolic line in the sand. The Rap community considered the Beastie Boys interlopers ripping off their music. The right wingers checked in, complaining about the group's violent and sexist lyrics. Like most lines in the sand, this one too washed away quickly thanks largely to the undeniable "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right To Party" which became a frat mainstay for the better part of a decade. At the end of the day, "License To Ill" was the top selling Rap album of the '80s. Ponder that one.
A falling out with Rubin caused some serious nastiness terminating the relationship. The Beastie Boys second album backed away from the party-hearty mode and featured a more layered sound. With extensive sampling and a Funk/Rock vibe, "Paul's Boutique" was a commercial disappointment though it subsequently became a cult classic.
While still mining old school Hip-Hop and Funk, the Beastie Boys returned to Punk with "Check Your Head." Early Punk recordings were packaged as "Some Old Bullshit," while "Ill Communication," rolling out in '94, continued "Check Your Head's" stylistic blend.
For the next few years the Beastie Boys focused their efforts on their label & magazine and only managed to release a blistering EP "Aglio E Olio" and a Soul, Jazz, Funk instrumental collection "The In Sound From Way Out." "Hello Nasty" hit in '98.
The Run DMC/Aerosmith "Walk This Way" may have been the first stab at a Rap/Hard Rock combination, the Beastie Boys, who early on toured the U.K. opening for Run DMC, made a career out of it and influenced countless musicians.
In '92, Yauch married Iona Skye, the daughter of '60s folk singer Donovan. On a slightly more pertinent note, the Beastie Boys regularly contributed their talents to various charitable/political causes including the Free Tibet movement and the fight against AIDS.
The Beastie Boys' debut "Licensed To Ill" successfully merges Rock and Rap, which became a major '90s trend. However, for a more Rock vibe jump to the '90s for "Check Your Head," "Ill Communication" with "Sabotage" and "Hello Nasty." The group's Punk core comes roaring through.
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