Beastie Boys

Biography

The Beastie Boys were an American rap group formed in New York City in 1981. The core trio consisted of Michael "Mike D" Diamond, Adam "MCA" Yauch, and Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz. Originally a hardcore punk band, they transitioned to hip hop, becoming one of the most influential groups in the genre's history. They have sold 20 million records in the United States and had seven platinum-selling albums between 1986 and 2004. In 2012, the Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Formation and Early Years (1981-1985)

The band's origins trace back to the hardcore punk band The Young Aborigines, formed in 1978 with Michael Diamond on vocals, Jeremy Shatan on bass, John Berry on guitar, and Kate Schellenbach on drums. In 1981, Adam Yauch replaced Shatan on bass, and the group renamed themselves the Beastie Boys. The name was suggested by guitarist John Berry. After Berry's departure in 1982, Adam Horovitz joined, solidifying the lineup that would become iconic.

The group's sound began to shift towards hip hop, influenced by the burgeoning New York scene. A pivotal moment came in 1983 with their comedy hip hop single "Cooky Puss," an EP that showcased their use of samples and brought them local success. This led to their full transition into hip hop. They caught the attention of Rick Rubin, a student at New York University who would co-found Def Jam Recordings with Russell Simmons. In 1985, the Beastie Boys signed with Def Jam and gained wider exposure by touring with Madonna.

Mainstream Success and Musical Evolution (1986-2011)

Licensed to Ill (1986)

Their debut album, Licensed to Ill, was released on November 15, 1986, and became the first rap album to top the Billboard 200 chart. It was one of Columbia Records' fastest-selling debut albums and has been certified Diamond for selling over ten million copies in the U.S. The album featured hit singles like "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)" and "No Sleep Till Brooklyn," which blended hard rock samples with bratty, humorous lyrics.

Paul's Boutique (1989)

After a dispute with Def Jam, the Beastie Boys signed with Capitol Records. Their second album, Paul's Boutique, released in 1989, was a departure from their previous work. Produced by the Dust Brothers, the album was a dense and complex tapestry of samples from a wide array of genres. While a commercial failure at the time, Paul's Boutique later received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative production and is considered a landmark album in hip hop.

Check Your Head (1992) and Ill Communication (1994)

With Check Your Head (1992), the band returned to their punk roots by playing their own instruments, blending live instrumentation with hip hop. This album marked a significant turning point, establishing a new musical hybrid. They founded their own record label, Grand Royal, in 1992. Ill Communication (1994) continued this fusion of styles, incorporating funk, jazz, and hardcore punk. The album featured the hit single "Sabotage" and its iconic music video directed by Spike Jonze under the pseudonym of Adam Yauch's alter ego, Nathanial Hörnblowér.

Hello Nasty (1998)

Released in 1998, Hello Nasty saw the addition of DJ Mix Master Mike to the group. The album was a sonic departure, incorporating electronic and experimental sounds, and earned them two Grammy Awards. It debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit "Intergalactic."

Later Albums (2004-2011)

The band's later work included To the 5 Boroughs (2004), an album that served as a tribute to their hometown of New York City following the September 11th attacks. In 2007, they released the instrumental album The Mix-Up. Their final studio album, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, was released in 2011.

Yauch's Passing and Disbandment

In 2009, Adam "MCA" Yauch was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away on May 4, 2012, at the age of 47. Following his death, the remaining members, Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz, decided to disband the Beastie Boys out of respect for Yauch. In his will, Yauch stipulated that his music not be used in advertising.