Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys[a] were an American hip hop/rap rock group formed in 1981 in New York City, featuring Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz (vocals, guitar), Adam “MCA” Yauch (vocals, bass), and Michael “Mike D” Diamond (vocals, drums, programming). Originating from the experimental hardcore punk band The Young Aborigines, the group evolved toward hip hop after local success with the 1983 comedy single “Cooky Puss.” They released their debut album Licensed to Ill in 1986, making history as the first rap album to top the Billboard 200. Over time, the band fused elements of hip hop, punk, funk, and jazz across multiple critically acclaimed records. In 2012, Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Yauch died of cancer that same year, resulting in the group’s disbandment.
Early Years and Hardcore Beginnings
Beastie Boys emerged from the remains of The Young Aborigines, a 1979 experimental hardcore outfit which included Diamond on drums and Jeremy Shatan on bass. After Shatan left in mid-1981, Yauch replaced him, and John Berry eventually yielded his guitar spot to Adam Horovitz. They gained traction with “Cooky Puss,” pivoting from punk to comedic hip hop, and parted ways with percussionist Kate Schellenbach around the same period.
Def Jam and Licensed to Ill
Signing with Rick Rubin’s newly formed Def Jam Recordings, the band fully embraced rap. Their 1986 album Licensed to Ill became a landmark success—its brash singles “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” and “No Sleep till Brooklyn” propelled it to number 1 on the Billboard 200. The record’s crossover appeal and sardonic humor cemented Beastie Boys as major players in the emerging rap-rock scene.
Artistic Growth with Paul’s Boutique and Beyond
After moving to Capitol Records, the group released Paul’s Boutique (1989), initially a commercial disappointment but later lauded for its pioneering sample-based production. The band’s third album, Check Your Head (1992), saw Beastie Boys returning to live instruments, blending funk and punk influences, followed by Ill Communication (1994) which featured the modern rock staple “Sabotage.” Subsequent records, including Hello Nasty (1998) and To the 5 Boroughs (2004), showcased the group’s continued evolution.
Later Years and Disbandment
In 2009, the band began work on Hot Sauce Committee, eventually issuing Hot Sauce Committee Part Two in 2011. A year later, Beastie Boys became the third rap group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but that same year Adam Yauch died of cancer, prompting the band’s dissolution. The surviving members have since overseen reissues, a memoir, a documentary, and a compilation album celebrating their discography.
Discography
- 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)
Band Members
- Mike D – Vocals, Drums (1981–2012)
- Adam “MCA” Yauch – Vocals, Bass (1981–2012; died 2012)
- Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz – Vocals, Guitar (1982–2012)
- Kate Schellenbach – Drums, Percussion (1981–1984)
- John Berry – Guitar (1981–1982; died 2016)
