Beastie Boys

Beastie Boys were an American rap group. According to an interview with Charlie Rose, the word "Beastie" is the backronym of Boys Entering Anarchic States Towards Internal Excellence. They formed in 1981 as a punk rock band. Their most famous albums are probably Licensed To Ill (1986) and Paul's Boutique (1989). Licensed To Ill is their first album, and it is an album that is given credit for starting the type of music "rap rock", which is rapping done over rock guitar or beats. Paul's Boutique is an album famous for its use of samples, or snippets of music, and the fact that the samples were put together in creative, interesting ways.

Beastie Boys
A group of three men on a stairwell behind a light background
Beastie Boys in 2009; from left to right: Ad-Rock, MCA and Mike D
Background information
Also known asThe Young Aborigines (1978–1981)
OriginNew York City, U.S.
Genres
Years active1981 (1981)–2012 (2012)
Labels
Associated acts
Websitebeastieboys.com
Past members

Adam Yauch (1964-2012) was one of the founding members of the band until his death on May 4, 2012 after almost 3-years with cancer of the parotid salivary gland. Former original guitarist, John Berry (1963-2016), died on May 19, 2016 from dementia at 52.

Members

  • John Berry – guitar (1981–1982; died 2016)
  • Mike D – singing, drums (1981–2012)
  • Kate Schellenbach – drums, percussion (1981–1984)
  • MCA – singing, bass guitar (1981–2012; died 2012)
  • Ad-Rock – singing, guitar (1982–2012)

Discography

  • 1982 - Polly Wog Stew (EP)
  • 1984 - Rock Hard (EP)
  • 1986 - Licensed to Ill
  • 1989 - Paul's Boutique
  • 1992 - Check Your Head
  • 1994 - Ill Communication
  • 1995 - Root Down (EP)
  • 1995 - Aglio e Olio (EP)
  • 1998 - Hello Nasty
  • 2003 - In A World Gone Mad (EP)
  • 2004 - To the 5 Boroughs
  • 2007 - The Mix-Up
  • 2011 - Hot Sauce Committee Part Two

Beastie Boys Media

Other websites