The Beastie Boys weren't my introduction to hip-hop (I like to credit A Tribe Called Quest and their 1993 album Midnight Marauders, which I picked up on tape in fourth grade, for really getting me obsessed with the genre), but they without a doubt became an important group within my exploration of the genre. So I was devastated this past week when I was informed of Adam Yauch (a.k.a. MCA) losing his battle with cancer. I don't know what I can say that has not already been said at this point, but I will always admire the fearlessness and ecleticism promoted through the music of Yauch and his bandmates. And in spite of their crossover to rock audiences at various points in their long career, they always remained first and foremost a rock-solid hip-hop act. Any MC worth their kangol treasures Paul's Boutique, and as evidenced by the outpouring of grief from figuress in the hip-hop community as varied in their respective approaches as Talib Kweli, Bun B, Chuck D, and Big Boi, the Beasties always maintained their respect and influence in hip-hop even when finding success in other genres. With that, I'd like to give a huge R.I.P. to Yauch, and in honor of the Boys, I present some cuts you may have missed:
"Sure Shot (Large Professor Remix)"
The Boys' 1994 smash gets an overhaul at the hands of the incomparable Extra P, who lays down a head-cracking snare and the "UFO" sirens to set this one off.
"Sure Shot (Large Professor Remix)"
The Boys' 1994 smash gets an overhaul at the hands of the incomparable Extra P, who lays down a head-cracking snare and the "UFO" sirens to set this one off.
"Get It Together featuring Q-Tip (Buckwild Remix)"
MCA, Ad Rock, Mike D, and Tip hook up with D.I.T.C. producer Buckwild for a dank, smooth flip of their classic collaboration.
"So Whatcha Want (Soul Assassins Remix, featuring B-Real)"
DJ Muggs turns the brain-pounding original into something beyond blunted with B-Real dropping by for a cameo as well.
"The Skills To Pay The Bills"
An underrated b-side with an incredibly slick bassline and breakdown. Not, as some might assume, the same track as "Pass The Mic (Part 2 - The Skills To Pay The Bills)."
"Rock Hard"
The Boys' first single for Def Jam got infuriatingly quashed by AC/DC in the courts. Wack.
"The Scenario"
An infamous Licensed-era lost track featuring the Boys repeatedly talking about smoking crack and shooting some dude over a dope 808 smack.
"Dub The Mic"
The classic single "Pass The Mic" goes deeeeep.
Bonus:
A Mike D vehicle, but features the most entertaining terrible singing this side of the Biz:
"Netty's Girl"
No "Boomin' Granny" b-side to Jimmy James?
Posted by: Kevin in Spain | May 11, 2012 at 10:50 AM
I almost included that! I actually have no idea why I didn't. Sorry bout that....
Posted by: Paul Haney | May 11, 2012 at 11:11 AM
hey paul your Tribe comment...same thing with me and Midnight Marauders. I wrote a poem about it. anyways, check it out:
http://psychedelicheroinmusic.blogspot.com/2012/05/villanelle.html
Posted by: Leif Johnson | May 12, 2012 at 01:51 AM
Country Mike!
Posted by: Darryl | May 12, 2012 at 02:54 AM