The Beastie Boys' Licensed to Ill is an 80's Anthem

At the ripe age of 16, the cusp of driving independence and teen angst, there was an album that spoke to me. It was hip-hop with a fresh spin of mockery and wit that only a few understood until later. Its singles were at once a new direction for the marriage of rap and rock and an anathema. The Beastie Boys' 1986 release of Licensed to Ill heralded a new age of freespirited musicianship with unexpected combinations of heavy guitar riffs, bass and funk-filled rythm. With 5 of its singles making it onto the Billboard top 100 and being Columbia's fastest-selling debut album , Licensed to Ill paved the way for future white rap artists like Eminem.

The opening track, Ryhmin & Stealin, portrays the sound of the times with the conventional Run-D.M.C. type of rap/rock marriage. The New Style, She's Crafty and Brass Monkey display a beat-filled funk that can make even the most non-musical individual start a hip-hop-head-bob. For those like me who were on the fence about the rap/rock crossover, the Beasties cleverly sampled classics that any rock fan could proudly relate to like Led Zepplin and Black Sabbath. They hit a home run with tracks like Fight For Your Right and No Sleep Til Brooklyn. The guitar riffs alone were celebrated enough among my generation. Tied with a dynamic melding of infectious beats and obnoxious lyrics that have become trademark Beastie Boys and you have the anthem of my teenhood.

Not only did Licensed to Ill manage to sell their unconventionally brash brand of entertainment to my generation, but have made time-honored earworms for the next one as well. My own teenage children have overheard classics like Paul Revere and Slow and Low and have asked for more. Although their music evolved into greater works in the 90's, it is undeniable that the New York born Beastie Boys made their lasting mark in the 80's with this best-selling masterpiece.

You can buy a copy of this historic album at any of the following:
Licensed to Ill at Amazon
CD Universe
Digital Music at mp3.com
Artist Direct.com
Half.com

Sources:
www.billboard.com