Sold Date: May 19, 2024
Start Date: May 19, 2024
Final Price: $59.99 (USD)
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ARTIST: Beastie Boys
TITLE: Licensed to Ill
LABEL: Epic – 144.930, Epic – 144930
RECORD GRADING: VG (Solid/strong vg)
SLEEVE GRADING: VG+ (Great!)
NOTES: 1986 First Brazilian pressing  
"Licensed to Ill" is the groundbreaking debut studio album by the American hip-hop group Beastie Boys. Released on November 15, 1986, by Def Jam Recordings, this album was a seminal moment in the history of hip-hop and rock music. It was the first rap LP to top the Billboard 200 chart, making it a historic release that broke new ground in the music industry.
Significance: "Licensed to Ill" is often hailed as one of the most influential hip-hop albums of all time. Its blend of hard rock riffs, punk attitude, and hip-hop beats created a sound that was both revolutionary and widely appealing. The album's success helped to bring hip-hop to mainstream audiences and demonstrated the genre's potential for crossover appeal.
The album was produced by Rick Rubin, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, and is characterized by its raw, energetic production and rebellious spirit. Rubin's innovative use of heavy guitar samples and drum machine beats helped to craft a unique sound that set the Beastie Boys apart from their contemporaries.
Track Listing: Rhymin & Stealin – Featuring a sample from Led Zeppelin’s "When the Levee Breaks," this track sets the tone for the album with its aggressive beats and braggadocious lyrics. The New Style – A showcase of the group's clever wordplay and infectious energy. She's Crafty – Built around a riff from The Clash’s "The Magnificent Seven," this song highlights the band's knack for storytelling. Posse in Effect – A high-energy track that underscores the Beastie Boys' distinctive vocal delivery. Slow Ride – A laid-back groove that provides a contrast to the album's more frenetic moments. Girls – A humorous, somewhat controversial song featuring a simple, catchy melody. Fight For Your Right (To Party!) – The album's most famous track, an anthem for teenage rebellion that became a massive hit. No Sleep Till Brooklyn – Featuring Slayer’s Kerry King on guitar, this song blends rock and rap seamlessly. Paul Revere – A fan favorite known for its backward drum beat and storytelling lyrics. Hold It Now, Hit It – A party track with a classic hip-hop feel. Brass Monkey – A fun, upbeat song named after a popular drink, featuring funky beats and horns. Slow and Low – A track originally written by Run-D.M.C., featuring powerful beats and an infectious hook. Time to Get Ill – The closing track that encapsulates the album's rebellious and innovative spirit. Impact and Legacy: "Licensed to Ill" was a commercial and critical success, and its influence can still be felt in both hip-hop and rock music today. The album's success paved the way for future rap-rock collaborations and showed that hip-hop could reach mainstream audiences without compromising its edge.
The Beastie Boys – Mike D (Michael Diamond), MCA (Adam Yauch), and Ad-Rock (Adam Horovitz) – became cultural icons, known for their irreverent humor, eclectic style, and boundary-pushing music. Over the years, they continued to innovate and evolve, earning a lasting legacy as one of the most important groups in music history.
Similar Artists: Run-D.M.C. – Pioneers of hip-hop, known for their crossover appeal and collaborations with rock artists. Public Enemy – Renowned for their politically charged lyrics and innovative production. LL Cool J – A Def Jam labelmate who blended hardcore rap with mainstream appeal. Cypress Hill – Known for their unique blend of hip-hop and rock influences. Rage Against the Machine – Combining rap with heavy metal, they brought a political edge to the rap-rock genre. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Fusing funk, punk, and hip-hop influences, they created a unique sound that resonated with a wide audience. Faith No More – Another band that skillfully blended rock and rap elements. House of Pain – Known for their hit "Jump Around," they brought a hardcore edge to hip-hop. 3rd Bass – A hip-hop group with a similar sense of humor and style to the Beastie Boys. De La Soul – Innovators in the alternative hip-hop scene, known for their eclectic sampling and positive messages. A Tribe Called Quest – Pioneers of jazz rap, blending thoughtful lyrics with innovative beats. Digital Underground – Known for their humorous, party-oriented style. N.W.A – West Coast pioneers of gangsta rap, known for their raw, uncompromising style. The Roots – A live band that brought a new level of musicianship to hip-hop. Wu-Tang Clan – A revolutionary group known for their gritty, raw style and influential production. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five – Early hip-hop innovators known for their groundbreaking tracks. Salt-N-Pepa – One of the first all-female rap groups to achieve mainstream success. Ice-T – A pioneer of gangsta rap who also explored rock influences with his band Body Count. Eminem – Known for his complex lyrics and crossover appeal in both hip-hop and mainstream music. Kid Rock – Blended hip-hop, rock, and country influences to create a distinctive style. Limp Bizkit – Popularized the rap-rock genre in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Linkin Park – Known for their fusion of nu-metal and rap. Anthrax – Collaborated with Public Enemy on the groundbreaking track "Bring the Noise." Vanilla Ice – Achieved massive success with his hip-hop hit "Ice Ice Baby." MC Hammer – Known for his high-energy performances and crossover pop appeal. Beck – Blended hip-hop, rock, and folk influences in a highly innovative way. Gorillaz – A virtual band that fuses hip-hop with a variety of other genres. OutKast – Known for their innovative approach to hip-hop and wide-ranging influences. Run the Jewels – A contemporary hip-hop duo known for their aggressive style and political lyrics. Nas – One of the most respected lyricists in hip-hop, known for his storytelling and social commentary. These artists share a connection with the Beastie Boys through their innovation, crossover appeal, and contributions to the evolution of hip-hop and rock music. "Licensed to Ill" remains a pivotal album that continues to influence musicians and delight fans worldwide. ____
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