Flutes, violins, and organs: not usual in rap music, but then again, the Beastie Boys are not usual for rap music. “Like Ma Bell, I’ve got the ill communication,” Adam “MCA” Yauch raps at the end of the opening song, Sure Shot. That one line signifies the start of something new, something different, something unforgettable to change music forever. Adam “Ad Rock” Horovitz on guitar, Yauch on Bass, and Mike “Mike D” Diamond on drums provide for such songs as, Sabotage, Root Down, Heart Attack Man, and more.  With Sabotage, getting Grammy nominated for “Best Hard Rock Performance” (1995) and the album itself ranking at #1 on the US Billboard 200.

What really sets this album apart from their first album, Licensed to Ill, is the maturity that the Beasties obtained from 1986 to 1994. The immature, 19-year-olds that once sang, “Girls to do my laundry, girls to clean the dishes, and in the bathroom…” were rapping eight years later: “I wanna say a little something that’s long overdue, the disrespect to women has got to be through, to all the mothers and sisters and the wives and friends, I wanna offer my love and respect to the end.” This was a huge change for Horovitz, Yauch, and Diamond; especially because many rappers are accustomed to just rapping sexist, rude remarks towards women.

Mark Wavra, EHS Art teacher, was quoted by saying that “Ill Communication was the album that got me through my first year of teaching. I listened to that album for the whole summer of 1995, my buddy and I went on a road trip from Washington to Brooklyn, NY and that album played the entire time. DJ Hurricane was at the top of his turntable work and the Beasties had some of the best rhymes on Ill Communication. It is easily some of their best work; up there with Licensed to Ill, Paul’s Boutique, and Check Your Head.”

John Schmauder, EHS History teacher, also stating, “Beastie Boys are great! I’ve loved them since Licensed to Ill, but I also really like Ill Communication. “Sabotage” is my favorite song of theirs off that album, the music video is just as awesome now as it was in 1994. With their cop outfits, sunglasses, and fake mustaches, that video is so hilarious.”

Stop listening to Lil Uzi Vert, and look up quality rap of the 90’s. You will be doing yourself a major favor. Take a step back in time and hear the original gangsters that stressed family values, revenge on enemies, and respect to women. The Beastie Boys pioneered hip hop for artists, such as Eminem, Cypress Hill, Rage Against the Machine, and House of Pain. Watch their videos, listen to their rhymes, and feel the influence that they have shared for thousands all around the world from their 25-year career.