Beastie Boys | Licensed To Ill (30th Anniversary Edition)

Perhaps the merging of metal and hip-hop on Licensed to Ill, the first hip-hop album to reach number one, was destined to happen with the Beastie Boys, producer Rick Rubin, and Def Jam Recordings at the helm. However, this oversimplifies the album's story and overlooks the remarkable skills and contributions of these artists. Rubin, known for his metal background, had already experimented with this fusion on Run-D.M.C.'s Raising Hell and some earlier projects with the Beasties, but it was the boys' passion for subcultures, satire, and clever wordplay that truly made this record a timeless classic. While Rubin's production certainly added a unique edge, it was the Beastie Boys who brought the humor, charm, and undeniable energy to this genre-bending album. Even if their playful hijinks were initially misunderstood, time has proven their obnoxious personas to be just that - an act. And upon revisiting the record, it's impossible to deny the

• Brand New - Factory Sealed
• Gatefold 30th Anniversary Edition
• Genre: Pop, Hip Hop
• Released: 2016