The Beastie Boys were the first successful white rap group and one of the few acts from the early days of hip-hop that still enjoyed major success their whole career. Their rock and punk-influenced rap has had a significant impact on artists both in and outside the hip-hop scene. And they were the first rap group to gain a substantial following with alternative rock fans.
The Beastie Boys came together in 1979 as a punk band called The Young Aborigines. In 1981 MCA joined the group and from the suggestion of their guitarist John Berry, they changed their name to Beastie Boys. Their line up then consisted of Adam Yauch (aka MCA) on bass, drummer Kate Schellenbach (later of Luscious Jackson), guitarist John Berry (of Big Fat Love), and Mike Diamond (aka Mike D) on the mic. Beastie Boys' debut EP, the Pollywog Stew vinyl 7" was released in 1982.
The band's first foray into hip hop, the Cooky Puss 12", followed in 1983, with The Young and the Useless guitarist Adam Horovitz (aka Adrock) replacing John Berry. "Cooky Puss" would be the first B Boys record to receive play at NYC clubs like Danceteria as the band played its first shows outside the city.
The Mike D/MCA/Adrock Beastie Boys lineup debuted in 1984 with the "Rock Hard"/"Beastie Groove" 12." Produced by Rick Rubin, who went on to produce albums for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash and Audioslave. The "She's On It"/ "Slow And Low" 12" followed in 1985 and Beastie Boys went on Madonna's "Virgin Tour." as her opening act.
Licensed to Ill dropped in fall 1986 and became the first Beastie Boys album--and the first Rap album ever--to go #1. Fueled by Fight for Your Right and No Sleep Till Brooklyn it remained at #1 for seven weeks and simultaneously reached #2 on the urban chart, becoming the fastest selling debut to date for Columbia and the first hip hop record to break 5 million.
In 1989 Beastie Boys released their second album Paul’s Boutique produced by Beastie Boys and the Dust Brothers. Paul's Boutique laid down the blueprint for a generation of emergent genres and went over the collective head of a nation. The likes of "Shake Your Rump," "Lookin' Down The Barrel Of A Gun," "Car Thief," Shadrach," and the hip hop "suite" "B-Boy Bouillabaisse" contained lyrical and musical references too plentiful and diverse for the average mind to compute in one sitting.
Check Your Head, released in 1992, heralded the return of live instrumentation into the B Boys mix. The album was produced by the band and Mario Caldato Jr. (who first worked with B Boys as engineer on Paul's Boutique), Check Your Head would yield a watershed of new B Boys staples, including So Whatcha' Want, Pass The Mic, "Gratitude" and "Jimmy James." With the assistance of Keyboard Money Mark, Eric Bobo and assorted percussionists, Beastie Boys returned to the touring circuit and Check Your Head hit double platinum.
In the summer of 1994, Ill Communication, also produced by the band and Mario Caldato Jr., entered the charts #1. The album featured such hits Sure Shot and Sabotage. Ill Communication was supported by Beastie Boys' first arena headline tour since the '80s. Following the tour's conclusion, Beastie Boys recorded and released Aglio e Olio consisting of eight songs clocking in at 11 minutes, the EP recalls the vintage hardcore punk of the band's infancy.
On July 14 1998, their fifth album titled Hello Nasty was released. Spurred by the monster success of the "Intergalactic" single and video, the record clocked first week sales of nearly 700,000 in the U.S. and went straight in at #1 in England, Germany, Australia, Holland, New Zealand and Sweden. Early in the tour, Beastie Boys made live tracks available for free download to fans unable to attend the shows-and were blindsided by their label pulling the tracks down.
Having closed 1998 by accepting the Video Vanguard lifetime achievement honor at the MTV Video Music Awards, Beastie Boys rang in 1999 with Artist, Band and/or Record of the Year accolades from the likes of Rolling Stone, SPIN, The New Yorker and Playboy, among others. A month later, at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards, the now quadruple-platinum Hello Nasty took Best Alternative Music Performance, while "Intergalactic," nailed Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group--the first time an artist has ever won in both Rap and Alternative categories.1999 would also see "Intergalactic" take Best Hip Hop Video honors at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.
Beastie Boys' sixth studio album, To The 5 Boroughs, released in summer 2004, was the band's third consecutive #1 debut-and Rolling Stone magazine's only 5-star review of the year. To The 5 Boroughs was supported by world tour - traveling pageant - supported by Talib Kweli and Bob Moore's Amazing Mongrels (yes, a live dog show, hence the pageant appellation).
2006 saw the release of the film, Awesome, I Fuckin' Shot That!, a concert film made up of footage filmed by audience members, which debuted at Sundance in early 2006 and was released theatrically the same year.
In 2007 Beastie Boys released The Mix-Up, first ever full length offering of all-new, all-original instrumental recordings.
On February 3rd, 2009, they digitally remastered and released Paul's Boutique on their website.
The band's next record, "Hot Sauce Committee Part 2" was released in the first quarter of 2011. It features the same tracklisting as the previously announced "Hot Sauce Committee Part 1", which was delayed indefinitely after Yauch was diagnosed with a tumor on his parotid gland (which was successfully removed).
Bassist and vocalist Adam Yauch died on May 4, 2012 of cancer.
In June 2014, Mike D stated that the Beastie Boys would not continue their careers as a group, as a promise to Adam Yauch. "We have not been able to tour since MCA, Adam Yauch, died," Diamond said. "We can't make new music."
Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win
Beastie Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got you right where I want
Got an honest face so you turn your back
When in doubt run up your attack
At one time you were slick and your grill was cold
And now funny how the shit gets old
You can run you can run but it will catch up
Like now see me I'll show you up
But you run you can run but it will catch up
Like now see me I'll show you up
Now you wanna get back when you had your shine
But you run the same thing every time when you rhyme
Can't stop wont stop no compromise
It's a house of cards built out of lies
Coming down like a bird floating on the mist
Turn on the track back track and twist
You work hard to climb the list
Twenty years of schooling and they put you on the day shift
I know the danger of a man (that's danger)
Who's been to hell and back again (danger)
Can't tell tomorrow from where he's been (that's danger)
Don't play no game that I can't win (danger)
You're caught now by the skin you're in
In a bind now your thoughts go to all your sins
Hits much harder back better count on that
I tell you what we know always holds us back
Now you mutter and you stutter and you putter don't stop
I got in your heart and I shook you up
In a bind now your caught by the fear setting in
Choked on the thought that you don't it again
Keep the competition in check
You draft your plans at your drafting desk
You try to play to win but now you lost
Like clams with no tartar sauce scheming in the attic
Thought you had it
So dramatic
I-Got the stats mathematics
Automatic-systematic
She's super bad now
Whatcha watcha want now?
I know the danger of a man (that's danger)
Who's been to hell and back again (danger)
Can't tell tomorrow from where he's been (that's danger)
Don't play no game that I can't win (danger)
Don't play no game that I can't win (danger)
Don't play no game that I can't win (that's danger)
Don't play no game that I can't win (danger danger)
Don't play no game that I can't win (that's danger)
I know the danger of a man (that's danger)
Who's been to hell and back again (danger)
Can't tell tomorrow from where he's been (that's danger)
Don't play no game that I can't win... (danger)
Don't play no game that I can't win
Don't play no game that I can't win
The lyrics of "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" by Beastie Boys and Santigold address the theme of the dangers of arrogance and over-confidence. The song speaks of the prevalence of pride, boasting, and deceit leading to a downfall. The first stanza describes the arrogance of a person who is caught up in their own success, unable to recognize their own limitations, and mistreating those around them. The chorus warns against playing games that cannot be won, as it can lead to one's fall from grace.
The second verse highlights the pitfalls of success, where the person's willingness to do everything to stay at the top leads them down a path of lies and false promises. The references to playing "to win" and the "competition" signify the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry that Beastie Boys and Santigold are a part of. They recognize their own positions of power and the struggle to maintain that power while navigating the industry.
The chorus repeats the warning against playing games one can't win, and the outro is a repetition of the same idea, emphasizing the importance of humility.
Overall, the lyrics suggest the importance of being grounded, recognizing one's limitations, and treating others with respect.
Line by Line Meaning
It's hot here gotta say it's so
The temperature here is very high and noticeable.
I got you right where I want
I have positioned you exactly where I need you to be for my benefit.
Got an honest face so you turn your back
Despite having an honest appearance, you are not trustworthy.
When in doubt run up your attack
When uncertain or unsure, it is better to take an offensive approach.
At one time you were slick and your grill was cold
You were once cool and had a good reputation.
And now funny how the shit gets old
It's ironic how things that were once popular eventually lose their appeal.
You can run you can run but it will catch up
You can try to escape the consequences of your actions, but they will eventually catch up to you.
Like now see me I'll show you up
This time around, I will prove that I am superior to you.
Now yo wanna get back when you had your shine
Now you want to regain the fame or success you once had.
But you run you can run but it will catch up
Even if you try to run away, you will eventually have to face the consequences of your past actions.
Like now see me I'll show you up
I will demonstrate my superiority over you in the present moment.
Now you wanna get back when you had your shine
Now you want to return to the greatness you once had.
But you run the same thing every time when you rhyme
You keep repeating the same patterns in your style and it is getting boring.
Can't stop wont stop no compromise
I refuse to give up or compromise my goals.
It's a house of cards built out of lies
Your whole facade or reputation is based on falsehoods and is therefore unstable.
Coming down like a bird floating on the mist
Your reputation is falling apart slowly and evenly, like a bird floating on mist.
Turn on the track back track and twist
Listen to the rhythm of the song and follow it precisely.
You work hard to climb the list
You put in a lot of effort to reach the top of your field or competition.
Twenty years of schooling and they put you on the day shift
You spent 20 years in education and yet you still only have a low-ranking job.
I know the danger of a man (that's danger)
I am well aware of the potential harm that one can cause.
Who's been to hell and back again (danger)
Someone who has experienced extreme pain or hardship and has emerged from it is also a threat because they are hardened by their experiences.
Can't tell tomorrow from where he's been (that's danger)
The past experiences of a person can cloud their judgment and make it difficult for them to plan for the future.
Don't play no game that I can't win (danger)
Do not challenge me in an arena in which I am not confident in my abilities. It could be dangerous for both of us.
You're caught now by the skin you're in
You are currently stuck in a difficult situation that you can't get out of.
In a bind now your thoughts go to all your sins
When in a difficult situation, it is natural to reflect on past mistakes or regrets.
Hits much harder back better count on that
The retaliation or backlash will be more severe than you anticipate, so be prepared.
I tell you what we know always holds us back
What we know or assume to be true can limit our growth and progress.
Now you mutter and you stutter and you putter don't stop
You are babbling incoherently and you can't seem to get your words out correctly.
I got in your heart and I shook you up
I have emotionally affected you and made you uneasy or uncertain.
In a bind now your caught by the fear setting in
Your current situation has made you fearful and you can't think clearly.
Choked on the thought that you don't it again
The thought of repeating past mistakes or regrets is suffocating and overwhelming.
Keep the competition in check
Monitor and control the actions of others in the same field or industry as you.
You draft your plans at your drafting desk
You make your strategic plans at your desk where you can focus and work efficiently.
You try to play to win but now you lost
You attempted to win or gain success but you failed or lost.
Like clams with no tartar sauce scheming in the attic
You are conspiring or planning something secretly and quietly like a clam without any sauce in the attic of a building.
Thought you had it so dramatic
You were confident in your plan or idea but it was overly dramatic or unrealistic.
I-Got the stats mathematics Automatic-systematic
I have the data and calculations to back up my claims, and I am methodical and precise.
She's super bad now Whatcha watcha want now?
She is very skilled or impressive now, what else do you want to see or experience?
Don't play no game that I can't win (danger danger)
Do not challenge me in an arena where I am not confident in my abilities. It could be dangerous for both of us.
Don't play no game that I can't win (that's danger)
Do not challenge me in an arena where I am not confident in my abilities. It could be dangerous for both of us.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: SANTI WHITE, ADAM HOROVITZ, MICHAEL DIAMOND, ADAM YAUCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@noyard7694
I love this band more than I love the internet.
@bobtwichew3103
What's not to love? Best band ever. End of conversation. Nobody comes close. Jack's of all trades,masters of none. Not exactly great at everything they did,but dam sure never sucked at anything.
@hotdog1511
Same
@jesuschristmas4206
Why love the internet at all
@chanceForNotBeingRapper
just like what you like and never listen to Twitter comments
@frenchcheesemuseum
same
@eshrizzle2
how does this not have more views. this video is balls deep in being epic.
@JohnWesleyOstlund
At a loss... Beastie Boys were one of the best, most influential and respected artists of my generation. RIP MCA.
@djtommo
Big up for Spike Jonze for making this epic music video. Who could've possibly come up with an idea of Beastie Boys as action figures in this kind of adventure? :D More views for this, hilarious!
@sakallnureddinibrahimkonya3490
Pure hip hop art