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."
Hold It Now Hit It
Beastie Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo, Leroy
Ahh, yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah
Why don't you hook up that def jam right about now?
Now I chill real ill when I start to chill
When I fill my pockets with a knot of dollar bills
Sippin' pints of ale out the window sill
Now, I just got home because I'm out on bail
What's the time? It's time to buy ale
Peter eater, parking meter all of the time
If I run out of ale, it's Thunderbird wine
Miller drinkin', chicken eatin', dress so fly
I got friends in high places that are keepin' me high
Get down with Mike D And it ain't no hassle
I got the ladies of the eighties from here to White Castle
Hold it now, hit it
Yo, Leroy
It's my drum, it's my, hold it now, it's my rhyme
Now it's me, Adam Yauch, in the place to be
All the girls are on me 'cause I'm down with Mike D
I'm down with Mike D and it ain't no baloney
For real, not phony, O.E. and Rice-a-Roni
I come out at night 'cause I sleep all day
Well, I'm the King Ad-Rock and he's MCA
Well I'm cruisin', I'm bruisin', I'm never ever losin'
I'm in my car, I'm going far and dust is what I'm usin'
Around the way is where I'm from
And I'm from Manhattan and I'm not a bum
Because you're pud-slapping, ball-flapping, got that juice
My name's Mike D and I can do that Jerry Lewis
Hold it now hit it
Yo, Leroy
Yo, that was real def man, try that again, man
I like that def stuff, boy
Hip-hop, body rockin', doing the do
Beer drinkin', breath stinkin', sniffin' glue
Belly fillin', always illin', bustin' caps
My name's Mike D and I write my own snaps
I'm a peep-show seekin' on the Forty-deuce
I'm a killer at large and I'm on the loose
Pistol packin', Monkey drinkin', no money bum
I come from Brooklyn 'cause that's where I'm from
Cheap-skate, perpetrating, money hungry jerk
Everyday I drink O.E. and I don't go to work
You drippy nose knuckle-head, you're wet behind the ears
You like men, and we like beer (beer, beer, beer)
Hold it now, hit it
Yo, Leroy
Bust that choco-lotto
What? Huh? Yo, man, pass that over here, man, alright
King of the Ave. with the Def female
You're rhymin' and stealin' with the freshest ale
Kid coolin' at the crib watchin' my TV
Ed Norton, Ted Knight, and Mr. Ed
Pump it up homeboy, just don't stop
Chef Boyardee coolin' on the pot
I take no slack 'cause I got the knack
And I'm never dusting out 'cause I torch that crack
The King Ad-Rock, that is my name
Y'all drinking Moët and we got the champagne
A quarter droppin', going shopping buying wigs
Surgeon general, cut professor, DJ Thigs
Hold it now hit it
Hit it
Hold it now
Yo, Leroy
In the Beastie Boys' hit song "Hold It Now Hit It," the group's members take turns spitting rhymes about their wild and carefree lifestyles, rapping about everything from drinking beer out of windowsills to getting locked up and buying alcohol as soon as they're out. The opening line of the song, "Now I chill real ill when I start to chill," sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, which are filled with clever puns and wordplay.
The song is essentially an anthem to the Beastie Boys' "party hard" lifestyle, with the band members boasting about their wild exploits and praising each other's rhymes. One of the most famous lines in the song is "I got friends in high places that are keepin' me high," which references the group's drug use and their connections in the music industry.
The song is a classic example of the Beastie Boys' signature style, which blends punk rock and hip hop influences to create a sound that was completely unique at the time. The group's brash energy and irreverent humor helped them stand out from the pack in the 80s and cemented their place in music history as one of the most innovative and influential bands of all time.
Line by Line Meaning
(Hold it now, hit it)
Let's take a pause and get ready for what's coming next.
Now I chill real ill when I start to chill
When I relax, nobody can resist my chill vibes.
When I fill my pockets with a knot of dollar bills
I'm loaded with money and ready to party.
Sippin' pints of ale out the window sill
I'm enjoying a drink with a view.
When I get my fill I'm chilly chill
Once I've had enough, I'm calm and relaxed.
Now, I just got home because I'm out on bail
I'm back home after getting out of jail.
What's the time? It's time to buy ale
It's time to drink and party.
Peter eater, parking meter all of the time
I'm living life to the fullest, using every opportunity to have fun.
If I run out of ale, it's Thunderbird wine
If there's no beer, I'll drink whatever I can get my hands on.
Miller drinkin', chicken eatin', dress so fly
I'm living large, eating well and looking good.
I got friends in high places that are keepin' me high
I have influential friends who are helping me stay on top.
Get down with Mike D And it ain't no hassle
Hanging out with Mike D is always easy and fun.
I got the ladies of the eighties from here to White Castle
I'm popular with women everywhere I go.
Now it's me, Adam Yauch, in the place to be
It's my turn to shine and show off my skills.
All the girls are on me 'cause I'm down with Mike D
Women find me irresistible because of my friendship with Mike D.
I'm down with Mike D and it ain't no baloney
I'm loyal to Mike D and our friendship is real.
For real, not phony, O.E. and Rice-a-Roni
I keep it genuine and prefer cheap but tasty meals.
I come out at night 'cause I sleep all day
I'm a night owl who sleeps during the day.
Well, I'm the King Ad-Rock and he's MCA
My name is King Ad-Rock and my friend is MCA.
Well I'm cruisin', I'm bruisin', I'm never ever losin'
I'm tough and unstoppable, always on top.
I'm in my car, I'm going far and dust is what I'm usin'
I'm taking my car and driving far, not caring about the consequences.
Around the way is where I'm from
I come from the neighborhood.
And I'm from Manhattan and I'm not a bum
I'm from Manhattan and I'm not poor or less than others.
Because you're pud-slapping, ball-flapping, got that juice
You're energetic, confident, and in control.
My name's Mike D and I can do that Jerry Lewis
I can entertain you, like Jerry Lewis did.
Hip-hop, body rockin', doing the do
I'm dancing and enjoying the music.
Beer drinkin', breath stinkin', sniffin' glue
I'm drinking beer, my breath stinks, and I'm probably doing drugs.
Belly fillin', always illin', bustin' caps
I'm eating well, always feeling good, and shooting a gun.
My name's Mike D and I write my own snaps
I write my own rhymes and I'm proud of it.
I'm a peep-show seekin' on the Forty-deuce
I'm looking for adult entertainment in Times Square.
I'm a killer at large and I'm on the loose
I'm dangerous and on the run from the law.
Pistol packin', Monkey drinkin', no money bum
I carry a gun, I drink cheap alcohol, and I'm broke.
I come from Brooklyn 'cause that's where I'm from
I'm from Brooklyn, my hometown.
Cheap-skate, perpetrating, money hungry jerk
I'm a stingy and dishonest person who's only interested in money.
Everyday I drink O.E. and I don't go to work
I drink malt liquor every day and I'm unemployed.
You drippy nose knuckle-head, you're wet behind the ears
You're immature and inexperienced.
You like men, and we like beer (beer, beer, beer)
You're homosexual and we prefer drinking beer.
King of the Ave. with the Def female
I'm the coolest guy in the neighborhood and I'm with a beautiful woman.
You're rhymin' and stealin' with the freshest ale
You're copying my rhymes and having a good beer with it.
Kid coolin' at the crib watchin' my TV
I'm relaxing at home, watching TV.
Ed Norton, Ted Knight, and Mr. Ed
I'm watching TV shows featuring these actors.
Pump it up homeboy, just don't stop
Keep the music playing and don't ever stop.
Chef Boyardee coolin' on the pot
I'm eating Chef Boyardee and feeling relaxed.
I take no slack 'cause I got the knack
I don't tolerate disrespect because I have natural talent.
And I'm never dusting out 'cause I torch that crack
I'm never running out of drugs because I always have enough.
Y'all drinking Moët and we got the champagne
You may have Moët, but we have something even better.
A quarter droppin', going shopping buying wigs
I'm shopping with a little bit of money and buying wigs.
Surgeon general, cut professor, DJ Thigs
I have a medical background, I'm an educator, and I'm a DJ.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Rick Rubin, Adam Horowitz, Michael Diamond, Adam Yauch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cynicallydepressed1
@@licensedtoill9278, I doubt actual Jews, especially from New York, think the 'killing Jesus' part 'funny'.
You can find yourself funny if you want...doesn't mean anybody else agrees with you.
Thank dog I'm not a 'New York guy'...I've been there...extremely unimpressed.
Little kids giving cabbies the finger, and their mom joining in, even though THEY were walking against a green...
Some idiots throwing rocks off of roofs and hitting people and cars...
Dudes in $90,ooo SUVs turning in their side mirrors to illegally merge into traffic to get into a tunnel and off the dogforsaken island...
I've driven across this country...been to Europe...never met or encountered such a collection of jerkholes and douchenozzles.
Also, I sent this screenshot to my friends in New York friends (who agree with my assessment, by the way, and have colorful things to say about the drivers too), and they LOVE the Beasties (as do I), and two of them are, in fact, Jewish. One of them is reasonably well-known JEWISH comic.
To quote him, "I see what he was going for, but he missed. That isn't comedy. Also, I don't think he knows the meaning of the word 'disparaged', though that explains why he thinks he is funny."
Please, stop while you're behind...
@banklikefrankwhite1
And they were considered fake at that time by the people that loved "real music".
Funny how it all works, isn't it?
There's a shitload of songs that have came out in the last few years that people like you dismiss as "shit" and "fake".
But in 5-10 years, the people that are in to those current songs are going to be on YouTube talking about how those are the only "real" songs , and that the new shit at that time just isn't as good as the good old days 5-10 years prior.
And the cycle continues.
I hope you spend more time enjoying music than hating it.
@mrstep2me
The Beasties were an original. They never tried to act like they were from the hood, they had their own unique style which earned them respect from the hip hop heads.
@Jacob_Spang
it didn't hurt that the songs slapped real hrd
@dakota.7617
@Augusto Pinochet beastie boys might as well be very early hip hop artists. Damn near close to the inception of hip hop (not really but in terms of mainstream and made the genre taken seriously and watched out for)
@christygibson193
❤ absolutely
They were completely their own kinda jam
One thing them and rap/hip- hop (Eazy -E, Salt-n-Pepa, 2 live crew, LL Cool J just to name a few) from the same time frame* had in common was either you enjoyed them or you despised them 🤔🙃
@AJF4150
@christygibson193 Beastie Boys started in the late 70s early 80s as punk rock/hip hop band, basically invented their own style. They were way before some of those people you mentioned and actually Run Dmc was the side act for THEM at one point. The Beastie boys can all play at least 3 instruments apiece. They're pioneers and very talented. RIP MCA Adam Yauch. Saw them in concert in 1984 at 14 years old then I saw them with public enemy in Germany in 1992. DOPE stuff right there.
@mewxtwo
I love the Beastie Boys and I always will, but they regularly rapped about carrying guns and shooting lol but since they're these mainstream clean white kids here nobody takes it seriously so it was never a problem
@bitterbob30
The dorks in this video turned out to be one of the greatest music groups of all time. Love these dudes!!!
@cynicallydepressed1
I was just thinking this as I saw this video..."What a bunch of flippin' dorks!".
Song was and is solid, the whole album I have memorized and in every possible format...
@elizabethferrari1346
I'm 52 and I loved beasties. I was 16 blasting this in my car partying with my friends. Good times. 👍 it was real back then. Too fake now.
@cynicallydepressed1
Yeah, @@licensedtoill9278, not sure why you had to bring 'race' into it like that...I don't really care about a guy named after candy, and for that matter, Third Bass also preceded him...