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."
Intergalactic
Beastie Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
Another dimension, another dimension
Another dimension, another dimension
Another dimension, another dimension
Another dimension, another dimension
Another dimension
Well, now, don't you tell me to smile
You stick around I'll make it worth your while
Got number's beyond what you can dial
Maybe it's because we're so versatile
Style, profile, I said
It always brings me back when I hear, "Ooh, child!"
From The Hudson River out to the Nile
I run the marathon to the very last mile
Well, if you battle me I feel reviled
People always sayin' my style is wild
You've got gall, you've got guile
Step to me I'm a rap-o-phile
If you want to battle you're in denial
Comin' from Uranus to check my style
Go ahead, put my rhymes on trial
Cast you off into exile
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
Jazz and AWOL, that's our team
Step inside the party, disrupt the whole scene
When it comes to beats, well, I'm a fiend
I like my sugar with coffee and cream
Well, I gotta keep it going, keep it going full steam
Too sweet to be sour to nice to be mean
Well, on the tough-guy style, I'm not too keen
Trying to change the world, I will plot and scheme
Mario C. likes to keep it clean
Gonna shine like a sunbeam
Keep on rappin', 'cause that's my dream
Got an A from Moe Dee for sticking to themes
Now when it comes to envy y'all is green
Jealous of the rhyme and the rhyme routine
Another dimension, new galaxy
Intergalactic, planetary
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
We're from the family tree of old school hip-hop
Kick off your shoes and relax your socks
The rhymes are spread just like a pox
'Cause the music is loud like an electric shock
I am known to do the wop
Also known for the Flintstone Flop
Tammy D gets biz on the crops
Beastie Boys known to let the beat
Mmm, drop!
Now when I wrote graffiti my name was Slop
If my rap's soup, my beats is stock
Step from the table when I start to chop
I'm the lumberjack DJ Adrock
If you try to knock me you'll get mocked
I'll stir fry you in my wok
Your knees'll start shakin' and your fingers pop
Like a pinch on the neck of Mr. Spock
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
Another dimension, another dimension
Another dimension, another dimension
Another dimension, another dimension
Another dimension, another dimension
Another dimension, another dimension
Another dimension, another dimension
"Intergalactic" by the Beastie Boys is a song about being otherworldly and unstoppable, comparing their abilities and artistry to those of beings from other dimensions and galaxies. The song emphasizes their unique style that keeps listeners coming back for more, and they take pride in being versatile and able to adapt to any situation. The repetitive phrases of "intergalactic, planetary" and "another dimension" signify the limitless boundaries of their creativity, while the references to other musical styles and cultures demonstrate their wide array of influences.
The lyrics also contain several references to specific people and events, such as Moe Dee, an American rapper and voice actor, and the "Wop," a dance move popular in the 1960s. The Flintstones also make an appearance, as the group compares themselves to the prehistoric cartoon characters for their ability to withstand the test of time.
Throughout the song, the Beastie Boys maintain a playful, confident attitude, using clever wordplay and cultural references to showcase their skills and assert their dominance in the music industry. "Intergalactic" is a celebration of their own uniqueness and creative vision, as well as a nod to the countless other performers and artists who have influenced them along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic
The journey transcends galaxies and planets.
Another dimension, another dimension
A new realm, unexplored.
Well, now, don't you tell me to smile
My joy is my choice alone.
You stick around I'll make it worth your while
Stay with me, and I'll show you a good time.
Got number's beyond what you can dial
Contact me, and I'll connect you to endless possibilities.
Maybe it's because we're so versatile
My abilities know no bounds.
Style, profile, I said
My attitude and appearance are bold and confident.
It always brings me back when I hear, "Ooh, child!"
Certain sounds and phrases spark fond memories.
From The Hudson River out to the Nile
My influence and impact span the globe.
I run the marathon to the very last mile
I'm in it for the long haul, no matter the challenge.
Well, if you battle me I feel reviled
Don't even try to compete with me - it's a losing battle.
People always sayin' my style is wild
My creativity and uniqueness are often remarked upon.
You've got gall, you've got guile
You're bold and cunning, but no match for me.
Step to me I'm a rap-o-phile
My love for rap is unparalleled.
If you want to battle you're in denial
Thinking you can compete with me is a delusion.
Comin' from Uranus to check my style
From the depths of space, I've come to showcase my talent.
Go ahead, put my rhymes on trial
Critique my work - I know I'll come out on top.
Cast you off into exile
Your failure is inevitable - you'll be left behind.
Jazz and AWOL, that's our team
We work together to produce amazing music.
Step inside the party, disrupt the whole scene
Our arrival shakes things up and injects energy into the atmosphere.
When it comes to beats, well, I'm a fiend
My passion for producing music is insatiable.
I like my sugar with coffee and cream
I enjoy the finer things in life.
Well, I gotta keep it going, keep it going full steam
I never slow down or give up - I keep pushing forward.
Too sweet to be sour to nice to be mean
My positive outlook on life shines through in all that I do.
Well, on the tough-guy style, I'm not too keen
I don't buy into the idea that being tough makes someone better.
Trying to change the world, I will plot and scheme
I have big goals and am willing to strategize to make them a reality.
Mario C. likes to keep it clean
One of our crew members is all about hygiene and cleanliness.
Gonna shine like a sunbeam
We're going to make a huge impact wherever we go.
Keep on rappin', 'cause that's my dream
Rapping and producing music is my ultimate goal.
Got an A from Moe Dee for sticking to themes
A fellow rapper praised me for staying true to my artistic vision.
Now when it comes to envy y'all is green
Others are envious of my success and talent.
Jealous of the rhyme and the rhyme routine
Specifically, others are envious of my ability to produce great lyrics and music.
Another dimension, new galaxy
The journey continues to explore new frontiers of creativity.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: Adam Horovitz, Adam Nathaniel Yauch, Mario Caldato Jr., Michael Louis Diamond
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alex _Harnar_618
There were 4 samples in the song: ‘Intergalactic’ by the Beastie Boys. (1998)
———————————————————————————
1. ‘Prelude in C# Minor‘ - Les Baxter (1968) (Which is the Organ sounding Moog Machine used throughout the song right when the first verse comes into play at (0:32)
——————————————————————————
2. ‘Love Is Blue (L'Amour Est Bleu)’ - The Jazz Crusaders (1968) (Which is the jazzy bass riff used at the bridge of the song at: (2:34)
————————————————————————————
3. ‘Hang on in There‘ - The Stovall Sisters (1971) (Which are the vocals saying the line: ‘Do It!’ During the bridge of the song at (2:34) and right before the song ends at: (3:28)
————————————————————————————
4. ‘The New Style’ - Beastie Boys (1986) (Which is the line: “mmmm...DROP?!” at (2:32)
———————————————————————————
Cristian Palmer
A classic. Period.
Paúl Salvador
We need this song in more trailers/movies
MagicalMyth
Yeessss
Alpha Skull wolf
I love this song so much!
Alex _Harnar_618
There were 4 samples in the song: ‘Intergalactic’ by the Beastie Boys. (1998)
———————————————————————————
1. ‘Prelude in C# Minor‘ - Les Baxter (1968) (Which is the Organ sounding Moog Machine used throughout the song right when the first verse comes into play at (0:32)
——————————————————————————
2. ‘Love Is Blue (L'Amour Est Bleu)’ - The Jazz Crusaders (1968) (Which is the jazzy bass riff used at the bridge of the song at: (2:34)
————————————————————————————
3. ‘Hang on in There‘ - The Stovall Sisters (1971) (Which are the vocals saying the line: ‘Do It!’ During the bridge of the song at (2:34) and right before the song ends at: (3:28)
————————————————————————————
4. ‘The New Style’ - Beastie Boys (1986) (Which is the line: “mmmm...DROP?!” at (2:32)
———————————————————————————
eliskakordulova
nice! thanks for sharing
Ed, edd and edgar
That's awesome! I'm about to look those up. Thanks!
Cristian Palmer
A classic period
Jimmy The Clown
Ah yes
Real Hip Hop
😁💕
Healthy_Stuff
This rap song is very good,
It will live on, let me knock on wood.
I'm doing homework like you know I should,
I'd be a wrapper if only I could... 😆😆😆👍