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."
Pass the Mic
Beastie Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hear what I'm dealing with then that's cool at least
What's running through my mind comes through in my walk
True feelings are shown from the way that I talk and this is me, y'all
An M.C., y'all my name is M.C.A. and I still do what I please
And now I'd like to introduce (what's up?)
I'll pass the mic to D for a fistful of truth
And I can rock a block party 'till your hair turns grey
(So, what you sayin'?) I explode on site
I'm like Jimmy Walker, I'm (dy-no-mite!)
And now I'd like to pass the mic
To Adrock, c'mon and do anything you like
I'm the A-D-R-O-C-K, in the place with the bass, I'm going all the way
I can't stop y'all, tock-tick, y'all
And if you think that you're slick you'll catch a brick y'all
'Cause I'ma turn it in and I'ma turn it out
But for now I've got to pass the mic to Yauch
Well, on and on and on and on
I can't stop, y'all, 'till' the early morn'
So rock-rock, y'all, tick-tock y'all, to the beat, y'all
To the beat, y'all, c'mon and rock, y'all
I give thanks for inspiration, it guides my mind along the way
A lot of people get jealous, they're talking about me
But that's just 'cause they haven't got a thing to say
Well, everybody rapping like it's a commercial
Actin' like life is a big commercial
So this is what I've got to say to you all
Be true to yourself and you will never fall
And now I'd like to pass the mic to the A
(So what's your name, yauch?) my name is M.C.A
I've been coming to where I am from the get-go
Find that I can groove with the beat when I let go
So put your worries on hold
Get up and groove with the rhythm in your soul
And now I'd like to pass the mic
To my brother Adrock, c'mon and shine like a light
Yes, yes, y'all and yes, yes, y'all
I'm always on time, nevertheless, y'all
And that's right, y'all
I shed light, y'all
I've got no time in my life to get uptight, y'all
So what you gonna say that I don't know already?
I'm like Clyde and I'm rockin' steady
But time flies when you're having fun, so Mike D (that's me!)
C'mon and get some
M-I-K-E to the D
You come and see me and you pay your fee
Do what I do professionally
To tell the truth I am exactly what I want to be
Now Adrock (huh?) and M.C.A (yeah?)
Let's rock this joint in the old school way
Well, I'm on 'till the crack of dawn
Mowing down M.C.'s like I'm mowing the lawn
I go off like nothing can phase me
You think we'll ever meet Stevie?
(One of these days, D!)
But I can stand my ground and I am down
To wax an M.C who acts like a clown
But for now, I'd like to ask you how
You like the feel of the bass in your face in the crowd?
Pass the Mic is a track from Beastie Boys's third studio album “Check Your Head” released in 1992. The song is a classic example of the group's ability to switch up their vocals for a collaborative effort. The lyrics are a showcase of the three members, Mike D, MCA, and Ad-Rock, entertaining the audience by trading verses and passing the mic around. The song begins with MCA placing an emphasis on his individuality, claiming the power to do as he pleases. He concludes his verse by-passing the microphone to Ad-Rock, pointing out that he is free to do whatever he wants with it. Ad-Rock uses his verse to display his lyrical prowess by cleverly using rhyming couplets, ending his verse by-passing the mic to MCA, who uses his verse to thank everyone for their inspiration before passing the mic back to Ad-Rock. The song continues with the three members passing the mic to each other, highlighting their individuality and unique vocal styles.
The song's lyrics showcase that the members have distinctive styles, but they can work together to create a cohesive song. The main message from the song is to stay true to oneself and be comfortable in your own skin. The lyrics also comment on the mainstream hip-hop scene at the time, expressing their displeasure of rappers who would sell out for commercial success.
Line by Line Meaning
If you can feel what I'm feeling then it's a musical masterpiece
The artist believes that if someone can truly connect with the emotions conveyed by their music, then the song becomes something truly special.
Hear what I'm dealing with then that's cool at least
The artist is putting out their ideas and emotions through music, and they would appreciate it if others can listen and appreciate what they're doing.
What's running through my mind comes through in my walk
The artist's mindset and emotions are visible in their behavior, attitude, and overall personality.
True feelings are shown from the way that I talk and this is me, y'all
The artist's true personality and emotions are reflected in their speech and they are going to be themselves, no matter what.
An M.C., y'all my name is M.C.A. and I still do what I please
The artist is an M.C. and goes by the name M.C.A. They do what they want and follow their own style.
I'll pass the mic to D for a fistful of truth
The artist is handing over the mic to another musician in order to deliver a message that is pure and honest.
I'm the A-D-R-O-C-K, in the place with the bass, I'm going all the way
The artist, Adrock, is confident in their bass playing and is in it for the long haul.
I can't stop y'all, tock-tick, y'all
Adrock is unstoppable, and the beat keeps going and going.
And if you think that you're slick you'll catch a brick y'all
Anyone who tries to act cunning or dishonest will face consequences, as Adrock will give them a rude awakening.
But for now I've got to pass the mic to Yauch
Adrock is shifting focus to Yauch, another musician, for his part in the song.
I give thanks for inspiration, it guides my mind along the way
The artist is grateful for the inspiration that guides their mind while making music.
A lot of people get jealous, they're talking about me
Many people envy the artist and talk about them behind their back or out of jealousy.
But that's just 'cause they haven't got a thing to say
Those who are hating on the artist don't have anything worth saying or contributing to the conversation.
So this is what I've got to say to you all
The artist has a message to share with listeners.
Be true to yourself and you will never fall
If one can stay true to themselves, they will never falter or fail.
So put your worries on hold/Get up and groove with the rhythm in your soul
The artist is encouraging people to dance and let go of any stress or anxiety they might be feeling.
Yes, yes, y'all and yes, yes, y'all
The artist is hyping up the crowd and getting them ready for what's to come.
I shed light, y'all
The artist is shedding light on things that people may be ignorant about or not know.
But for now, I'd like to ask you how/You like the feel of the bass in your face in the crowd?
The artist is curious about how the crowd is feeling in regard to the music and is asking them a direct question.
M-I-K-E to the D
The artist switches focus to another musician, Mike D.
Do what I do professionally/To tell the truth I am exactly what I want to be
Mike D is doing what he loves professionally and is content with who he is as a person.
Let's rock this joint in the old school way
The artists are ready to perform and want to rock the show in a classic, old school fashion.
I'm on 'till the crack of dawn/Mowing down M.C.'s like I'm mowing the lawn
The artist, Adrock, is continuously doing what he loves and taking down other M.C.'s in a competitive way.
I go off like nothing can phase me
Adrock is unfazed by anything and is fully invested in his craft.
You think we'll ever meet Stevie?/ (One of these days, D!)
The artist, Mike D, and Adrock speculate about meeting Stevie Wonder one day, and they both seem excited by the possibility.
But I can stand my ground and I am down/To wax an M.C who acts like a clown
Adrock is confident in his skills and is willing to take down any M.C. who is acting foolishly or disrespectfully.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM HOROVITZ, ADAM NATHANIEL YAUCH, MARIO CALDATO JR., MICHAEL LOUIS DIAMOND, M. NISHITA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mekeira
[MCA]
If you can feel what I’m feeling then it's a musical masterpiece
If you can hear what I’m dealing with then that's cool at least
What's running through my mind comes through in my walk
True feelings are shown from the way that I talk
And this is me y'all, I emcee y'all
My name is MCA and I still do what I please
And now I’d like to introduce (what's up?)
I'll pass the mic to D for a fist full of truth
[Mike D]
The name is D, y'all and I don't play
And I can rock a block party 'til your hair turns grey
So, what you sayin'? I explode on site
I’m like Jimmy Walker I’m Dyn-o-mite
And now I’d like to pass the mic
To Adrock c'mon and do anything you like
[Adrock]
I’m the A-D-R-O-C-K
In the place with the bass I’m going all the way
I can't stop, y'all, tock tick, y'all
And if you think that you're slick you'll catch a brick, y'all
‘Cause I’mma turn it in and I’mma turn it out
But now I’ve got to pass the mic to Yauch
[MCA]
Well, on and on and on and on
I can't stop, y'all 'til the early morn’
So rock rock , y'all, tick tock, y'all
To the beat, y'all, c'mon and rock, y'all
[Adrock, MCA, & Mike D]
I give thanks for inspiration, it guides my mind along the way
A lot of people get jealous, they're talking about me
But that's just cause they haven't got a thing to say
[Mike D]
Well everybody rapping like it's a commercial
Actin' like life is a big rehearsal (he says commercial in the video but its an accident)
So this is what I’ve got to say to you all
Be true to yourself and you will never fall
And now I’d like to pass the mic to A
So what's your name, Yauch?
[MCA]
My name is MCA
I’ve been coming to where I am from the get go
Find that I can groove with the beat when I let go
So put your worries on hold
Get up and groove with the rhythm in your soul
And now I’d like to pass the mic (To who?)
To my brother Adrock c'mon and shine like a light
[Adrock]
Yes, yes, y'all and yes, yes, y'all
I’m always on time nevertheless, y'all
And that's right y'all, I shed light, y'all
I’ve got no time in my life to get uptight, y'all
So what you gonna say that I don't know already?
I’m like Clyde and I’m rockin' steady
But time flies when you're having fun
So Mike D? (That's me!) C'mon and get some
[Mike D]
M.I.K.E. to the D
You come and see me and you pay a fee
Do what I do professionally
To tell the truth I am exactly what I want to be
Now Ad-Rock (Huh?) and MCA (Yeah?)
Let's rock this joint in the old school way
[Adrock, MCA, & Mike D]
Well I’m on 'til the crack of dawn
Mowing down emcees like I’m mowing a lawn
I go off like nothing can faze me
You think we'll ever meet Stevie? one of these days, D
But I can stand my ground and I am down
To wax an emcee who acts like a clown
But for now, I’d like to ask you how
You like the feel of the bass in your face in the crowd
Spacebunz
Still one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE BANDS. RIP MCA
Jeffery Nelson
this beer is raised to MCA
Tiffany M
My all time favorite band....still makes me sad 😢
CEE
Fo reeeelz homes
Rab Mc
Seriously what a group, I can't put in to words how unique these cats were, rip MCA 🙌🏻
Fadge Eater
I can.... sense of humour!
Doubletap Chap
Hard to believe it's been so long ago now....I seen these guys for a $15 concert ticket
One of the best shows ever 🤘
damir vasic
a masterpiece... Beastie Boys forever
Metal Fingers
STILL love these guys. NOBODY has even come close to matching them. #RIPMCA
Todd Butcher
ja no it