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."
Time to Get Ill
Beastie Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's time to get ill
And what's the time?
It's time to get ill
So what's the time?
It's time to get ill
Now what's the time?
It's time to get ill
I'm not the type of person who like to waste my time
And when I'm on the mic I just say my rhymes
And I'm out on bail, the check is in the mail
They can sentence me to life but I won't go to jail
I'm cool calm collected, from class I was ejected
Just me, Mike D., and M.C.A. we're rarely disrespected
I got all the time that I need to kill
What's that time?
It's time to get ill
You been fully captivated by that funky ass bass
Your girlfriend screams when M.C.A.'s in the place
He stumbles in the room with the Chivas in his hand
Cold chillin' in the spot at the microphone stand
I'd have the pedal to the metal if I had a car
But I'm chiller with the Miller, cold coolin' at the bar
I can drink a quart of Monkey and still stand still
What's the time?
It's time to get ill
Went outside my house I went down to the deli
I spent my last dime to refill my fat belly
I got rhymes galime, I got rhymes galilla
And I got more rhymes than Phyllis Diller
M.C.A. takes a stand, man you're in command
Homeboy, turn it out and don't give a damn
My name is M.C.A. I've got a license to kill
And what's the time?
It's time to get ill
Riding down the block with my box in my hand
Today I feel like chillin' just as chill as I can
Coolin' on the corner with a forty of O.E.
'Cause me and M.C.A. we're down with Mike D.
When I run a jam I don't give a damn
When I'm throwing bass I say, "Thank you ma'am."
Fuel injected, rhyme connected running things
Well I'm the King Adrock and I'm the king of all kings
I'm looking for a spot, things are gettin' hot
I'm M.C.A., I'm here to stay and you sir, are not
Oh no, it could not be, it's such a sight to see
It's such a trip, you're on my tip so listen to Mike D.
My work is my play, because I'm playing when I work
My name's Mike D., as you can see and I can do the jerk
M.C.A., Adrock, Mike D. it's chill
What's the time?
It's time to get ill
Now what's the time?
It's time to get ill
And what's the time?
It's time to get ill
So what's the time?
It's time to get ill
Now what's the time?
It's time to get ill
The lyrics to the Beastie Boys' "Time to Get Ill" are a call to action, urging the listener to let loose and have some fun. The repeated refrain "what's the time? It's time to get ill" sets the tone for the song and reinforces the idea of seizing the moment and enjoying life. The verses themselves are full of clever wordplay, showcasing the Boys' skills as MCs. They brag about their abilities and their cool, collected demeanor, and even poke fun at themselves a bit with lines like "I got more rhymes than Phyllis Diller."
The second verse in particular stands out as a showcase for M.C.A., with his confident flow and playful lyrics. He paints a vivid picture of his surroundings, from the Chivas in his hand to the Monkey drink that apparently has no effect on him. He also takes charge, telling the "homeboy" to turn it out and declaring himself to be licensed to kill. Overall, the lyrics to "Time to Get Ill" are fun, playful, and full of energy, encouraging the listener to let loose and enjoy life.
Line by Line Meaning
What's the time?
Asking the listener what the current time is
It's time to get ill
Expressing the sentiment that it is time to have a good time and enjoy oneself
And what's the time?
Reiterating the question about the current time
It's time to get ill
Reiterating the sentiment that it is time to have a good time and enjoy oneself
So what's the time?
Asking the listener yet again what the current time is
It's time to get ill
Again expressing the sentiment that it is time to have a good time and enjoy oneself
Now what's the time?
Asking the listener one final time what the current time is
It's time to get ill
One final expression of the sentiment that it is time to have a good time and enjoy oneself
I'm not the type of person who like to waste my time
Describing oneself as a productive individual who does not like to waste time
And when I'm on the mic I just say my rhymes
Stating that when speaking on the microphone, one only needs to recite their own rhymes
And I'm out on bail, the check is in the mail
Announcing one's release on bail and stating that a payment already sent by mail
They can sentence me to life but I won't go to jail
Asserting that even if given a life sentence, one will not be penalized
I'm cool calm collected, from class I was ejected
Describing oneself as relaxed and well-composed, having been previously kicked out of school
Just me, Mike D., and M.C.A. we're rarely disrespected
Stating that oneself and other members of the group are not often disrespected by others
I got all the time that I need to kill
Asserting that one has plenty of time to do whatever they want
What's that time?
Asking again what the current time is
It's time to get ill
Reiterating that it is time to have a good time and enjoy oneself
You been fully captivated by that funky ass bass
Noticing that the listener is enjoying the music's funky bassline
Your girlfriend screams when M.C.A.'s in the place
Noticing that the listener's significant other is excited when M.C.A. is present
He stumbles in the room with the Chivas in his hand
Describing how M.C.A. entered the room holding a bottle of Chivas Regal whiskey
Cold chillin' in the spot at the microphone stand
Relaxing in the area by the microphone stand
I'd have the pedal to the metal if I had a car
Stating that if one had a car, they would drive it very quickly
But I'm chiller with the Miller, cold coolin' at the bar
Preferring to relax and drink a Miller beer at the bar instead
I can drink a quart of Monkey and still stand still
Asserting that one can consume a lot of alcohol and still remain composed
What's the time?
Asking the listener once more what the current time is
It's time to get ill
Reiterating that it is time to have a good time and enjoy oneself
Went outside my house I went down to the deli
Describing a trip from the house to a deli
I spent my last dime to refill my fat belly
Reporting that one spent their remaining money on food
I got rhymes galime, I got rhymes galilla
Proudly stating that one has a lot of rhymes
And I got more rhymes than Phyllis Diller
Noting that one has even more rhymes than the late comedian Phyllis Diller
M.C.A. takes a stand, man you're in command
Referring to M.C.A. taking a stance and empowering the listener
Homeboy, turn it out and don't give a damn
Encouraging the listener to have fun and not care what others think
My name is M.C.A. I've got a license to kill
Introducing oneself as M.C.A. and metaphorically saying that one has a talent for performing
And what's the time?
Asking one final time what the current time is
It's time to get ill
Reiterating that it is time to have a good time and enjoy oneself
Riding down the block with my box in my hand
Describing oneself carrying a speaker or boombox while walking
Today I feel like chillin' just as chill as I can
Describing oneself feeling very relaxed and at peace
Coolin' on the corner with a forty of O.E.
Relaxing on the street corner with a forty ounce bottle of Olde English malt liquor
'Cause me and M.C.A. we're down with Mike D.
Identifying a trio of individuals who are good friends
When I run a jam I don't give a damn
Stating that when one performs, they do it for fun and do not care what others think
When I'm throwing bass I say, "Thank you ma'am."
Metaphorically thanking the listener or audience for enjoying the bass music
Fuel injected, rhyme connected running things
Describing oneself as a skilled rapper and leader
Well I'm the King Adrock and I'm the king of all kings
Referring to oneself as the best of the best
I'm looking for a spot, things are gettin' hot
Expressing the need to cool down in a certain location
I'm M.C.A., I'm here to stay and you sir, are not
Asserting that one will remain present and active while others may not
Oh no, it could not be, it's such a sight to see
Exclaiming in surprise upon seeing someone or something unexpected
It's such a trip, you're on my tip so listen to Mike D.
Inviting the listener to pay attention to Mike D.'s lyrics
My work is my play, because I'm playing when I work
Asserting that one's work is enjoyable and does not feel like work
My name's Mike D., as you can see and I can do the jerk
Introducing oneself as Mike D. and saying that one can dance the jerk
M.C.A., Adrock, Mike D. it's chill
Listing the names of the members of the group and expressing that everything is relaxed
Now what's the time?
Prompting the listener to say what the current time is
It's time to get ill
Stating that it is time to have a good time and enjoy oneself
And what's the time?
Asking the listener once again what the current time is
It's time to get ill
Reiterating that it is time to have a good time and enjoy oneself
So what's the time?
Asking the listener yet again what the current time is
It's time to get ill
One final expression of the sentiment that it is time to have a good time and enjoy oneself
Now what's the time?
A final prompt for the listener to say what the current time is
It's time to get ill
A final reiteration of the sentiment that it is time to have a good time and enjoy oneself
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RICK RUBIN, ADAM HOROWITZ, MICHAEL DIAMOND, ADAM YAUCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alex_harnar_618
Beastie Boys - ‘ Time To Get Ill‘ Samples
AC/DC - Flick Of The Switch (1983) (Which is the guitar riff used in the beginning)
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts -
I Love Rock N’ Roll (1982) (Which is the ‘YEAOW!’ vocal sample used right before the first verse comes into play.)
Russel Brothers - The Party Scene (1983) (Which are the drums used throughout each verse)
Kool & The Gang - Funky Stuff (1973) (Which is the whistle sound effect used at each verse)
Ralph McDonald - Jam On The Grove (1976) (This one was hard to find, but it’s the trumpet sound used very quietly during the first verse)
Barry White - I’m Gonna Love You Just A. Little Bit More (1973) (Which is the keyboard/trumpet riff used during the first Chorus/Breakdown)
The Steve Miller Band - Take The Money And Run (1976) (Which are the drum sounds used right after the ‘Barry White Sample‘ in the first Chorus/Breakdown)
Cerrone - Rocket In The Pocket (1972) Which is the scratching guitar riff used over top of the ‘Steve Miller Band Drum Sample’ & right after the ‘Barry White Sample’
Schoolly D - Gucci Time (1985) (Which are the vocals saying the line: ‘Looking At My Gucci It’s About That Time’ during the second Chorus/Breakdown)
Vic Mizzy, Eddie Albert, Eva Gabor - ‘Green Acres’ Theme Song (1965) (Which is the direct sample used for the third Chorus/Breakdown.)
Jay Livingston - ‘Misted Ed’ Theme Song (1961) (Which Is The main direct vocal sample used after the: ‘Green Acres’ sample)
Nothing Form Nothing - Billy Preston (1974) (Which is the Trumpet/Keyboard riff used after the two samples mentioned above come into place.)
Creedence Clearwater -
Down On The Corner (1969) (Which is the smooth guitar riff used during the third Chorus/Breakdown)
Custard Pie - Led Zeppelin (1975) (Which is the second guitar riff used right after the ‘Creedence Clearwater Guitar Riff’ sample mentioned above.)
@alex_harnar_618
Beastie Boys - ‘ Time To Get Ill‘ (1986) Samples
AC/DC - Flick Of The Switch (1983) (Which is the guitar riff used in the beginning)
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts -
I Love Rock N’ Roll (1982) (Which is the ‘YEAOW!’ vocal sample used right before the first verse comes into play.)
Russel Brothers - The Party Scene (1983) (Which are the drums used throughout each verse)
Kool & The Gang - Funky Stuff (1973) (Which is the whistle sound effect used at each verse)
Ralph McDonald - Jam On The Grove (1976) (This one was hard to find, but it’s the whistle sound used during the first verse)
Barry White - I’m Gonna Love You Just A. Little Bit More (1973) (Which is the keyboard/trumpet riff used during the first Chorus/Breakdown)
The Steve Miller Band - Take The Money And Run (1976) (Which are the drum sounds used right after the ‘Barry White Sample‘ in the first Chorus/Breakdown)
Cerrone - Rocket In The Pocket (1972) Which is the scratching guitar riff used over top of the ‘Steve Miller Band Drum Sample’ & right after the ‘Barry White Sample’
Schoolly D - Gucci Time (1985) (Which are the vocals saying the line: ‘Looking At My Gucci It’s About That Time’ during the second Chorus/Breakdown)
Vic Mizzy, Eddie Albert, Eva Gabor - ‘Green Acres’ Theme Song (1965) (Which is the direct sample used for the third Chorus/Breakdown.)
Jay Livingston - ‘Misted Ed’ Theme Song (1961) (Which Is The main direct vocal sample used after the: ‘Green Acres’ sample)
Nothing Form Nothing - Billy Preston (1974) (Which is the Trumpet/Keyboard riff used after the two samples mentioned above come into place.)
Creedence Clearwater -
Down On The Corner (1969) (Which is the smooth guitar riff used during the third Chorus/Breakdown)
Custard Pie - Led Zeppelin (1975) (Which is the second guitar riff used right after the ‘Creedence Clearwater Guitar Riff’ sample mentioned above.)
@soultheinterrogator
33 years later and this album still is not old. This album molded my childhood
@Mynameisjefferss
My 1st album.
@frayfray4496
Yup fresh 27 and heard when I was 15. Was always into hipop but when I started going back into the genre this was always high upon the list
@wasup5107
I loved this group because I've got Brooklyn Scottish family
@bennyhill4228
Remember Andrew broadbent givng me this vinyl then we watched the movie predator totaly fucking stoned, he's a good lad thank you that man <3
@tracymatthews3157
This is the first Beastie Boys song I ever heard when I was 13, I'm now 44 and it's still one of my favourite songs ever
@youalreadyknow5039
Tracy MATTHEWS yeah buddy!!
@bannerelkglassart433
Fucking badass for life. This album formed part of my soul at a young age. My dad boight this CD for me when i was young. It was my 2nd 3rd or 4th cd. My mom bought my brother and i the gorillaz and smashmouth fush u mang when i was like 7. When i became about 9 my dad let me pick this out at walmart... Fuck Wal-Mart
@chriskolb3105
BannerElk GlassArt I cant believe your dad gave you this when You were 9! That’s hilarious! Your dad must be a riot!
@jordaneggerman4734
When my wife and I started dating, years ago, I turned to her and said, "HEY, WHATS THE TIME?!"
Without hesitation, she tilted her head back and yelled, "ITS TIME TO GET ILL!!!"
It was that moment I knew I had to marry her.