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The Beastie Boys’ debut album, Licensed to Ill, is a key hip hop album despite the controversy that it initially caused.
It was released in 1986 and has sold over 9 million copies, making it easily the group’s most popular album. Hit songs off the album, such as “Brass Monkey” and “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” lured fans in with their unique style and energetic flow.
Licensed to Ill has become an essential listen due to its role in the invention of the rap rock genre. Other songs off the album, such as “Rhymin & Stealin” and “Paul Revere,” highlight the rhythm aspect of the new genre.
One of the most popular songs on the album is “Fight For Your Right.” This song became a huge hit due to its representation of the group’s rebellion against authority and what were deemed as traditional values at the time.
The three Beastie Boys – Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz, Adam “MCA” Yauch, and Michael “Mike D” Diamond – each bring their unique vocal styles to the album, making it a classic.
