Beastie Boys: The Greatest Group Of All Time 

They never sold out and they never pretended to be something they weren't. They were themselves and made great music and that's why I think they are loved by most.

They took the music seriously, but never themselves. That is why people love them.

What’s always been great about Beastie Boys is how well they rapped over each other. Most groups just have the guy who doubles the ends of the lines in case the MC runs out of breath. These guys traded line by line and finished each other’s rhymes like they were one MC with three heads. Very few groups out there like that.

The mere fact that CHUCK D FROM PUBLIC ENEMY throws big ups to the Beasties just shows how truly dope and DOWN they were.

Very thoughtful, unbiased opinion. He gave tangible reasons for his arguments, not just personal opinions.

I found a Licensed to Ill tape in my neighbor's yard in 1987. It changed my life forever.

Paul's Boutique actually broke a Guinness Book world record for the most samples used on an album.

The Madonna thing wasn't white privilege it was because they did it for 500 bucks a show

Innovation not identity is why they stayed relevant.

They got to to tour with Madonna bc they would do it for just $500 a show while Run DMC would not do it for less than $20K a show.

You deserve a PhD for this balanced, researched approach. Bravo.

Why they left was because Rick And Russell wouldn't pay them. Its in the book.

God, Murs does such a good job of celebrating artists while still critically questioning their success. He just covers all the bases, big respect.

On point. Most innovative. Most creative. Never sold out. Always had their own sound. Never bit no one else's style. Longevity. Pioneers. Accolades. Groundbreaking. Were not held back by any genre. LEGENDARY. Beasties are my favorite hip hop group of all time.

Staying creative and relevant line you said was deep and so true. Dude this was a well made and researched video. Learned a lot of stuff. Shit this was a good video, you changed my mind...

Also, Ad Rock discovered LL and made the beat on his first record, "I Need a Beat."

A group like the bestie boys was destined to happen punks have a lot of respect for hip hop its verry similar to punk music or at least it was at the time they didn’t sound alike obviously but they were both rebellious and they were both a voice for oppressed youth and I think that’s what made the bestie boys work and that’s why they were so dam good they knew how to tap in to both and make it work

4 years later and I'm just seeing this. I'm 47 years old and the Beastie Boys were the soundtrack to my youth. Those memories can bring me to tears or fits of laughter. RIP MCA. They influenced me so much and are so entwined in my life Mike D or Ad Rock could ask me for anything and I would make it happen like they were my brothers. I can't imagine how many people out there feel the same way.

Sabotage is the best music video ever!

3 mc’s and 1 dj shows how pure these guys are.

Murs clearly said greatest, not best or favorite. I think I can agree. The Beasties made consistently good music their entire career, and never made a wack album or even mediocre album for the 30 years they were together. Wu-Tang can't say that. Not even De La Soul or Public Enemy can say that, as much as I love and respect them. The only group that comes close to consistency and longevity is Tribe, but they also had a 20 year gap between records. Paul's Boutique is a legitimate masterpiece.

Paul’s boutique is my favorite record of all time. It’s so good. You just have to spend time listening to the songs. B-Boy Bouillabaisse takes along time to get going but it’s a classic imo. Listen to it completely if you haven’t.

R.I.P Adam Yauch (MCA)

Without the Beastie Boys we would of never got that dude from Detroit. You know the man that goes by the name Slim Shady.

Paul's Boutique is one of my favorite albums

FINALLY SOMEONE PUT SOME RESPEK ON THE BEASTIE BOYS NAME!!!! SLEPT ON LEGENDS!!!

Perfect video! I’ve always hated when people talk greatest rap groups of all time and rarely mention the Beasties. Hell, when some rappers even shoutout the late greats nowadays they’ll say “RIP to Biggie, Pac, Pun, Big L, JMJ...” and never mention MCA. It’s like hip hop tries to discount for some odd reason. Even with their punk rock and jazz influences, they’ve always kept more hip hop than anything. Hello Nasty is a straight up hip hop album and one of the bests. Intergalactic has one of the hardest beats. Beasties’s has one of the baddest and sickest dj’s out with Mixmaster Mike. License To Ill has probably been sampled to death in rap nowadays. Beastie Boys should always be in the conversation and if you don’t think so then you need to listen to them and check your head.

The Beatles of Hip Hop.... Was lucky enough to see them live 4 times.... The 1st in London in 86 on the Raising Hell tour.... The last at their book launch in London.... But missing the Legend Yauch.... Rest in peace! We miss you

Never knew that DefJam wanted to make a Beastie Boys movie. So glad that never happened. When "Paul's Boutique" was released, I really wanted a "Licensed to Ill 2", and didn't get into it at first. A couple of years, I started to appreciate it and realized it was ahead of its time.

I was born in '86 and when I was like 6 years old I saw the video for "So what'cha want" and that was the first thing I understood as "cool" without anybody telling me, haha.

So before I say anything I'm going to say The Beastie boys are one of my favorite music groups ever. Period. I always would listen to them and my black friends would make fun of me hahaha but I never gave af cuz I listen to everything growing up (everything 80s and alternative rock and hip-hop 90s ) I think there are a ton of better rappers lyrically, but as far as longevity, creativity and just plane having fun with their music, the Beasties got tons of rappers beat. I'm a very proud Beastie boys fan, the beats on Paul Rivere and Watcha want are sick at and they were also better Live compared to most rappers, rap music live sucks, I don't care what anyone says. Because the Beastie boys were able to put real instruments into their sound they were better live . So yeah Beastie boys are one of the hip hop Goats. Rip MCA

A fan of hip hop, rap, punk and funk - these dudes fused them all together. We won't see some awesome shit like them for a long time.

First of all I love this channel. Secondly, facts > emotions when knowledge is concerned. I agree with everything expect for the “unfair advantage” phrase. Take out unfair and leave in advantage. The beastie boys were born “white” and not poor but that was beyond their control. Unfair implies that they got something over someone else when it wasn’t deserved. They deserve their props. Their ethnicity and station in life helped them have the luxury of a “plan b” if their music fell through, but their creativity, talent and vision is what keeps them relevant. Besides that, they as they got older they became more “conscious” w/o selling out and their projects reflect those values. I remember hearing Paul Revere in second grade w/o knowing these were white guys... the sound was funky, abrasive, funny and cool. Everything I love in art/artists. Rap and punk music are pretty much related in my opinion and I love both. Great job Murs.

Hold it now - HIT IT! Man I love them since 83!❤️ R.I.P. Adam Yauch

Everyone disliking clearly did not watch the whole video and/or failed to understand the point here. It's not about best.

Paul Revere is still a banging tune today🎵🎶🎵

the first cassette I bought with my walkman was the license to ill album. the rest is history.

Beastie Boys Jazz instruments timeless and underrated

I mentioned the Beastie Boys at work one day. My boss casually mentions that Mike D is her cousin. The 80s teen in me went crazy! Oh- and the family genes are strong- they definitely look related!

Can't argue with that. Beasties kick ass. R.I.P. MCA

everyone disagreeing didn’t make it to the end of the video. They are not the most talented group, or even the most likable group, but numbers-wise and leaving a mark on the hip hop community-wise, they are the greatest. he’s not saying he likes the beastie boys more than, say, Outkast.

1994 Lollapalooza, Victorville CA. Best concert of my life. Beastie Boys almost caused a riot. It was awesome.

I straddle Both Worlds I'm a huge punk rock fan and Hip-Hop fan. They're not as different as one might think. I have the Beastie Boys punk rock CD pollywog stew is pretty fucking awesome. I can't believe they can do both genres and do them well. I've always identified with the rebellious spirit of both genres.

White privilege my butt they worked hard and they og pioneers

The Beastie's left Def Jam because Def Jam got shady with the money. Also Leon, Rick and Russell wanted more of the same from the Beastie Boys, they wanted License to Ill Part 2, and the Beastie Boys wanted to do something much more interesting. This says a lot about their integrity.

Hold it now...... HIT IT!!!!

Hello Nasty is one of the greatest records of all time. It goes way beyond punk and hiphop. It is a masterpiece

What a great piece on the legendary Beasties. Thanks for this, HipHopDX!

We need to re-title this and name it greatest hip hop duets/groups/crews. I feel like that would be a better series. Eric B and Rakim, Outkast, Wu Tang, Mobb Deep, The Roots, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, A Tribe Called Quest, NWA, and De La Soul...

beastie boys is the only hip hop group I really like. grunge was always my scene but they just transcend genre boundaries

To this day the Beasties point blank refuse to let their music be perverted in advertising.

I grew up listening to rock and heavy metal bands and Beastie Boys "introduced" me to the hip-hop world a few years ago. Because of them, I discovered ATCQ, De La Soul, Run DMC, Public Enemy, Nas, and others... Because of them I started to listen to different kind of music, like Bossa Nova, samba (even though I'm from Brazil and never cared about it), Funk, jazz, etc. So I prefer understand them like an alternative hip-hop group, they sound different, maybe because of their punk rock roots. But if you have a chance check out "Paul's Boutique". It's a real masterpice.

No one should just dismiss Murs' argument. This was very thoughtful and convincing piece. I'm glad he mentioned Paul's Boutique because it was revolution ary in sampling and sampling techinques. People are quick to use the word 'classic' but Licensed to Ill and Paul's Boutique are certified classics. If you haven't heard of them, you need to do your research and your opinion is void. My favorite group is Outkast but it's a hard sell to say Beastie Boys did not contribute more to the culture AND they did it with more longevity. Good shyt, Murs.

The funny thing... Paul's Boutique is by far their best record IMO

and they put Biz Markie singing Bennie and Jets on an album and it's my hold music lmaooo

You know what would be dope...a Tribe breakdown, or even a Native Tongues breakdown that talks about the influence and impact that those groups had on hip hop.

I listen to predominately death metal but I love this channel. Saw Beastie Boys back in the 90's and they blow me away. Been a massive fan since.

I still love em'. It seems that they grew up as I was growing up. PS I miss Adam...

Amazing analysis. I'm 52, remember wearing out my casett listening to the Beastie Boys, and destroying my eardrums. They opened my mind to RUN DMC, Whodini and countless others...still listen to old school rap to this day, all started because of the Beastie Boys. Legends!

Paul's Boutique is a masterpiece

Intergalactic is dope af. There is no disagreeing on that.

Freaking love this I’m a black dude always put my black artists first but the Beasties are freaking AMAZING! One of the top 5 hip hop groups all time and one of the best musical groups period! RIP to my favorite Beastie MCA!

I am an old grandma. I absolutely love the BEASTIE BOYS. i HAVE LISTENED TO THEM FOR 30 years and find them one of the best, if not the best, groups EVER. Keep playing your good stuff and stop wondering if it is the good stuff. BEAUSE IT IS. You guys are the best!!!

Beastie Boys are my favorite group (as you can tell by the name)... the thing that got me to love their music was if you listen to each album they all sound completely different from each other while staying true to themselves. RIP MCA

I'd be interested a breakdown on the relationship between hip hop and punk

You know what Murs, that's why I keep watching your videos and listening to your perspective. Your always fair and objective and not afraid to speak honestly or even play devil's advocate so your audience can get a full picture of your argument. Keep doing what your doing sir!!!

this video was very well made earned you a sub for sure. props to paying proper respect to the pioneers.

I hated Paul's Boutique when it came out. I was stupid and didn't know what I was talking about. It's now one of my favorite albums.

*4:25** "That's a stupid name for an album"* 😂😂😂

I literally NEVER comment on RU-vid videos but all I'm going to say is these 3 words...DE LA SOUL...they may not have the awards to back this claim but I can almost guarantee they have influenced every part of hip hop and still drop some of the most quality music around today...

The problem with this is that the Beastie Boys are not a rap group. Nor or are they punk, metal, jazz, or whatever the hell else you could describe them as. Absolutely no one has a discography remotely comparable. Hardcore punk, straight hip hop, rap-metal, funk, jazz and winning a grammy for best instrumental album. All the while they by and large released music on their own label, shot their own videos and produced all of their own album art. They put out definitely three and arguably close to ten songs everyone knows. And most underrated aspect of all, they were original as original can be and absolutely hilarious from start to finish.

Beastie Boys are my favorite of all time. Paul's Boutique changed my life!!

What ever the opinion, "hell yes or fuck no," one thing is true. They deserve mad respect.

I'll agree to disagree with this but I appreciate your opinion

We might never have had LL Cool J if not for the Beastie Boys. Adrock discovered his demo tape while listening to random tapes that had been sent to Rick Rubin and told Rick he needed to sign him. The Beastie's aren't just a big part of hip hop history, they ARE hip hop history.

Next do Brockhampton: Greatest Boyband Of All Time.

Incredible how the Beastie Boys made mid 80's rap style sound good through out their entire career. I always considered MCA to have one the best rap voices of all time... RIP

A breakdown on Common would be sick. To me he has one of the most consistent discographies in hip hop

what a beautiful proof of love for the Beastie Boys. respect

Spot on arguments here. For the commenters who have trouble with the "white privilege" parts of it, you need to understand that ihe biggest "diss" on the Beasties being the number 1 hip hop group ever is that they are white. This guy is defending the idea that their whiteness isn't the reason, its just a coincidence, but to do that he HAS to address it honestly, and he does. Tuning out of the debate at the words "white privilege" is just lazy and missing the whole point of the video, but I guess if you want to do that... Its your privilege to do so. Great video.

Paul's Boutique is life!

I’d listen to this guy talk out almost anything. Dude can think and speak

As a huge fan for way longer than I want to admit, you broke this down amazingly. Subscribed.

No one man destroyed the scene quite like LL Cool J did. I was 14 and NEVER heard anything so brave and rebellious. "Radio" gave my brain an instant hard-on. Imagine hearing that powerful sh*t for the first time? A life-changing, & mind-blowing experience. He brought it with thunder, he brought that heavyweight sound that Bambaataa would detonate from ground zero. Only Rakim would come close to LL's legendary bars (In the "beginning"- The genesis of all that would come thereafter.) But then.... LL went softer after his beef with Kool Moe D. And Erik B. & Rakim never translated to the masses? Suburban white kids. As a group...? I think that even the remaining Beasties would defer to Run DMC as the greatest "Group" of all time. That being said. The Beastie Boys did more over a longer period of time, and like MURS stated, covered so much of the Musical Globe. It was more genius than most greatest.

Respect and support our legends ✊🏽

Still listening to the Beastie Boys today after 30 years. They are the greatest Hip Hop band of all time. RIP MCA

Hell of a Breakdown. Gonna start a whole lot shit, but it will definitely show who actually love hip-hop for what it truly is and who support it solely based on race... Growing up in the 80's, it never damned on me I should have had a problem with Beastie Boys, because, well, they were the Beastie Boys - in my kid's head, they were part of rap as much as Run DMC and LL Cool J. Years later, I had a HUGE problem with Vanilla Ice, seeing him what for he was - a white version of MC Hammer - but race rarely was a factor for me when it came to good music. And, in my opinion, the Beastie Boys always made good music. Dope group - always have been, always will be. Personally don't think of them as the GOAT (regardless of what Murs thinks, I say that Wu-Tang Clan got that title), but they definitely deserves to be part of the conversation.

I remember my dad saying that the Beastie Boys were the White Peoples first attempt at taking over Rap😂, like they did with Elvis with Rock and Roll.

This was just major truth 💯 if u disagree you need to go do your homework and ease up on the hate. Like Lord Jamar said , white people are guest in the house of hip-hop, well Beastie boys showed nothing but respect, paid dues, paid homage, and contributed to hip hop 100 fold. Beastie boys stay in my top favorite and stay in heavy rotation in my household

I grew up on Beastie Boys and Wu-Tang because my sisters are 10 years older than me. I'm so thankful for this because it opened me up to even more hip hop as i grew up. Love me some Beastie Boys!

Really well done piece.

I just rebought the first 3 albums on vinyl Check Your Head is incredible!!!!

White Privilege had nothing to do with the Beasties success or the opening slot for Madonna. Russell Simmons was contacted by Madonna’s manager, Freddie DeMann who wanted Run-DMC for the tour. Russell refused cause they were too big to be an opening act. Russell suggested the Beastie Boys that Madonna already knew from playing the same NYC clubs.

I can still picture exactly where I was the first time I heard Paul’s boutique. It blew my mind. In our world it was the biggest thing ever. It was years later that I found out it did not sell well. They are the best ever for never selling out and growing along the way.

Greatest and best is the roots. They were just as consistent and as revolutionary but with better music as a whole

So I'm commenting again after a long day. After reading a few of the comments instead of replying to kids who obviously weren't old enough to choose music in the 80s or early 90s. Your breakdown and case for Beastie Boys has me convinced that they are the greatest of all time even though I would say they aren't my personal favourite. People forget that you're being definitive about the facts so that it's more objective as opposed to subjective. Chuck D, Flava Flav and PE may be another influential group who has had political and cultural influence (especially Flava and all the TV media he was involved with lol) spanning 3 decades. The folks who are hating kinda don't get hip hop as a whole IMO. They wanna say Beasties had the white card when you made it clear that it wasn't the case. Rap in the 80s as a whole was not accepted by the mainstream and until the BBs broke through with their talent, charisma, creativity, and zero fuxx attitude. Yes, perhaps at that point, you can say (or if you prefer to- argue) that urban and suburban white kids as well as punks and skateboarders could relate to their image, gave them a boost... but this is also a key to hip hop and raps expansion and how it gained a place in music. As a west coast Canadian, I remember how excited I was to see any rap or hip hop performances on TV back in those days. Ya, it doesn't sound hard or cool but as Kanye says... Fukk being cool. Rap City, extendamix, Live at the Apollo, and collecting Yo! MTV Raps cards was all I could get aside from buying tapes at double the price because they were special imports. As I write this as a grown man, I am amazed that we and this culture made it this far. Seriously, it was all a dream. Just like when Pac said we ain't ready to see a black president. When people get mad about Obama and hate on Beastie Boys and things that should be celebrated, I think about how shirt the new culture is. Beastie Boys, Obama, Tupac and Murs got love for all you ungrateful MFs. Y'all got me ranting lol. Anyway, HHDX, keep yo head up. My request if you have time and see it as significant : Kid n Play, PM Dawn, Big Daddy Kane, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott. On a side note, when you go to an international old school hip hop party, the hypest playlist tracks aren't necessarily on the goat list... It's more Rob Base, house of pain, black sheep, BBD, Dr Dre, Warren G, Snoop, Montell Jordan... Weird? Also, don't forget Mariah Carey did a lot for the mainstream acceptance ;)

This is an excellently put together argument. I honestly don't know enough about hip hop to agree or disagree with you, but you present your opinion in a well thought out and even-handed way. Very rare on the internet. Great video.

You make a mistake judging a man by his race, you'll go through life with egg on your face

Excellent video! It's incredibly hard to overstate the massive influence the Beasties have had across genres. One such area that does not get mentioned here is that of gangsta rap. When I was in high school, a friend tried to convince me that the Beastie Boys invented gangsta rap, citing Paul Revere, etc. I thought he was crazy, but if you listen to Ice Cube's first group, CIA, or notice the Beastie vocal sample in NWA's debut joint, Boyz n tha Hood, it seems the Brothers Beastie were indeed an influence on the pioneers of that genre.

The first tape I ever bought was Led Zeppelin III. The second was Licensed To Ill.