Beastie Boys

Ill Communication (Grand Royale/Capitol)
by Joey Ammo

The Beastie Boys are back with a vengeance. Their latest Grand Royal/Capitol release, Ill Communication, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s album chart, is a 20-song full-force megaplex that combines hip-hop, twisted lyrics, hardcore punk, jazz, and instrumental elements into the Polly Wog Stew that only these Brooklyn ex-dustheads can possibly combine.

Like their last platinum CD, Check Your Head, this album was produced jointly with Mario Cataldo Jr.. It also involved many of the same musicians, and subsequently, sounds much like an extension of the previous record, although it takes even more risks, if that’s possible.

One of the greatest things about this world class act is that they continue to have fun, take chances, and stay unified in their vision of what the B-Boys are all about. Unlike the one trick pony imitators of the B-Boys style, the originators are able to open this monumental CD with the funhouse hop of “Sure Shot,” throwing in a jazzy repetitive flute lick, and then following it with the raging hardcore track “Tough Guy.” Cut #3 skips straight into the sound bytes and distorted mics of “B-Boys Makin’ with the Freak Freak,” which includes a dopin’ acoustic bass lick loop. Right about now you know who’s in charge and you’re strapped in for the ride.

Let me say it: The Beastie Boys are one of the most significant musical acts in the world today. Their fierce independence and deliberate drive to defy all norms and stay fresh and original are the very elements that are so sorely missing in an industry full of followers and fakers. Ill Communication is the most important release of 1994 to date.