Def Jam founders discuss the beginnings of Beastie Boys
The legendary luminaries & founders of iconic Hip-Hop label Def Jam Recordings are back in part two of Noisey’s Back & Forth series, the Def Jam edition. This episode focuses on Beastie Boys.
Although Beastie Boys early work was more experimental than Hip-Hop, the genre’s influence was always apparent. After hearing Cooky Puss, Rick Rubin signed on as the group’s DJ so they could start performing live.
Hold it Now, Hit It was the first record Beastie Boys toured with before releasing an album. Once Licensed to Ill dropped, it was all about (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!) Def Jam founder, Russell Simmons humbly admits to initially considering the record “off-brand,” which makes sense because of its punk rock roots. The smash hit proved to be a double edged sword since certain people took Beasties tongue in cheek lyrics about misogyny & drug abuse far too literal.
Beastie Boys debut album, Licensed to Ill, was recorded over the course of two years. According to the legendary producer, each song was typically the by-product of them “hanging out” for a month and then taking a break from the creative process. Licensed to Ill went on to become rap’s first #1 album on Billboard charts & best selling album of the 80’s.
OS REWIND: Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin Reflect on Def Jam Recordings