Best Beastie Boys Songs: Hip-Hop Classics from Rap Legends

The Beastie Boys redefined hip-hop with their unique rap, rock, and punk blend. Their witty lyrics and infectious beats captivated audiences for decades. The Beastie Boys left an indelible mark on music from their early days as a hardcore punk band to their evolution into hip-hop icons.

Their collaborations with artists like Nas, Q-Tip, and Cypress Hill showcased their versatility and influence. The group’s innovative sampling techniques and genre-bending approach set them apart from their peers. The Beastie Boys’ legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

1. Sabotage – Beastie Boys

Sabotage by Beastie Boys is a high-energy rap-rock anthem from their 1994 album Ill Communication. The track blends aggressive rap vocals with heavy guitar riffs and funky drum beats. It’s a perfect example of the Beastie Boys’ unique style that fuses hip-hop with punk rock elements.

The music video for Sabotage is legendary in its own right. Directed by Spike Jonze, it parodies 1970s cop shows with the band members playing exaggerated characters in cheesy mustaches and wigs. The video’s low-budget aesthetic and comedic chase scenes perfectly complement the song’s frantic energy. It’s widely considered one of the best music videos of all time and helped cement the song’s iconic status in pop culture.

2. Fight For Your Right – Beastie Boys

“Fight for Your Right” by the Beastie Boys is a rebellious anthem that dropped in 1986. It’s a high-energy blend of rap and rock that captures the spirit of teenage defiance. The track’s catchy hooks and irreverent lyrics made it an instant hit among youth culture.

The song’s music video is a wild house party gone off the rails. It features the Beastie Boys trashing a nerdy kid’s apartment, smashing pies in people’s faces, and generally causing mayhem. The video’s chaotic energy perfectly matches the song’s rowdy vibe, cementing its status as a classic MTV staple of the era.

3. No Sleep Till Brooklyn – Beastie Boys

No Sleep Till Brooklyn is a high-energy anthem by the Beastie Boys. Released in 1986, it blends rap and rock into a rebellious party track. The song’s catchy guitar riffs and shouted vocals capture the band’s early punk-influenced style.

The music video for No Sleep Till Brooklyn is a wild ride. It features the band performing in a chaotic concert setting, interspersed with bizarre scenes. The video’s irreverent humor and DIY aesthetic perfectly match the song’s raw energy. It helped cement the Beastie Boys’ image as mischievous troublemakers in the music world.

4. Intergalactic – Beastie Boys

Intergalactic, remastered in 2009, is a standout track from the Beastie Boys’ 1998 album Hello Nasty. This hip-hop banger blends old-school rap with futuristic electronic elements. Its catchy chorus and quirky lyrics about outer space adventures have made it a fan favorite.

The music video for Intergalactic is a wild ride. It features the Beastie Boys as giant robot pilots battling a kaiju monster in a miniature city. The video’s mix of lo-fi special effects and tongue-in-cheek humor perfectly captures the song’s playful vibe. It’s become an iconic piece of 90s pop culture, racking up millions of views online.

5. Brass Monkey – Beastie Boys

“Brass Monkey” by the Beastie Boys is a party anthem from their 1986 album “Licensed to Ill.” It’s a high-energy hip-hop track with a catchy hook that’s perfect for getting the crowd hyped. The song’s upbeat rhythm and playful lyrics make it a classic example of the Beastie Boys’ early style.

The music video for “Brass Monkey” is a wild ride that captures the essence of the song. It features the Beastie Boys in their signature streetwear, performing in various locations around New York City. The video’s DIY aesthetic and guerrilla-style filming techniques perfectly match the raw energy of the track. It’s a time capsule of 80s hip-hop culture and the Beastie Boys’ irreverent attitude.

6. Girls – Beastie Boys

Girls by Beastie Boys is a catchy rap-rock anthem from 1986. It’s a fun, tongue-in-cheek track that blends hip-hop beats with punk rock energy. The song’s infectious chorus and playful lyrics made it an instant hit on dance floors and radio stations alike.

The music video for Girls is a wild ride of 80s aesthetics and humor. It features the Beastie Boys in various ridiculous scenarios, from poolside parties to bizarre costumes. The video’s low-budget charm and irreverent style perfectly match the song’s vibe, making it a classic of the MTV era.

7. Flute Loop – Beastie Boys

Flute Loop is a catchy tune from the Beastie Boys’ 1994 album Ill Communication. It stands out with its unique blend of hip-hop beats and a hypnotic flute sample. The track showcases the group’s knack for mixing different musical elements into a fresh, engaging sound.

The song’s production quality is top-notch, highlighting the Beastie Boys’ growth as musicians and producers. They’ve crafted a rich sonic landscape, layering the flute sample with crisp drums and their signature rap vocals. The clean, polished sound gives Flute Loop a timeless feel that still resonates with listeners today.

8. Sure Shot – Beastie Boys

Sure Shot by Beastie Boys dropped in 1994 and quickly became a fan favorite. It’s a hip-hop banger with a catchy flute sample that hooks you from the start. The track’s energetic flow and clever wordplay showcase the Beasties at their best.

The music video for Sure Shot is a wild ride of visual chaos. It features the trio performing in various bizarre scenarios, including floating in space and shrinking to miniature size. The video’s quirky style perfectly matches the song’s playful vibe and adds an extra layer of fun to the listening experience.

9. So What’Cha Want – Beastie Boys

So What’cha Want by the Beastie Boys is a hip-hop banger from their 1992 album Check Your Head. It’s got that classic Beastie Boys sound with funky beats and clever, rapid-fire rhymes. The track showcases their signature blend of rap and rock elements, creating an infectious groove that’s hard to resist.

The music video for So What’cha Want is a trip. Shot in black and white, it features the group performing in a forest setting. The grainy, lo-fi aesthetic gives it a raw, underground feel that matches the song’s vibe perfectly. Close-up shots of the Beastie Boys rapping are mixed with surreal, nature-focused visuals, creating a unique and memorable viewing experience.

10. Paul Revere – Beastie Boys

Paul Revere is a classic hip-hop track from the Beastie Boys’ 1986 debut album, Licensed to Ill. It’s a fun, high-energy song that showcases the group’s signature style of rap-rock fusion. The track’s catchy beat and clever lyrics helped cement the Beastie Boys’ place in music history.

The song’s production quality is top-notch, thanks to Rick Rubin’s expert touch. He crafted a crisp, punchy sound that perfectly complements the Beastie Boys’ rapid-fire delivery. The use of heavy drum beats and guitar samples creates a raw, energetic vibe that still gets people moving today. This track’s production set a new standard for hip-hop in the mid-80s.

11. Shake Your Rump – Beastie Boys

Shake Your Rump is a classic hip-hop banger from the Beastie Boys’ 1989 album Paul’s Boutique. It’s a funky, sample-heavy track that showcases the group’s signature style. The song’s infectious beat and playful lyrics make it impossible not to groove along.

The music video for Shake Your Rump is a trip. It’s a low-budget, DIY affair that perfectly captures the Beastie Boys’ irreverent spirit. The video features the trio bouncing around New York City, rapping and goofing off. It’s a time capsule of late 80s street culture and fashion.

12. Make Some Noise – Beastie Boys

“Make Some Noise” by Beastie Boys is a high-energy hip-hop track from their 2011 album Hot Sauce Committee Part Two. The song packs a punch with its bold beats and catchy hooks. It’s classic Beastie Boys, blending rap with rock elements in their signature style.

The music video for “Make Some Noise” is a star-studded affair. It features a slew of celebs playing younger and older versions of the Beastie Boys. The clip’s a nod to their iconic “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” video. It’s a wild ride through New York City, packed with humor and nostalgia.

13. Rhymin & Stealin – Beastie Boys

“Rhymin & Stealin” by Beastie Boys is a raw, energetic track from their 1986 debut album. It blends hip-hop with rock elements, creating a unique sound that defined their early style. The song’s aggressive beats and clever wordplay set the tone for the group’s future work.

The musical composition of “Rhymin & Stealin” showcases a gritty mix of samples and live instruments. Heavy guitar riffs and thunderous drums merge with scratching and electronic beats. This fusion of sounds creates a bold, in-your-face anthem that’s become a classic of the genre.

14. Get It Together – Beastie Boys, Q-Tip

Get It Together is a classic hip-hop track from the Beastie Boys’ 1994 album Ill Communication. The song features Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest, blending the Beasties’ trademark sound with Q-Tip’s smooth flow. It’s a funky, upbeat number that showcases the group’s evolution from their early punk-rap days.

The collaboration between the Beastie Boys and Q-Tip on this track is a standout feature. Their contrasting styles mesh surprisingly well, creating a dynamic interplay of vocals. Q-Tip’s jazzy, laid-back delivery complements the Beasties’ more energetic approach. This team-up resulted in a fan favorite that’s still celebrated in hip-hop circles today.

15. Body Movin’ – Beastie Boys

Body Movin’ is a funky hip-hop track from the Beastie Boys’ 1998 album Hello Nasty. The remastered 2009 version cranks up the energy, blending rap with a catchy disco sample. Its infectious beat and playful lyrics make it impossible to sit still.

The music video for Body Movin’ is a wild ride. It parodies 1960s spy films with the Beastie Boys as secret agents on a bizarre mission. Packed with cheesy special effects and over-the-top action scenes, the video perfectly captures the song’s quirky vibe. It’s a visual feast that’s as entertaining as the track itself.

16. C – Beastie Boys

Ch-Check It Out by the Beastie Boys is a catchy hip-hop track from their 2004 album To the 5 Boroughs. It showcases the group’s signature style, blending old-school rap with modern production. The song’s infectious beat and clever wordplay make it an instant classic in the Beastie Boys’ discography.

The music video for Ch-Check It Out is a wild ride through New York City. It features the trio in various costumes, performing stunts and causing mayhem across town. The video’s retro aesthetic and zany humor perfectly complement the song’s energy and vibe. It’s a visual feast that adds another layer of fun to an already entertaining track.

17. Root Down – Beastie Boys

Root Down by the Beastie Boys is a funky hip-hop track from their 1994 album Ill Communication. It blends rap vocals with jazzy instrumentals, creating a unique sound that’s both catchy and innovative. The song’s groove draws listeners in with its infectious beat and clever wordplay.

The track’s production quality stands out, showcasing the Beastie Boys’ evolving musical prowess. They employed layered sampling techniques and live instrumentation to craft a rich, textured soundscape. The crisp drum loops and punchy bass lines provide a solid foundation for the group’s energetic rhymes. This attention to sonic detail helped cement Root Down as a standout in the Beastie Boys’ discography.

18. Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun – Beastie Boys

“Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun” by Beastie Boys is a hard-hitting track from their 1989 album “Paul’s Boutique.” The song blends hip-hop with rock elements, creating a gritty and intense sound. Its aggressive lyrics and pounding rhythm make it stand out in the Beastie Boys’ catalog.

The song’s music video is a raw, black-and-white affair that matches the track’s edgy vibe. It features the band performing in a stark, industrial setting, interspersed with close-up shots and rapid cuts. The video’s stripped-down aesthetic complements the song’s no-frills approach, amplifying its impact on viewers.

19. Hey Ladies – Beastie Boys

“Hey Ladies” is a classic Beastie Boys track from their 1989 album “Paul’s Boutique.” The song blends hip-hop with rock elements, showcasing the group’s signature style. Its catchy beat and clever wordplay made it an instant hit among fans and critics alike.

The music video for “Hey Ladies” is a wild ride through 70s disco culture. It features the Beastie Boys in outrageous retro outfits, busting moves on a disco floor. The video’s over-the-top visuals and tongue-in-cheek humor perfectly capture the song’s playful vibe. It’s become an iconic piece of 80s music video history, cementing the Beastie Boys’ reputation as innovators in the medium.

20. I Don’t Know – Beastie Boys, Miho Hatori

“I Don’t Know – Remastered 2009” by Beastie Boys and Miho Hatori is a funky hip-hop track that blends genres. The song’s catchy beat and playful lyrics showcase the Beastie Boys’ signature style. Miho Hatori’s vocals add a unique flavor to the mix, creating an infectious groove that’s hard to resist.

The collaboration between Beastie Boys and Miho Hatori stands out in this track. Hatori, known for her work with Cibo Matto, brings her distinctive voice to the song. Her Japanese-influenced vocals mesh seamlessly with the Beastie Boys’ rap style. This unexpected pairing results in a fresh sound that pushes the boundaries of hip-hop and world music fusion.