Summary
In 1987, three Jewish boys from New York forever changed the face of pop music. Their first album, Licensed to Ill, and its smash hit single, "(You’ve Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party)," created a fresh new sound by blending hip-hop beats with a rock edge and punk attitude, in the process helping to bring hip-hop into the mainstream. Further albums have continued to push musical boundaries while confirming their position as one of the most influential musical groups of our time. And more than just chart-topping musicians, they have informed and inspired millions with their unwavering commitment to Tibetan freedom. Through a career that has had its share of ups and downs, the Beastie Boys have remained best friends and musical visionaries. This exciting biography traces the group’s transformation from radio-ready brats to elder statesmen of hip-hop.
Specifications
Full-color photographs. Sidebars. Discography. Glossary. Chronology. Bibliography. Further reading. Web sites. Index.
About the Author(s)
Dennis Abrams is the author of several books for Chelsea House, including biographies of Barbara Park, Anthony Horowitz, Hamid Karzai, and Ty Cobb. He currently lives in Houston, Texas.
Series introduction author Chuck D redefined rap music and hip-hop culture as leader and cofounder of legendary rap group Public Enemy. His music addressed weighty issues about race, rage, and inequality with a jolting combination of intelligence and eloquence. A musician, writer, radio host, television personality, college lecturer, and activist, Chuck D is also the creator of Rapstation.com, a multiformat online resource for the global hip-hop community.