Iconic and popular songs by the Beastie Boys
Let me introduce some tracks by the Beastie Boys, a music group that was signed to the legendary hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings.
Although the Beastie Boys primarily operated as a rap unit, they originally formed as a hardcore punk band.
Because of that origin, many of their songs strongly feature rapcore elements, blending punk with hip-hop.
Their debut album became the first hip-hop album to reach number one on the Billboard charts, and they are often said to have ‘brought hip-hop to the suburbs.
‘ They had a major impact not only on the hip-hop scene but also on the rock scene.
Let’s look back on the Beastie Boys’ music with this playlist.
- Beastie Boys Popular Songs Ranking [2025]
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- [Western music] Classic upbeat hip-hop tracks
- Western pop music popular with Gen Z. Hit songs.
- [Western Music] Hardcore Punk Masterpieces and Popular Songs – Beginner’s Guide
- [US] Great Hip-Hop Classic
- RUN-DMC's Most Popular Songs Ranking [2025]
- [Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
- [Western Music] A landmark masterpiece in hip-hop history! A fundamental album you should know
- A Guide to Western Rap: Introducing Legendary Classics
- Classic punk songs from Western music. Recommended popular tracks.
- Western Music: A Collection of Iconic Big Beat Tracks (Great for Rock Fans Too)
Beastie Boys’ Iconic and Popular Songs (11–20)
Make Some NoiseBeastie Boys
It’s a track included on the album “Hot Sauce Committee Part Two,” and its music video won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction.
The title roughly translates to something like “Make Some Noise!,” and not just with this song—their sound always makes you want to get hyped, doesn’t it?
ShambalaBeastie Boys
The track opens with a chorus of voices chanting like monks reciting sutras.
Your first reaction is probably, “What on earth is this?” Then a beat with a post-rock-style arrangement kicks in.
At times, the guitar’s choppy strumming even sounds like kecak.
It’s a song where various musical elements interweave.
Time to Get IllBeastie Boys
The song that closes out their first album, “Licensed to Ill.” It barely uses any chords to support the melody, and is basically a parade of beats and samples.
You can feel the attitude of the track in the way it drives in sixteenth notes rather than an eighth-note groove!
Hey LadiesBeastie Boys
It’s a track from the album “Paul’s Boutique.” What greatly shapes the feel of this song is its light sound, as if the low end of the track has been cut.
The way they drive it all the way through with basically one groove and one chord—that’s the Beasties’ cool factor, right?
Fight For Your RightBeastie Boys
Beastie Boys are an American hip-hop group formed in 1978.
Because the genre of hip-hop wasn’t yet defined as it is today, their sound had a very strong rock influence, but their catchy musical style earned them popularity in the 1980s.
Among their works, the one with an especially cool intro is “Fight For Your Right.” Released in 1986, its intro is highly memorable, blending a sense of coolness with a comedic vibe.
Fight for Your Right (To Party)Beastie Boys
A hit song by the Beastie Boys that kicks off with the shout, “Kick it!” It’s a rap about teenage boys fighting for their right to go to parties, and at the time this style of sound was still fresh.
It can be considered a landmark work that paved the way for the rap groups that followed.
Beastie Boys’ Greatest and Most Popular Songs (21–30)
Pass the MicBeastie Boys
A track that seems to ease up on the tempo a bit.
In response, the snare is set with a longer sustain.
This garage-punk-like vibe suits them perfectly.
Including their fashion and attitude, this is a song that makes it easy to understand why they’re so well supported.