The Beastie Boys

Emerging in the mid-1980s as rap entered the commercial mainstream, the Beastie Boys became the first successful white hip-hop act with their smash debut album Licensed to ill. That hit record, which merged rock and rap styles, was followed by a string of successful albums that established the New York City trio as credible artists in the eyes of both hip-hop and rock fans. Readers will learn not only about the career path and music of the Beasties, but also of their involvement in many social causes, such as raising money for the Milarepa Fund and groups affected by the September 11 tragedy.