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41 of 43 found the following review helpful:
 Beastie Boys: the ORIGINAL Slim Shadys Jul 05, 2002
By The Groove
Way back when Eminem was bully bait during his school years, three Jewish dudes called the Beastie Boys released this impressive debut that made them the first (and, in my opinion, best) white rappers in hip hop. But make no mistake, "License to Ill" is rude, obnoxious, and sometimes offensive by today's PC standards, but if you can take it with a grain of salt, it's also fun to listen to. "The New Style" is undeniably funky and has the Boys in top form. "Paul Revere" is also pretty good with its drum machine played in reverse, and "No Sleep Til Brooklyn" is a fine melange of amped-up guitars and hip hop beats. "Fight For Your Right" was the group's biggest hit, but it pales in comparison to the rest of the album. "License to Ill" was all about drugs, women, and disrespecting any and all figures of authority. However, these guys eventually matured by phasing out of their juvenile lyrics and releasing even better albums, including the now-classic "Paul's Boutique." All in all, a promising debut that's aged well over the years.
23 of 23 found the following review helpful:
Still Illin' Jan 14, 2000
By G.C.
"greg27"
It's hard to believe, but sometimes true that what goes around, comes around. I saw the Beasties on stage in London in September 1986 (with Run DMC and LL Cool J) shortly after this album came out (they were last on the bill and played only three songs, including "Slow and Low" and "Fight For Your Right"). The prevailing opinion at the time was that "Licensed To Ill" was one of the most obnoxious releases in the history of music. But what a party! The Beastie Boys seemed like a one-hit wonder when they changed record labels and took three years to release their follow up (Paul's Boutique), plus the fact these white boys were being universally panned by most of the rap community. But the Boys must be having the last laugh, and listening to this album again, it still sounds good. I am amazed at all the kids that weren't even born in '86 are discovering this record, which attests to the band's endurance, although the band owes a lot to Rick Rubin, their producer who meshed the Boys' brashness with great sound samples. As a parent I can say that, based on the feedback I've read here, if you are trying to decide on a music purchase for your teenager, this may do the trick.
23 of 25 found the following review helpful:
 Classic Old School Rap CD Feb 27, 2002
By Westley
I loved this CD when it first came out and still love it today. I have most everything that the Beastie Boys have recorded, and I agree that much of what they did later is superior. For example, Hello Nasty is a much more diverse and impressive work. However, I think that it's a mistake comparing their initial work with their later work. Licensed to Ill was a huge rap breakthrough. Without CD's like Licensed to Ill, rap would not have broken into the mainstream, at least not then. The Beasties personify old school rap and many people were disappointed with their later work and wanted them to record more music like Licensed to Ill. While the raps and grooves seem a bit simplistic 16 years after its release, it still sounds great. "Fight for Your Right" was and is a classic party theme. I also love "Brass Monkey." What's amazing about this CD is how many of the songs became classics (Fight for your right, Brass Monkey, Paul Revere, Hold it now, Slow & Low). Throw on this CD and just enjoy it.
12 of 12 found the following review helpful:
Cool but does not include extra tracks Apr 08, 2002
By joe
I spent [a lot] on this thinking there would be some outtakes from the album or something new, but the japanese pressing is much like the us pressing with the only exception being that the cd is an lp cd which means that the cd looks like a record. Another reason this didn't get 5 stars was because it doesn't include all the original artwork from the original lp. It should of included all original artwork, plus some bonus tracks like I'm down, scenrio, she's on it, and rock hard, all of which were from the def jam era of the beastie boys. Although the album is great, don't expect anything new other than the lyrics and the cardboard cover. there are no new tracks on this, so waste your money on something else like paul's boutique or ill communication. You can probably get both of those great albums [for the same amount].
15 of 17 found the following review helpful:
Just sit and listen to it! May 31, 2002
By jay kenyon
"jayhawkeye2"
Sure it was overplayed in the 80's, but if you just listen to it, without all of the baggage from the time it was recorded and played (to death) it is really a great album. Every song grooves, the samples and perfect. It is great to hear them develop their own styles throughout their careers.
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