10 Greatest Bands Who Mixed Music Genres
2. Beastie Boys
The social evolution of Beastie Boys is something to behold. From dumbass privileged kids who spat misogynistic and homophobic lyrics, they achieved enlightenment, preaching progressive politics while never becoming turgid and atoning for the sins of their youth.
Their musical style similarly broadened over time. Their Rick Rubin-produced debut LP License To Ill was all mid-80s boom bap rap, but by follow up (and masterpiece) Paul’s Boutique, they were taking in influences from glam rock to punk to metal, enlisting the Dust Brothers to create a varied soundscape of samples.
Next, they picked up instruments. The Boys themselves began life as hardcore kids, and on Check Your Head they got the band back together, injecting heavy rock, punk, and funk into their tracks, and jamming out with Elvis Costello on Saturday Night Live.
They’ve collaborated with the late Lee “Scratch” Perry on the dub-heavy Hello Nasty, and continued to evolve electronic sounds up to the untimely death of Adam “MCA” Yauch. The growth of this group is part of what makes them one of the best ever.