7. Beastie Boys
Who knew that three guys in a band could have such an incredible impact on hip hop culture. When Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock), Adam Yauch (MCA) and Mike Diamond (Mike D) began they were punk group, but after the success of their first hip hop song 'Cookie Puss', the Beastie Boys put down the instruments and picked up the microphones and success followed. This was a group who mixed humour with underrated lyrics, and it showed in incredible songs like 'Intergalactic', 'Hey Ladies', 'Three MC's and One DJ' and so many more. Not only that, with the addition Mix Master Mike they were a magnificent live act, something that many hip hop artists have failed at. Sadly, in 2012, MCA passed away after a long battle with cancer and the other members group will no longer perform under the name. Despite this, the New Yorkers left fans with timeless back catalogue that they can listen to for years to come. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru3gH27Fn6E