By their fourth album, Beastie Boys had proven they were more than a gimmick. The punks turned hip-hop superstars had gone through many phases when they released their Ill Communication album in 1994. Their ability to blend their punk roots with booming hip-hop drums and spiritual jazz samples sky-rocketed them into the limelight. The star was never brighter than in 1994, and Ill Communication played a huge role. The album topped the charts, saw the trio get co-signs from hip-hop legends like Q-Tip and Biz Markie, and brought a new level of fame into the Beastie’s stratosphere. The album epitomizes the trio’s mission of fusing different genres and eras to fit into their deep-rooted love of tight punk structures.
Ill Communication was released on May 31, 1994. The album saw Beastie Boys continue their transition from sample-based production to live instrumentation. Thanks to the help of Money Mark’s keyboard prowess and the keen ear of long-time Beastie collaborator Mario Caldato Jr., the trio inched closer to being a full-fledged live band.
With Ad-Rock on guitar, MCA on bass, Mike D on drums, and Money Mark handling the keys, Beastie Boys showed signs of significant creative growth. The live drums and basslines accented their chanting harmonies perfectly, creating catchy hooks with throat-scratching vocal performances over arrangements seamlessly transitioning from freeform jazz to pure rock chaos. Beastie’s signature vocal cadence anchors the carnival of genres as each member employs a near-scream style delivery that continues to echo through the halls of popular music.
The album’s success can be credited to many things. The runaway single “Sabotage,” the first single to be released for Ill Communication, receives significant airtime on MTV due to the iconic Spike Jonze-directed music video. The single broke into the top 20 on Billboard and was accompanied by “Get It Together” and “Sureshot” as promotional singles. Another big factor in the success of Beastie’s fourth outing is their placement on the 1994 Lollapalooza tour. Joining the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins, L7, and A Tribe Called Quest, the Beasties were able to bring their new live instrumentation to life across the U.S. In a way, Beastie Boys joining rock superstars on the 1994 Lollapalooza tour solidified their status in the rock genre. Along with the success of “Sabotage” on rock radio, seeing their name next to the likes of Lambchop and Stereolab put them in the 90’s rock conversation. At the same time, having features from hip-hop legends on Ill Communications cemented their place in hip-hop.
Beastie Boys’ fourth studio album is a pillar of their dynamic artistry. Thirty years later, from the opener “Sure Shot” to the funky “Do It” and the frantic “Heart Attack Man”, Beastie Boys created a rival to their magnum opus Paul’s Boutique.
