Check Your Head
Beastie Boys · 1992
53 min · 20 tracks · hardcore punk · hip-hop · alternative hip-hop
A kaleidoscopic blend of hip-hop, punk, and funk that challenges genre boundaries with playful irreverence.
Why listen to this
- Best for
- playful irreverence throughout tracks dynamic flow with peaks short bursts of energy
- Context
- Released on April 21, 1992, 'Check Your Head' marked the Beastie Boys' third studio album and their shift towards live instrumentation following the sampling-heavy 'Paul's Boutique.' At this point in their career, they had already established themselves as major players in hip-hop but sought to redefine their sound and expand their artistic range. This album solidified their transition from rap pioneers to multifaceted musicians.
- If you like
- hardcore punk, hip-hop, alternative hip-hop
- What next
- Ill Communication — Continues the genre-blending with more experimentation and lyrical depth.
Check Your Head is an album by Beastie Boys, released in 1992. A kaleidoscopic blend of hip-hop, punk, and funk that challenges genre boundaries with playful irreverence. 'Check Your Head' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, showcasing a significant commercial success that helped further popularize alternative hip-hop. The album is frequently cited as influential in bridging genres and paving the way for future artists to explore hybrid sounds, particularly within the burgeoning 90s alternative music scene. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Check Your Head sound like?
A kaleidoscopic blend of hip-hop, punk, and funk that challenges genre boundaries with playful irreverence. Rooted in hardcore punk and hip-hop.
What makes Check Your Head by Beastie Boys notable?
'Check Your Head' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, showcasing a significant commercial success that helped further popularize alternative hip-hop. The album is frequently cited as influential in bridging genres and paving the way for future artists to explore hybrid sounds, particularly within the burgeoning 90s alternative music scene. Released on April 21, 1992, 'Check Your Head' marked the Beastie Boys' third studio album and their shift towards live instrumentation following the sampling-heavy 'Paul's Boutique.' At this point in their career, they had already established themselves as major players in hip-hop but sought to redefine their sound and expand their artistic range. This album solidified their transition from rap pioneers to multifaceted musicians.
Who is Check Your Head for?
Check Your Head works well if you're into playful irreverence throughout tracks, dynamic flow with peaks and short bursts of energy.
How many songs are on Check Your Head?
Check Your Head has 20 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Jimmy James 3:14
- 2 Funky Boss 1:35
- 3 Pass the Mic Standout 4:16
- 4 Gratitude Standout 2:45
- 5 Lighten Up 2:41
- 6 Finger Lickin’ Good 3:39
- 7 So What’cha Want Standout 3:36
- 8 The Biz vs The Nuge 0:33
- 9 Time for Livin’ 1:48
- 10 Something’s Got to Give 3:27
- 11 The Blue Nun 0:32
- 12 Stand Together 2:47
- 13 Pow 2:13
- 14 The Maestro 2:52
- 15 Groove Holmes 2:33
- 16 Live at P.J.’s 3:18
- 17 Mark on the Bus 1:05
- 18 Professor Booty 4:12
- 19 In 3’s 2:23
- 20 Namasté 4:01
Release Date
April 21, 1992
Artist Origin
United States
Runtime
53 min 42 sec
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