Their landmark debut and the first hip hop LP to top U.S. charts, combining punk rawness and hip hop rhythms.
Artist page · 06/07/2026
Beastie Boys
About
Beastie Boys, Pioneering New York hip hop from punk roots to global stages.
10 vinyl LPs including Licensed To Ill & Paul's Boutique; original US pressings often sought after.
Beastie Boys originated in Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York, emerging initially from a hardcore punk background. The trio featuring Michael Diamond (Mike D), Adam Yauch (MCA), and Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock), later incorporated DJs like Mix Master Mike and Eric Bobo. They transitioned fully into hip hop with their 1986 debut LP Licensed To Ill, the first hip hop album reaching number one in the US. Throughout their career, they released 10 vinyl albums encompassing styles from funk to experimental hip hop, with a legacy that includes global tours and milestone recordings.
The group remained active until 2014, ending after Adam Yauch's death in 2012.
Discography
Beastie Boys — Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Capitol Records · 2007
Capitol Records · 2004
Capitol Records · 1998
Capitol Records · 1994
Capitol Records · 1992
Beastie Boys Records · 1989
Def Jam Recordings · 1986Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Beastie Boys's career.







The essentials
The 3 Beastie Boys albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
Known for dense sampling and intricate production, it features classic tracks with extended grooves and layered sounds.
A mix of hip hop, punk, and funk featuring band instrumentation and turntable work, deepening their alternative hip hop style.
Go further
Artists similar to Beastie Boys
Artists who share part of Beastie Boys's musical DNA.
Collectors
For vinyl die-hards
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
Market values (source: Discogs)
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Notable pressings & editions
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Beastie Boys
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
They never allowed their music to be used for commercials and likely never will.— Adam Yauch's testament
Licensed To Ill breaks new ground
Licensed To Ill, released in 1986 on Def Jam Recordings, was the first hip hop album to reach number one on US charts, blending punk attitude with rap in New York studios.
Paul's Boutique's intricate sampling
Paul's Boutique was crafted with dense sampling and layered production, released in 1989 on Beastie Boys Records, showcasing a shift toward experimental hip hop beats.
Grand Royal label foundation
In 1993, Beastie Boys founded Grand Royal, signing acts like Luscious Jackson before ceasing operation in 2001 due to financial challenges.
Hot Sauce Committee Part Two release
Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, released in 2011, featured evolved hip hop styles and was praised for its production, continuing the group's legacy.
Records by Beastie Boys
See allOfficial store
Beastie Boys merch
T-shirts, posters, accessories and limited editions.
FAQ
FAQ: Beastie Boys on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
When did Beastie Boys form and where are they from?
Beastie Boys formed in 1979, originating from Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York.
Which vinyl albums by Beastie Boys are considered essential?
Licensed To Ill (1986), Paul's Boutique (1989), and Check Your Head (1992) are key vinyl albums with lasting influence.
What was unique about Licensed To Ill's success?
Licensed To Ill was the first hip hop album to reach number one on the US charts, marking a milestone for the genre.
Are there important vinyl pressings of Paul's Boutique in Europe?
Yes, Paul's Boutique has original pressings released in France and the US that are sought after by collectors.
What are typical price ranges for Ill Communication vinyl pressings?
Original US pressings of Ill Communication can be found from about 19.99€ to 73.00€, varying with condition and rarity.
How many vinyl LPs did Beastie Boys release?
The Beastie Boys released at least 10 vinyl LP albums spanning from 1986 to their last releases in the 2010s.
Where were key Beastie Boys albums recorded or released?
Major albums like Licensed To Ill and Paul's Boutique were recorded and initially released in the United States, especially New York.
What impact did Adam Yauch's passing have on the group?
Adam Yauch's death in 2012 effectively ended the band, with the remaining members announcing its conclusion in 2014.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.


