In honor of Adam Yauch, (MCA) we figured that it would be nice to take a retrospective look at one of the more ambitious and influential records in hip hop culture, the Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill (1986).

Listening through, you immediately get a sense of the immortality of the band’s sound. Their experimental hip hop takes you right back to a time when a simple turntable and an inspired MC could nail a track better than the teams of producers and auto tuning that are so popular today. Each band member’s voice is as distinct as the first time you heard “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)” at a crowded house party.

What will stand out more today than on the release is the skill at which the music is mixed together by famed producer, Rick Rubin. In this album we see the beginnings of Rubin’s bare production style, preferring the instruments to punctuate and lift the artists rather than overpower them.

Also, the rock and roll influences that the Boys brought from their band’s humble beginnings as a hardcore punk band permeates the record. Samples from Led Zeppelin set the tone in several tracks, and did you know that the aggressive guitar riffs that drive “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” were recorded by Kerry King, the heavy metal behemoth behind Slayer’s violent sound?

This album represents the scope that hip hop culture can have, the ripeness of the time for experimentation, and what a few talented MCs can get done despite initial critical scorn. License to Ill, and the rest of their career, is the kind of stuff that made the Beastie Boys legends. R.I.P. MCA, you left a mark on hip hop that will never die.

If you haven’t seen it yet, here is the famous video of the live Coachella performance by Tupac. This performance has captivated the hip hop community for a few reasons, namely the realism in which the hologram emulates the legend.

The hologram looked EXACTLY like the late Tupac Shakur as it unleashed a blistering rendition of “Hail Mary” and collaborated with a more tangible Snoop Dogg for “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted.” The Tupac re-creation was minutely detailed down to every muscle, bead of sweat, and swing of his chain. It even showed mobility through using stage space, stepping stage left to address fans during his costar’s verse.

Now any follower of hip hop culture will be able to note that collaboration between living artists and the deceased isn’t a new concept. No less than six studio albums have been released under Tupac’s name since the artist’s untimely death in 1996, many of the tracks being remixes with contemporary recording artists. Tupac’s East Coast stylized counterpart, Biggie Smalls, had at least three posthumous albums released; including the controversial Duets: The Final Chapter, where only half of the recording artists included in the project had even met Christopher Wallace.
This tech is simply amazing, and that is why people are so interested. A produced album made from some tracks left in the studio is one thing, but to see actually see an artificial recreation of a deceased artist, especially an artist as influential and loved as Tupac, was truly mesmerizing.

With rumors of the hologram going on tour with Dre and Snoop a precedent has been set. Performers like the late Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston are sure to follow. And you know Las Vegas casinos are chomping at the bit at the idea of the ultimate Elvis impersonator, or even a full Rat Pack reunion.
This tech is ground breaking, and will be an unforgettable moment in the history of hip hop culture.

Kush Boys' extended fam, multi-platinum producer Adonis & R&B newest sensation Georgia Reign working in the studio with Justin Beiber.

Follow them at @GeorgiaReign & @ThatDudeAdonis

Rest in Peace to our Queen, Whitney Elizabeth Houston 

(August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012). We will always LOVE YOU!!!

Jay-Z and Kanye West, the audacious rap duo that ushered in the recent “luxury rap” movement with their Watch The Throne album, will finally add another visual to their critically acclaimed masterpiece. 

Etta James, 73, the powerful rhythm-and-blues singer whose more than five-decade career spawned such enduring hits as "At Last" and "Tell Mama," making her a profound influence on younger generations of female vocalists, died Friday. Ms. James, who suffered complications from leukemia, according to her manager, had been beset with a variety of health problems. We will miss you!!!

Jeremy Piven's new band BAD DECISIONS rocked out at the

Vibiana (Gypsy05) during Fashion Week in LA!

Click here to LIKE Bad Decisions' FB page & see more pics!