Arts

In celebration of , and just in time for Hanukkah, 3200 Stories teams up with the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival to curate a slew of Top 8 lists of some of our favorite Beastie Boys songs, images and videos.  

In this edition, Dan Wolf of Felonious breaks down his Top 8 favorite Beastie tracks.

1. Shadrach

It's no secret that the Beastie Boys are one of the reasons I call myself an rapper. I always say that "the Beastie Boys brought Hip-Hop to my neighborhood, Public Enemy and N.W.A. taught me the power of the message and The Pharcyde taught me the creative possibilities. The rest is education and exploration." 

2. Paul Revere 

The classic story-telling song. Enough said.

3. Gratitude

I cut school to buy Check Your Head the day it came out. Three years after trading my Paul's Boutique tape for Aerosmith's Pump (don't ask) I was foaming at the mouth for for something new. I wasn't disappointed. The album showcased the B-Boys musical chops and Gratitude was a deep dive into their new found spirituality. 

4. B-Boy Bouillabase

From 59 Chrystie Street to Get On The Mic to Stop That Train to A Year and a Day to Hello Brooklyn to going A.W.O.L. all the way to the ...To All The Ladies reprise, this 12-plus minute track closes out Paul's Boutique with track after track of "I wish I made that". 

5. The New Style 

This track from their debut album borrows heavily from the aesthetic of Run D.M.C. but looking back at it's clear this is a classic example of the artform of MC'ing. 

6. High Plains Drifter

Paul Revere 2.0. 

7. Groove Holmes

The In Sound From Way Out was a way for the Beasties to pay homage to the music that inspired them.  Before YouTube instrumental playlists and curated breakbeat records, Groove Holmes was a track that I would freestyle to in my bedroom.   

8. Pass The Mic

A throw back to License To Ill days but with a decidely forward thinking sound. The outro is one of my favorites.