In a day
and age where Rock and R&B were the dominating the charts a few boys from
New York emerged into the scene with a whole new genre of music. The year was
1986 and Rap was still considered an underground style of music. These three
wealthy middle-class Jewish boys from NYC infused the sounds of punk rock and
rap into a hardcore breed of music. They exposed the world of pop to an unaccustomed
variety of sound. The Beastie Boys were famous, but why? Did they serve as an
act of rebellion? Was it the need to party, or was it much deeper?
Rap: a rhythmic speaking of usually rhymed
couplets to a musical accompaniment. Rock: popular music usually played on electric instruments
and characterized by a strong beat and much repetition. Combining these two
was a very original concept -- a revolutionary step in the music industry.
There is a want and search for something that is original; to be different from
the numerous amounts of everyday rock bands that had evolved over the past few
decades. The Beastie Boys weren’t the first rappers, just the first to blend it
with the already establish sound of rock.
Original: not copied from something else, something
from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is made. We all have the drive
to be the first to invent. To discover or unveil a new way of doing or
thinking. Originality is a characteristic that is lost in a world of conformity
and repetition. The need to break free and stand out is a pushing force inside
us. It is the reason there is Coors Original ®, Coca-Cola Original ®, and the
slogan “tastes like the original,” is used by Diet Dr. Pepper ©. It is all
marketed to our inner search for the original product. Who wants the copy when
we can have the first or real thing? Other words associated with original are
first, fresh, and inventive.
To be original is a concept
that exists in all aspects of life. It helps us identify ourselves. Each
individual has their own ideas and goal that make them unique, but sometimes
that is not enough. We want our personality and views to show on the outside.
To display “this is who I am” to the general public. I identify with the
Beastie Boys’ trend setting style and demeanor. To boldly state, “this is what
I stand for and I will back it up.”
One reason Beastie Boys have not faded away after
the cliché “15 minutes of fame” is because they continually reinvent
themselves. They are one band who I find it hard to label into a category.
Their music has included some country, blues, jazz, hip-hop, techno, and even
rapping to a flute. They use a very diverse assortment of instruments. If
variety is the spice of life, then what is originality? Is it the dressing?
We have views that originality is a goal or standard
by which we are judged. Even my professor states in the guidelines to “strive
for original insights and an original (not obvious) thesis.” This shows
originality to be a standard or a level of validity. I say when things change
that, “it isn’t as good as the original.”
Rap was not
known in the general public in the mid-eighties. There were plenty of rappers
at the time; they just had not been able to receive the national exposure
needed to be famous. The Beastie Boys provided an image constructed to appeal
to white suburban kids. Using the format of rock and rap, they easily climbed
the charts with their debut in 1987. After they arrived into the pop world
other rap artists such as Run DMC and many others began to become very popular.
Initially
the Beastie Boys stood out in a culture full of rock. They were pioneers in and
helped integrate the worlds of rock and rap, and introducing rap in general to
the mainstream music scene. Many have benefited from what started as a few punk
kids from NYC. Much credit is due to these “boys.” They fought the “beast” and
won their right to party.
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