THIS DAY IN HIP-HOP...BEASTIE BOYS - LICENSE TO ILL

On this day in Hip-Hop history, the Beastie Boys released their debut album License to Ill.

On this day in 1986, the Beastie Boys released their debut album License to Ill on Def Jam.  The album was produced by the Beastie Boys and Rick Rubin.  The debut set sampled a wide range of artists including Led Zeppelin, Run-D.M.C., Jazzy Jay, Kurtis Blow, Slick Rick, AC/DC, the Sugarhill Gang, the Clash, and Kool & the Gang.  The album served as a major mainstream crossover moment for hip-hop and rock.

License to Ill featured seven singles, including the smash hits "Brass Monkey," and "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!)."  The album reached #1 on the Billboard 200 and was the first rap album to top the chart.  It remained on top of the chart for seven weeks.  

The Brooklyn rap trio's debut set sold over four million copies in its first year.  It has sold over ten million copies to date and is certified diamond by the RIAA.

---

Also on this day...

1988 - King Tee released his debut studio album Act A Fool on Capitol.

1994 - K-Dee released his only solo album Ass, Gas, or Cash (No One Rides for Free) on Lench Mob.

1994 - Method Man released his debut solo album Tical on Def Jam.

2011 - Drake released his second studio album Take Care on Young Money.

2011 - Betty Wright and the Roots released the album Betty Wright: The Movie on S-Curve.

---

This day in Birthdays...

E-40 (1967) - American rapper from California.  Founding member of the The Click and Sick Wid It Records.

Embed from Getty Images

​Ol' Dirty Bastard (1968) - American rapper and producer.  A founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan.

Embed from Getty Images