# What is the best Beastie Boys album of all time?

> The Beastie Boys went from rowdy rap provocateurs to genre-blending experimentalists over a career that touched punk, jazz, psychedelia, and everything in between. Eight albums, no filler — which is the best?

*By YPB Team · Published April 15, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-beastie-boys-album-of-all-time*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Licensed to Ill**
   The 1986 debut that became the first rap album to hit #1 on the Billboard 200, fusing hip-hop with heavy metal bravado.
2. **Paul's Boutique**
   The 1989 sample-layering masterpiece now considered one of the most innovative and influential hip-hop albums ever made.
3. **Check Your Head**
   The 1992 album marking their return to live instrumentation, blending hip-hop, punk, funk, and jazz.
4. **Ill Communication**
   The 1994 album featuring Sabotage and showcasing their musical versatility across genres and styles.
5. **Hello Nasty**
   The 1998 Grammy-winning album that debuted at #1 in multiple countries, blending hip-hop with electronic beats.
6. **To the 5 Boroughs**
   The 2004 album reflecting on New York City and the political aftermath of 9/11 with a return to stripped-down rap.
7. **The Mix-Up**
   The 2007 Grammy-winning all-instrumental hip-hop album showcasing their musicianship without any vocals.
8. **Hot Sauce Committee Part Two**
   The 2011 final studio album released after Adam Yauch's cancer diagnosis, a defiant and vibrant swan song.

Tags: 2000s, hip-hop, music, 80s, 90s, rap, beastie boys