As the Beastie Boys begin touring to promote their new instrumental album, The Mix-Up, I find myself unable to believe it has been 21 years since the group’s Licensed to Ill album hit the charts. (For you youngsters, it was the first rap album to hit number #1.)

Although most people old enough to remember the group’s entry into mainstream music know the first single released from the album was (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party), what they may NOT realize is that the song was actually a parody of all the party songs popular at the time. Much to the band’s chagrin, the irony was lost on most listeners.

Despite being the band’s most popular song, the Beastie Boys have never liked it and haven’t performed it live since 1987.

Beastie Boys – (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NdAUnnU9Ac[/youtube]

DROP A COMMENT BELOW