Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Part Two

“Yes, here we go again, give you more, nothing lesser. Back on the mic is the anti-depressor.” I can think of no more appropriate opening salvo for the Beastie Boys’ latest release Hot Sauce Committee Part Two. Here we are, back with Ad-Roc, MCA and Mike D, a remarkable 25 years after their first album and an even more impressive 30 years after the trio joined forces. Here we go again. And man, that anti-depressor part is right on.

There’s a lot that separates the Beastie Boys from the others in the rap and hip-hop arena. They’re actual musicians, playing instruments both on their albums and live. Their lyrics vary in focus, and are a little more judicious with where and when to drop f-bombs and the like. They work as a collective while still leaving plenty of room for individuality. But above all, what differentiates these guys from their colleagues is, for this guy anyway, their unceasing ability to make me laugh. I mean, “Sometimes I get pad thai as a starter. My other order, pad see ew is much darker.” How do you not laugh?

Always taking their craft (but only occasionally themselves) seriously, these guys have found a way to unite all types of music lovers. And while Hot Sauce Committee might not have quite as much musical variety as some past albums, it still has plenty to offer in the way of catchy-as-hell leads, deep bass and some stellar guest mc appearances by Nas and Santigold.

“Make Some Noise” is a perfect starter and they seem to know it. Hooked again, I’m with you. And “Nonstop Disco Powerpack” follows with a familiar bass groove and an opportunity for each of them to step out and introduce themselves. “Ok” comes right back with another catchy synth lead and, honestly, just okay lyrics. That’s alright though, “Too Many Rappers” picks it right back up with some sweet lead from Nas and summed up perfectly: “That was dope.” Heavy distortion and a powerful chorus make “Say It” another solid track, even if the lead on the chorus is “borrowed” from “Pass the Mic” on Check Your Head. And the last 20 seconds? Awesome.

The reggae beats of “Don’t Play No Game that I Can’t Win” combined with Santigold’s outstanding vocals make for what is easily one of the highlights of the album. The Boys really let her drive the track. And while “Long Burn the Fire” isn’t my favorite, it definitely keeps things going with a solid bass and backing track.

Funk is a word that is continually misused in music, but “Funky Donkey” keeps true to its namesake with its bass and clav lines, all offset by some island steel drums. “Lee Majors Come Again,” the album’s first single, puts the Boys back on their instruments and takes you back to “Sabotage” and “Tough Guy.” The instrumental “Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament” is unfortunately probably the least appealing track on the album, but even still, it’s not that bad. And again, you can’t help but laugh at the kids vocals on “Crazy Ass S**t,” Little kids rappin’ “On and on till the break of dawn” and “You can’t stop, you got to keep on”? C’mon, that’s funny ass s**t right there.

So, yeah, no surprises here. The Boys delivered again. Sure they have had a few misses over the years, but what band hasn’t, especially one that’s been around as long. In fact, most people would be hard pressed to name more than handful of popular bands that have enjoyed the same longevity while consistently putting out a quality product. Yeah, they’re grayer and hoarser than those little punks that introduced white people to rap in the 80s, but they’re still strong and Hot Sauce is evidence that they probably will be for some time to come.

Rating
Overall: 3.75/5
Originality: 4/5
Production: 3/5
Listenability: 4/5