Chuck D On the Beastie Boys' rap revolution

Backstage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Public Enemy rapper Chuck D reminisced about playing early Beastie Boys records on the radio in Long Island in the early Eighties. "People talk about Jay-Z and Eminem, but it's impossible to talk about those dudes without the magnitude of LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys, who made it possible for them," he says. "That's evolution, but the revolution is LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys."
Interview by Patrick Doyle, video by Eric Helton and Max Tiberi

Related•�Complete Coverage of the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fam

• Category

  Entertainment

[jwh1999]

Chuck is the wisest MC ever

[repose1983]

I can't believe that Chuck D dropped a Super Skrull reference!!!

[RickGibbonsOfficial]

Please explain how Em revolutionized rap, it just seems like you're stating that because you like the guy. Lyrical as hell, but nothing new really when you look past superficial aspects.

[Cody Wilson]

LL and The Beasties OWN Eminem and Jay Z in terms of importance and innovation. Eminem is a really skilled rapper but the Beasties did more for hip hop than he ever will. Chuck D knows exactly what he's talking about. One of the smartest MCs of all time.

[Praverb]

Hands down...great video!

[dharmaseed]

A man who rapped about relevant, political topics and never lowered himself. How true at Flavor Flav's roast that they said Chuck D chose not to show up because the 'D' stood for 'dignity'.

[Roland Blunt]

LL was a pioneer.....go listen to "Radio"...and "Bigger & Deffer"....along with "Licensed To Ill"...and " Paul's Boutique"....defined modern Hip-Hop...along with ANY Public Enemy album......roots baby.....roots

[75dogtown]

Chuck D is a music pioneer whose style transcends !

[bastardson73]

Chuck d praises kid rock...? wtf?

[Marty Maceda]

Revolution, evolution, Kid Rock as the Super Skrull of music...as a compliment. Great observations.

[Hal Solo]

^totally agree with this!