To The 5 Boroughs, Beastie Boys celebrated sixth studio album remains a seminal album in every old school hip-hop aficionado’s collection. Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island constitute as the five boroughs of New York City and all have their own character. As indicated in the album’s name, this album serves as an homage to New York City and all it has offered for Beastie Boys to evolve as one of the most celebrated hip hop groups. Turning twenty in January, Natalie Howarth shares her thoughts on To The 5 Boroughs may serve as an insight into an early 2000s NYC and the group’s musical evolution.
The album refrains from prior genre fluidity and their eclectic blend of the funk, punk, electro, and jazz that defined the trio’s earlier works: the unexpected shift stands out as an homage to their career and exploring their hip-hop roots; however, the monolithic nature of genre could be reflective of the socio-political landscape of 2004 New York City. With a focus on the city and descriptions of a city torn by disaster, Beastie Boys’ lyricism delves into the post-9/11 sentiment and the perceived mundanity of this era.
Starting off with Ch-Check It Out, a song that sets the tone for the entire album featuring the group’s trademark energetic and playful rap style, carried by energy and a sound reflective of the Golden Age scene. This track epitomises Beastie Boys’ dynamism and ability to blend and borrow influences to produce something that is so authentic; the rock-infused and energetic essence of this track is an instant crowd pleaser. Following on, Right Right Now Now has politically charged lyrics backed by a harpsichord, reflective of the messiness of US politics during the early 2000s: a reference to George W. Bush and a gun violence. Beasties Boys were pushing for a more overtly politicised album here and this sentiment can be seen for its entirety.
Triple Trouble is a dynamic standout on this album as more of a party track: energetic with a funky beat accompanied by a blend of pop culture references, anecdotes of success, partying, and their previous works. The Triple Trouble or the pillars of Beastie Boys, Mike D, Ad-Rock and MCA, cleverly weave the intertextuality of Beastie Boys in the lyrics which ultimately feels reflective and celebratory of their rich career and discography. An homage to the real essence of the Beastie Boys.
An Open Letter to NYC weaves through the geographical tapestry of New York City while lyrically painting a mosaic of the city, boasting of the spirit of collectivism that defines its essence.
The boys pay tribute to the city that shaped them as artists and people, with a catchy and captivating chorus that promotes long-lasting unity in New York. Hit television series Succession has allowed the song to reclaim spotlight as we are introduced to Kendall Roy through this song, as he sings in the back of his expensive car on the way to a meeting. This happens to be an overt form of satire chosen by the directors to show the chasm of his distance from a real New Yorker status as he lives comfortably in the upper classes of society: the juxtaposition is used as a storytelling device to create societal nuances with the super-rich and authentic New Yorkers.
We Got The is a poignant and important track as it stands as a tribute to their hometown post-9/11 and how the vibrancy and the spirit of the city was crushed in wake of tragedy. It is one of their most overtly political tracks on the album, expressing social and political consciousness through the calling for less war, that there is “too much hatred and violence” in New York and the world. With these sentiments, the boys deliver a message of hope in the final, repeated lyrics:
“Who got the power to make a difference?
We got the
We got the
We got the”
As an album, I think that To The 5 Boroughs exemplifies the trio’s maturity later on in their career. Their career can be regarded as a sonic rollercoaster due to the experimentation with many different sounds and as they have solidified their position as hip-hop pioneers, this album is a testament to how their sound as timeless and versatile. Music is arguably the best medium for sharing political messages storytelling in an accessible way therefore, I find it inspiring that their love for New York City stands stronger than adversity. Beastie Boys’ ability to use their craft to ignite and inspire change is a transcendental quality in their music.
Natalie Howarth
Edited by Natalie Howarth
Image: To The 5 Boroughs Official Album Cover
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