Released on July 14, 1998.
Beastie Boys Hello Nasty dropped on July 14, 1998. Wild to think it's 25 now, because I remember the release like it was yesterday.
Let me take you back. It's June of 1998. It's about to by finals week during my junior year at Northeastern University. And I'm wrapping up my second year as Music Director of 104.9 WRBB. Being Music Director was the best. Back in those days, major and independent record labels sent us dozens of records and CDs every day to consider for airplay. It was like Christmas for music heads.
On June 2, I opened a small envelope from Grand Royal Records, distributed by Capitol Records. That's was the Beastie Boys record label. And that was Beastie Boys music in the envelope. It was the CD promo for "Intergalactic," the leadoff single for the forthcoming Hello Nasty. As soon as I opened it, I had the DJ in the air studio put it on the air. When it was over, we played it again.
Beastie Boys 'Hello Nasty' Turns 25
You have to understand: this was the first new Beastie Boys we'd heard in about four years. And we'd been spoiled in the early part of the '90s! Check Your Head in '94, Ill Communication in '94. So that four-year layoff felt like an eternity. Having "Intergalactic" to keep us busy for six or so weeks before the full album dropped in July was a boon. And an early Summer of '98 anthem.
I remember liking but not loving the album when I finally got my hands on it in July. The last two had set the B-Boys bar, as far as I was concerned. Rap, funk, jazz, hardcore and more all played a part. I didn't hear as much of that eclectic mix on Hello Nasty. But I heard Mixmaster Mike. And I heard new rhymes from MCA, Ad-Rock and Mike D. And that's always a good thing.
25 years on, I find I love it more now than I did then. Part of that is because it really is a well-produced, well-rounded entry in the Beasties catalog that doesn't get as much love as their '80s and early '90s work. And part of that is because when I put it on, it's the Summer of '98 again. I've aced my finals, I'm on the radio, and summer is spreading out before me.
"Intergalactic"
Still an all-time Beasties jam and Summer of '98 anthem. And a fine Halloween costume option.
"Body Movin'"
Fatboy Slim remixed this one and I think we played the remix on WFNX more than we played the album version.
"The Negotiation Limerick File"
Why didn't they make a music video for this one?
"Remote Control/3 MC's and One DJ"
Mixmaster Mike was the straw that stirred the drink on this album. Just masterful, all-around.
