Best Beastie Boys Album – Readers Poll

Hip-hop lost an influential icon when the death of Beastie Boy Adam 'MCA' Yauch was announced on May 4, 2012. The gravelly-voiced rapper was one part of the trio, along with Adam 'Ad-Rock' Horovitz and Michael 'Mike D' Diamond, since they first broke out with their 1986 LP 'Licensed to Ill' until his last days on earth; he will forever be missed in the hearts of fans and music lovers alike. With the passing of MCA still fresh in our minds and our hearts, we want to know: In your personal opinion, which of the Beastie Boys' eight studio albums is their best body of work?

In 1986, the world was introduced to the Beastie Boys' distinct fusion of hip-hop and metal as they dropped their first album 'Licensed to Ill,' which shot to No. 1 on to pop charts, making it the first-ever rap album to do so. In 1989, the boys from N.Y.C. followed up with the fan favorite 'Paul's Boutique,' boasting hits like 'Hey Ladies' and 'Shake Your Rump,' and in 1992, they gifted listeners with 'Check Your Head,' featuring tracks like 'So Whatcha Want' and the epic 'Pass the Mic.' In 1994, MCA, Ad-Rock and Mike D had another No. 1 hit on their hands with 'Ill Communication' thanks to crossover tracks like 'Sabotage,' which yielded another stellar music video from the trio.

By the time the new millenium started approaching, the Beastie Boys had already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, but they further cemented their reputation with the release of 'Hello Nasty' in 1998. The record was another No. 1 for the trio of rappers (and their DJ, Mix Master Mike) and they also won two Grammys for their work on the album, particularly for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for 'Intergalactic.'

Six years later, 'To the 5 Boroughs' hit retailers, and even though they were pushing 40 now (MCA was actually 40), they proved they could still give even the youngest rappers a run for their money. In 2008, 'The Mix-Up' dropped, giving the Beastie Boys their only album of "post-punk instrumental" tracks and another Grammy award. Finally, in 2011, the last album with MCA's vocals, 'Hot Sauce Committee Part Two,' was unveiled. It included tracks like 'Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win' and 'Make Some Noise.' The latter's action-packed video featured star-studded lineup, with actors Elijah Wood, Seth Rogen and Danny McBride portraying the rappers.

So, Beastie Boys fans, which album do you think is the rappers' best? It's time to get ill and cast your vote below, and be sure to leave a comment remembering your favorite musical moment from the trio.

Rest in peace, MCA.