ALBUM SCAN: Hello Nasty [Reissue]

Beastie Boys
Hello Nasty [reissue] (1998/2009)
Album Scan
By Josh B.

First off I have to say that this review is going to be kind of biased. I am a huge fan of The “BEATsie” Boys. I know that this album was very popular when it came out in 1998 thanks to the huge ubiquitous single “Intergalactic” but if there is one thing to say about this album is that it is so much more than just one single.

First off The B-Boys did it right. For the past half a year in the build up for their new album “Hot Sauce Committee pt.1” The Beastie Boys have reissuing all of their albums that they put out between the years 1989 and 1998. These have not just been any old reissues either. I am talking about Completely remastered sound, multiple formats, digital, CD, Vinyl, TONS of bonus tracks, remixes, and B-Sides, almost full albums of unheard extras in some cases. They definitely went all out for their fans. I picked up the reissues of Paul’s Boutique, Check Your Head, Ill Communication, and Hello Nasty. All are great in their own way but Hello Nasty stands out above the others. Mostly it is because of the remaster.  The Boys made a headphones album and listening to the remaster that fact is underlined. It sounds outstanding.

To put this album in context, it came out in 1998.  Four years after their huge album Ill Communication which in style and tone was very similar to 1992’s Hardcore/Hip-Hop/Funk fusion.  It was not a straight up Hip-Hop album like 1989’s Paul’s Boutique either.  But it was a return to a more Old School Hip-Hop sound, albeit through a futuristic Sci-Fi filter.  Along with some of the best hip-hop songs of their career, there are some really gorgeous headspace songs.  Such as MCA’s Bossa Nova inspired “I Don’t Know” to Adrock’s many electro-tinged ballads.  I also can’t forget to mention that this album was the introduction of Mix Master Mike as the B-Boy’s DJ and he sprinkled in his talent all over the album as well.  When I describe it to friends that have never listened to it I call it their “Speakerboxx/Lovebelow” They come with the crazy beats and tag team lyrics that only they can deliver but also explore slower more mellow sounds as well. 

Just based on the upgraded audio quality is reason enough to buy this album again.  Add to that that you can buy it on vinyl and it comes with a whole other disk of bonus tracks and essential remixes purchasing this album is a must for hip hop heads everywhere.