Licensed to Ill (Def Jam, 1986) by Beastie Boys

"Now I chill real ill when I start to chill/When I fill my pockets with a knot of dollar bills/Sipping pints of ale out the window sill/When I get my fill I'm chilly chill/Now I just got home because I'm out on bail/What's the time? it's time to buy ale/Peter eater parking meter all of the time/If I run out of ale it's Thunderbird wine/Miller drinking chicken eating dress so fly/I got friends in high places that are keeping me high/Down with Mike D. and it ain't no hassle/Got the ladies of the eighties from here to White Castle"

                                                                                     -Beastie Boys, "Hold It Now, Hit It"

Paul's Boutique (Capitol, 1989) by Beastie Boys

I place this album among the best-produced in hip-hop history.  Its 300+ samples will never be able to be duplicated, and its unique artistic approach merits multiple repeat listens.  It was definitely a sign of growth from Licensed to Ill, proving that Beastie Boys aspired to be more than just the mischievous punk rock/rapper guys from "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!)"  From beginning to end, this album is a masterpiece.  R.I.P. MCA.