To the 5 Boroughs [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics]

So, 6 years on, and what's different? Well firstly, TT5B remains a focused hip hop record throughout, mixing new technology, their old skool past, and trademark rapping over a variety of beats. Opener, and first single, 'Ch-Check It Out' is everything you'd want from the Beasties. Brass sample circle in and out over a heavy, fast and old skool beat, with the Boys rhyming in turns rather skillfully...and also boasts a cracking chorus, letting you know the Beastie Boys are well and truly back for 2004.

From then on, it's a highly enjoyable listen. While very much one for the B-Boys and B-Girls, the record manages to stay clear of sounding the same throughout. You also come to realize that songs such as 'Right Right Now Now', 'Triple Trouble' and 'Thats It Thats All' are as good as anything the Beasties have done in the past, and in terms of rapping, perhaps better.

Obviously if you are looking for a record to rival 'Ill Communication' in variety and talent, then this isn't what you are looking for. However, in the modern world where so called Hip Hop artists are selling the same song over and over, its refreshing to see the Beasties come out with a quality album that can rival any other Hip Hop artist out there.

As the title would suggest, New York has plenty of shout outs, and the Beasties let their political views through on several tracks as well. The outstanding 'It Takes Time To Build', while with its political content, has some brilliant beats and again excellent rhyming, and is a highlight. The track that really hits you though is 'An Open Letter to NYC', an at times emotional tribute to the city that means so much to them.

The production from the Boys themselves is second to none, and is a decent reminder to their talents in this field too. A welcome, and very strong return.

The beasties have evolved with every release. Licence to ill is still a fun record. Next up Paul's boutique. Still a masterpiece by todays standards, and a sign of what was to come.
Then came check your head. This album in my opinion in the best release from the beasties. They Began playing instruments, and with the help of money mark and mario caldato jr, they produced a blend of funk/rap/rock that really worked.
Next up, ill communication. this could have been called check your head 2 and was almost as good. Soem people will disagree I'm sure. Then, after a long wait came hello nasty. Although was more polished and commercial sounding, there were still 8 or so awsome songs. And like the previous records, they were musically diverse.
What the beasties have released now is an album that pretty much sounds the same from start to finish. every track uses a drum machine and contains bad samples. the production really sucked. Maybe they should get DJ hurricane back...and money mark, and mario. The beasties have always been cool and evolved with the times. With this release though, the fun has all gone. I think it is time for them to retire.

Basically, it is stagnant and un-adventurous. If you like ch-check it out though, you will probably like this. I am sure there are a new generation of beastie fans now, fans who will love this record and probably hate ill communication and check yor head.