Chuck D & LL Cool J Induct Beastie Boys into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | 2012 Induction

Chuck D of Public Enemy and LL Cool J Induct Beastie Boys at the 2012 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Looking for more Induction Ceremony memories from Beastie Boys? Visit the group's official Hall of Fame online bio: rockhall.com/in...
Dive into the full 2012 Induction Ceremony video collection at rockhall.com/inductees/classes/2012 and watch all videos, read from the official Hall of Fame program bios and view image galleries from the big night and archival materials.

[@LPJack02]

RIP Adam “MCA” Yauch (August 5, 1964 - May 4, 2012), age 47 You will be remembered as a legend

[@lblack1961]

💖

[@lordfizzz]

LEGEND WE MISS U YAUCH

[@mountcomfort740]

Forever

[@LordTreeko]

RIP to the rap god. Bumping from a young dumbass kid to a grown adult now.

[@MCTooTall]

RIP MCA… I remember “She’s On It!” on a TV station called U-68. It sounded like a surfer rock song but I was okay with that. I liked that sort of music. Then when the “Paul Revere/a-It’s The New Style” 12” single came out, it was a wrap, I was hooked on the Beasties. Hip Hop broke ground with mixtures of beats ti make brand new cutting edge beats and instrumentals. The entire background music played backwards. Who ever thought of that. The beat of the following song sounding like a hard rock song but it is throws you through a loop because the placement of the bass and snare are switched up a little bit. Since PE is uo there, might as well mention how “Rebel Without A Pause” shook things up. Hip Hop needs to get back to that. Ground breaking beats but not Ultimate Break Beats. That’s old.

[@samchallis448]

Chuck D, what a guy. Imagine getting props like this from him.

[@jimmorrison3830]

Chuck dee knows the deal for real

[@GiosueMannino]

call elvis a thief and a racist, but praises the beastie boys? they were both pioneers of their genre

[@KickflipGnasty]

Very accurate about RUNDMC bringing rap to the edge of suburbia and the Beasties driving it straight into town. Very very beautiful way to put it

[@shannonhmc]

Absolutely!

[@barryschwarz]

In 1985 I was listening to Run DMC in the suburbs on the edge of town in Adelaide, South Australia. I enjoyed the Beastie Boys, but they never quite caught my attention like Run and Public Enemy. I now know the BBs were seminal, and i'm loving revisiting the sounds of my teenage years with new ears.

[@YG-qg1hs]

Towards the end LL Cool J looks choked up with gratitude for the help and props he got off The Beastie Boys at the start of his career. They get LL and Chuck's respect so that's more than good enough for me.

[@McFlymcflangie]

Chuck D is one of the great public speakers of my generation. Also, he has integrity.

[@Lo_B]

Great speaker!

[@troubleondemand7703]

"I know I can read it from the teleprompter, but I wrote it down"

[@SmokeTheHolyChalice]

“It takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” is the f*cking bomb…Period! “Daddy-O Once said to me He knew a brother who stayed all day in his jeep And at night he went to sleep And in the mornin' all he had was The sneakers on his feet The culprit used to jam and rock the mike, yo He stripped the jeep to fill his pipe And wander around to find a place Where they rocked to a different kind of bass…Come on Y’all.”

[@jeremymanning201]

Love this. Chuck D is such a class act.

[@Elwrt455]

The Beastie Boys' "Licensed To Ill" was a phenomenon. I was in college in Thousand Oaks & even when visiting South L.A. we absolutely LOVED these guys.

[@PaulGuy]

Hip hop and rock have so much in common at the roots of their culture. A healthy disrespect for authority, a willingness to explore outside boundaries. The genres are two sides of the same coin, and fit so well together when people embrace them.

[@Somesaymisery]

i’ve been saying this for ages!

[@boymolenaar1762]

especially Punk music. Blondie was already talking about Fab Five Freddy in Rapture

[@jorgezuniga6547]

what about $too short$ iron maiden. Judas priest . the scorpions. the west coast heavy metal bands w. a. s. p. the original infamous black list of parental advisory committee led by tipper gore. when when. i wish Razor rant could help us . the condor69

[@MrOuchiez]

Except for kid rock, of course.

[@young_heart]

yes

[@db2157]

I have watched this probably 20 times, and just realized what L said, DMC ran rap up to the edge of suburbia and the Boys drove it straight down town... I am 49, this is the best way to explain the early to late 80's and rap and R&B

[@anthonysoley7121]

The Beastie Boys are still one of my favorite rap group of all time when getting signed to DefJam Recordings & Capital Records & they were still successful & i am still sad that MCA is still gone & he will never be forgotten.

[@trevorcorkery]

Any man who can smile and say "yes, I quote myself" is a legend

[@VampRock]

Paul's Boutique is still a top 5 favorite album of all time for me. Fantastic album

[@robertworkman1419]

You ain't lying!! 🤘🏻🤙🏼

[@raidernationbrian]

Turn the bass UP!!! Hello Brooklyn

[@lordfizzz]

1000% it set the bar for all types of music I got into. Rock hip hop blues disco whatever. They nailed it all that record

[@lordfizzz]

@@raidernationbrian BOOM BOOOOOOM BOOM BOOOOOOM

[@PUNKinDRUBLIC72]

Nobody could afford that album's samples nowadays,changed music!

[@deveryshepardson3640]

Beastie Boys were an amazing group! They made some of the best hip hop albums of all time and each one was unique and well written and played! Their samples were on point, they were dumpster divers finding new and interesting sounds to pull from with a plethora of possibilities. The intelligence and talent that came through those albums and shows cannot be quantified. I could go on and on but in closing I would like to say a big Thank You to Adrock, Mike D and MCA (R.I.P)

[@MidnightRambler]

not rock,but RR hall of fame is bs anyway

[@SuperFriendBFG]

Dude it's not even the samples, they're well chosen, obviously, but it's the sounds the DJ can make just by scratchin'. Beastie Boys is simple. You get 3 really good MCs and a world class Record Scratchin' DJ, not the Playback and Mix type but the type that made new sounds out of their instrument.

[@PlightOfAMan]

LL And Public Enemy deserve to be in the Rock n Roll hall of fame! And plenty more

[@fearnobeer9077]

Not LL but PE yes

[@tamilashultz9676]

Why would a rap group belong in the Rock n Roll HOF? They're not rock.

[@nikki2sox]

@@tamilashultz9676 Because hip hop has been inducted in the past. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were the first hip hop group inducted

[@tamilashultz9676]

@@nikki2sox I am aware. They shouldn't be there either. They're not rock n roll.

[@bonusfries3241]

Maybe get yourself acquainted with what rock n roll is. To quote the great Chuck D, "We ALL came from the BLUES." Rock n roll was created by black folks. Period. Get familiar.

[@wEiSmAn5446]

This is a phenomenal induction speech...

[@DJDouglasWarden]

Chuck, Cool J and the Beastie Boys are behemoths in the art form of music. So awesome to see this. RIP MCA. ☮️❤️🎵

[@PaulVece]

Good lord, what a speech by two legends. RIP Yauch

[@RS-ym6fp]

I was never into beastie boys in high school. They were just fine to because I never actually paid real attention. Was into a lot of punk and hardcore. Funny that now as an adult I'm honestly completely blown away by Paul's Boutique and how catchy and badass it is. First time hearing it I'm thinking holy shit this is awesome how did I miss this??? But it's also beautiful feeling something new and refreshing that is old and was right under my nose all along. Beautiful thing about music and art.

[@stevedobies5634]

Paul's Boutique, like all of Beastie Boys records, is/are punk rock. Glad you are now on board!

[@BuzzLiteworth]

When they started out they were hardcore punk

[@jessesaffold1165]

gen x...i love the beastie boys .

[@godslayer1415]

Not only did we have metal we had the beastie boys

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

@@godslayer1415 Metal sucks though.

[@DrClawizdead]

If Chuck D has your back, you know you're legit!

[@erwinorellano34]

Yep

[@AmyHollinger1]

Chuck D for president

[@marsveinsson2295]

Thats 100. Coming from a homie from iceland

[@incontrol5848]

I was in 8th grade when I got their album, I am first generation hop, GEN X, WE ARE BEASTIES FO LIFE.....they ARE OUR LEGENDS OF THE 80'S HOP, WE WILL FIGHT YOU IN DA STREETS BOUT DEM BOYS, 💯..I am 53 now. #WEbeBEASTIE👈🏾💯😎

[@mikewilcox8197]

#OFFICIAL

[@dustinburroughs5918]

In my opinion, Chuck D and Ice Cube are the best to ever do it. Much respect.

[@bonusfries3241]

I have a copy of The Source May 1990 with Chuck on the cover and the summer 1990 issue of The Source with Ice Cube on the cover in excellent condition!!

[@DWQJVB]

Vanilla Ice was great too

[@stxfdt1240]

@@DWQJVB Eminem father of Vanilla mama.😂😂😂

[@Spooky_515]

@@stxfdt1240Eminem is Vanillas son and knew he needed Dre to pimp him out for credibility. Now he’s just a bitter old pop star hating on all the young dudes trying to come up

[@thebeachlovers3383]

Chuck D and LL are the epitome of class.

[@frankfilippone9679]

My favorite Rap group of all time! Paul’s Boutique is the best album ever! Love you guys! Since the mid 80s you guys were a huge influence on my life!

[@FedUpSista]

The Dust Brothers

[@frankfilippone9679]

Yep, Brooklyn Dust Music 🎶 🎵

[@JohnSmith-oe5kx]

Two legends inducting a seminal group. Awesome job, Chuck D and LL Cool J.

[@lanemeyer9350]

A very important group in MUSIC not just rap

[@adamwilliams1675]

If I ever get nominated for a Hall of Fame -- any Hall of Fame -- I hope Chuck D provides my induction speech.

[@keisi1574]

I just nominated you for the KZbin Comments Hall of Fame.

[@psychobetha]

damn LL making me cry 😭💜

[@TitoMariategui]

I think he was about to cry also. Great speech!

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

@@TitoMariategui - he was when he mentioned that they got him his shot in Hip Hop. It shows he’s incredibly grateful to them.

[@k.pacificnw02134]

I've seen the Beasties twice in concert in my life. Once when they weren't too popular, and then a few years later when they got popular again. So, a smaller venue and then a big arena. I'm right about their age. It's been fun growing up with them, because if *they* can still be cool....then maybe that means I can still be cool, too. : ) #genx

[@30907bng]

My admiration for both these men is immeasurable.

[@njdrummer7120]

If you grew up in the 80 and were in HS like me from 85-89 the BB were the soundtrack of your youth. Mind blowing

[@MR-cp4sj]

Agree.

[@celeboria]

LL Cool J is the Tom Cruise of Hip Hop. The man just doesn´t age. He was 44 in this video.

[@kildogery]

44 isn't old. I'm in my 40s.

[@MaRoach7]

Yeah LL fine as hell

[@jusaisrae7314]

License to ILL was the first piece of music I ever owned. It was a 12 inch record I stole from my big brother bc the cover art was so sick.

[@torpedoboy4]

same here. 7th grade, 1987

[@danieljohnson4530]

The plane, then you open it up it’s the plane as a cigarette being put out!!!!

[@kcdgcarter]

I met Chuck d at Universal studios with his family and no one notice him. I was shaking because I couldn't believe it was him. I walk up to him and told him what he meant to me and hip hop and he thank me and I shook his hand.

[@Hrazoart]

Chuck D sounds presidential

[@negativezero3107]

Pauls broke the mold, they got the Dust brothers and made someting never heard before, still one of the best albums ever made of any musical form

[@SuperTicklemonsters]

Great drinking game... Take a shot every time Chuck D shout outs to LL standin behind him lol

[@johnthelesserofthethirdoft863]

Then continue every time LL licks his lips

[@jayham____fromgeorgia]

the beasties were actually contemporaries of run-dmc.. and, they actually knew and hung out with run-dmc. that's pretty impressive.. oh, and they made some great music themselves also.

[@scottkenny5281]

I've seen so many concerts back in the day, seen Beasties 3 times and nobody puts on a show and the energy is insane, 3 man weave right in your face, do hurricane is awesome, stick em up !!!!

[@thepastavatars7939]

9 Years later, LL Cool J himself gets inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[@PTRRanger951]

Couple of the most amazing artists of my time, well a little before (born in 83) with one of the best and my most favorite bands.

[@mikeanderson8939]

I jumped on the BB band wagon from go. Most older friends were like... WTF man? I got it... the perfect blend of rap and rock! What other rap band played instruments? I think it was an age thing... old enough to appreciate the Zep toss-ins and young enough to be open to new shits

[@Tacoman1967]

LL was always class!

[@theDane70]

Beastie Boys pushed the envelope of what music can be, they could rap like no other and play those instruments like no other, truly a one of a kind band. Musical geniuses as they influence music so much they were often the first to try it and have been copied ever since... as an example "flute loop" is so amazing, " hey! Give me a beat any beat ! I’ll rhyme to the beat and keep you on your feet" . Back in the day no one would have dared such a move but they rhymed over a flute loop... but again it’s just one example of their talent and if you don’t know about their album "the in sound from way out " you should listen to it since they all studied in music , and if you like a funky groove put on a seat belt.. sincerely in a musical sense, my life would probably feel empty without the beastie boys....

[@glennbuschkuhl1433]

I’d love one day to run across Chuck D, shake his hand. Say Thank You. Strong Island represent. Been a fan since 88.

[@maxt7615]

all the greatest musicians

[@blockthenoisenz]

Damn, Chuck D is such a G

[@komi-origami]

I can’t hold my emotions while watching this induction

[@johnspartan852]

Today’s rap is shit. It’s sad because it was once such a great form of expression. Talent is talent and the cream always rises to the top. Side note LL doesn’t get enough credit for branching out as an artist and never afraid to do what he wants regardless of anyone’s opinion

[@drew65sep]

It's not just Rap...it's everything that's coming out of the bands, artists, and the recording industry. Young fans and kids are being ripped off by the swill they're pumping out. And, it's been going on for so long they know no different.

[@rocketk1442]

Word up

[@mr.ilikespam6081]

you just are not looking at the right place because there ton of good rap in todays world it's not the early 2000s and late 2010s anymore where almost every artist was just doing the same thing. run the jewels, JPEGMafia, Brockhamton, Denzel curry and there is a ton more that music in the past 5 or 6 years has been better than than what we got in those time frames.

[@rocketk1442]

@@mr.ilikespam6081 LL is in a class by himself! He is like the Michael Jordan of Basket Ball or the Tom Brady of Foot Ball! People need to take a Hip Hop history class. But most people who know hip hop know LL's worth and value . Its almost like the kids today think Lebron is the GOAT. But they never saw Jordan play . But once they hear an LL record kids today be like who is that.Jordan played im bad in his documentary . Younger kids heard it and they were like who is that. That record is hot. Then they go and you tube it and be like that is that guy on NCIS Sam Hannah !

[@LibertySpam]

Expand your horizons

[@edwardrichard2561]

Certain people don't want to or hate to admit it but without Beastie Boys hip hop would never left the streets. Because of them it will worldwide. If you like rap or hip hop or whatever you should thank Beastie Boys.

[@Bramro12]

No it didn’t coming from a person out side of america born and raised in europe nobody listens to them most people got into hip hop because of 2pac and biggie they made it world wide and run dmc before them. Stop saying stupid shit when you haven’t lived outside of the us

[@Spooky_515]

Ever heard of Run DMC?

[@riffgroove]

LL said it himself here... "Run DMC drove hip-hop to the edge of suburbia, the Beasties parked it in the middle of town."

[@RapRants]

@@riffgroove Only because of their race. We're supposed to thank the Beastie Boys because racist white people couldn't appreciate us doing our own music.

[@RapRants]

@@Spooky_515 Exactly, Run DMC were the first rappers to appear on MTV, American Bandstand, and on the cover of Rolling Stone. Sold millions of copies. But from the perspective of ignorant outsiders, the Beastie Boys kicked down the door. 🤣

[@echopryme]

I love this... But if I would have been the guy thatcgave this speech to induct them? I'd have said it in ONE sentence... "They have ALWAYS been five years cooler than the rest of us ever realized!"

[@patrickbowers8359]

Today's rap has nothing on old school

[@harrymothowl8923]

It was also so new now it’s been getting pimped just like anything that becomes popular and corporate people become involved

[@williamgallucci9913]

Nothing doesn't even come close

[@DarthLetalis]

Today’s rap is n their “hair metal” phase...it’s about living in excess. Rap needs a Kirk Cobain to simplify it down to its roots.

[@singood7790]

I don't know man...have you heard that 1940's gospel rap? Lol it's on KZbin an for some reason I find it hilarious.

[@MrRa3500]

@@DarthLetalis it was xxxtentacion to some people

[@adamscott8138]

Chuck D = The Truth 🙏🏻

[@makeittillufakeit]

i keep watching this

[@msg.5130]

I love this introduction 🫶🏾✨

[@IndomitableAde]

00:35 LL's low-key not entirely humble moment when Chuck D said he helped build the house of hip-hop on Def Jam, priceless.

[@Hellwyck]

It's not low key if we all saw it.

[@tammywalton9769]

It's true, though. He has always been with Def Jam. Even as others jumped ship, he stayed.

[@marinazagrai1623]

RIP Adam Yauch, died from cancer! I can't imagine not them being around! Getting recognition!

[@slothbro2740]

a really great 14 minutes. and im not even that big of a fan of beastie boys. wonderful induction and well deserved

[@TitoMariategui]

To be a fan of the Beastie Boys you must listen to all of them records to really understand the magnitude of their music. And yes, it was a great speech!

[@mattier.9095]

Chuck D was woke before it was a thing. Teach and preach Chuck D! 💜

[@michaelmcclendon9036]

Beastie boys def jam you have a great weekend with the boys

[@titoramone4465]

That was beautiful❤

[@IRgEEK]

The beautiful, heartfelt story from LL about how the Boys believed in him is the highlight @12:29 and a must watch.

[@stew360]

COOLjay Has such a respectfull and humorous great speech !

[@negativezero3107]

LL is gonna look 27 when he is 100

[@MrJHarley17]

They were so deserving of this.

[@jeffmendell4533]

I was there Chuck !

[@nyr413]

That got me choked up, great speeches. All the respect

[@seanprahphet]

YEAH BOOYYY!

[@josemireles852]

YEAH SSSTTTUUUPPPIIIDDD!!!

[@SmokeTheHolyChalice]

“Bigger and Deffer,” to me, is an iconic rap album and “I’m Bad,” to me, is one of the best rap songs every laid down on any music medium, and for me, this album came via cassette tape. I literally wore that tape down to the point it couldn’t do it anymore and snapped. I immediately went out and bought the tape again and the cycle repeats. That said, you’re absolutely right. He is definitely closer to receiving a Razzie than an Oscar, but as far as rap and hip-hop go, he is just as much a founder and groundbreaker as these three legends he’s honoring. As for Chuck D., he is one of the greatest rappers alive. Then you realize the message he’s preaching and the top of your head blows off as begin to understand just how good the man. Shout out to Terminator X as well. Peace brothers, keep on laying out the truth. Now back to LL… Shit, over 35 years later and I can spit out that damn song by memory alone! Greatest opening line to a rap track ever!!! No rapper can rap quite like I can I'll take a musclebound man and put his face in the sand. Not the last mafioso,I'm a mc cop Make you say Go LL and do the wop If you think you can out rhyme me, yeah, boy, I bet….I ain't met a motherfucker who can do that yet. Trendsetter I'm better, my rhymes are good. I got a gourmet plate that says “I wish you would”…And when battles begin then I gotta join in and before my rhyme is over, you know I'm-a win Cool J has arrived, so you better make way Ask anybody in the crowd, they say the kid don't play…Slaughter competition, that's my hobby and job…I don't wear a disguise because I don't owe the mob…Got a pinpoint rap that makes you feel trapped. So many girls on my jock, I think my phone is tapped I'M BAD Cool J, J, J, J Cool J, J,J Cool J, J Cool J, J Cool J,J,J lol, Something like that…Also love the cop radio opening describing him with fu*king “DIMPLES!” Stupid! But then it ends with the classic…well, see for yourself. (Calling all cars, calling all cars Be on the lookout for a tall light-skinned brother with dimples Wearing a black Kangol, sweatsuit, gold chain, and sneakers Last seen on Farmers Boulevard heading east Alias LL Cool J, he's bad) F*CK YEAH!!!

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

I wish MCA could have been there .

[@Hellwyck]

He was, just not in his physical vessel.

[@jennytaylor4968]

😭💔 he was my fav

[@bigbrossi2434]

@@jennytaylor4968 he was everyone's

[@dionerhodes1308]

Beautiful..just Beautiful.. 👏👏💯💖🙏

[@ButchBrown7]

I'm trying to get to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame one day. Everytime I stay at the Hard Rock I take a pic with Lauryn Hill. People will catch up to the Butch Brown7 sound like the Beastie Boys being different 🏆👏👏👏

[@jmckdekalb316]

DEF Jam is the GOAT

[@weeknders]

Lot of ppl dont know they released an all instrumental jazz album. Banger.

[@billbradley4878]

Anyone who thinks white rappers have no credibility in the industry should be directed to this clip. I am willing to bet the credibility of Chuck D and LL Cool J surpasses that of anyone who would make such a claim.

[@richdulabahn9193]

If you don't love Chuck D something is wrong with you. See a doctor. That's just the coolest dude walking the planet.

[@flyinglotus3284]

RIP MCA LEGEND 🙏🕊

[@DMc-o7j]

As much as any of todays hip hop is good, life is so much more enriched if you appreciate Public Enemy, LL, and the Beasties also.

[@JohnHill-bn5kn]

Some of my favorite bands Murphy's Law, Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy

[@Hepkat11]

Amazing tribute awesome speeches.

[@alanprosser6550]

Total legends

[@AaronDonley-d6p]

Ladys love cool J is chomping at the bit like hurry up chuck 😂😂😂

[@TWILS02119]

Dopeness!! ALI BABBA & THE 40 THIEVES!!! Salute!!! Congratulations!!!

[@jakerakestraw5751]

Lots of emotion in LL at 12:30. Thats awesome

[@marshalloram1999]

Ladies love cool James

[@marshalloram1999]

It did start way back in history...

[@marshalloram1999]

They drove it down the middle of suburbia: and that’s why I’ve a;ways been a huge PE and LL fan. Spread the word...

[@hgwells6202]

Doesn't surprise me LL COOL JS. CLASS IS HARD ASZ HELL. FROM HERE TOO NOW! PUSH IT REAL GOOD.

[@lauraalexander8144]

Mom,you’re just jealous it’s The Beastie Boys!

[@coreybenoit9268]

Hip hop in rock n roll Hall of Fame. Yeah, makes sense!!

[@michaelbock2424]

Gotta be one of the best speeches i ever heard!Wow LL Cool J

[@helmutkurtneumnn2026]

Fight for your right to party party for your right to fight ❤

[@Moparguy511]

ILL COMUNICATIONS WAS BRILLIANT

[@TheIkaraCult]

LL and Chuck D are my rap heroes...

[@seba5837]

Chuck D voice is as rock and roll as fuck

[@RJay207]

7:48 "This is a craft. It's not a hustle." Chuck D. And peace to MCA.

[@notintohandles]

Thank you.

[@LIBREPUB]

Beastie Boys - forever the illest

[@markfancher5676]

What a great show

[@MT-sk1ln]

LL Cool muthafukin JAY!!!!!!!

[@bigdawg7262]

Beacuse when I think of rock & roll, I think of these guys. Keith Richards nailed it about the RRHOF turning into a joke.

[@pitbull7676]

You should cuz they got their roots in punk rock.also all three played Instruments also quit well I might add.Google it's ur friend.

[@Hiphopdatruthnohate]

Yhea boy .✊🏽✌🏾🇨🇱

[@davemowers7827]

Get the book, get it on Audible, lists to it here. The Beastie Boys book PROVES, how they were the greatest artistic contribution and representation for Gen X to a close second in Michael Jordan. That story about the peppermint lounge and the recall of meeting basically the clash and the Sex Pistols together in one afternoon in England will never be replicated OR reconstructed in time on this side of heaven. Their story is incredible. And like the be bop era of jazz and the ensemble of jazz musicians before and after that, should be in the government ran school history books. It’s American History like it or not. Never would have happened in any other country in the world, ever. 🇺🇸