The Beastie Boys are definitely one of hip-hop’s most beloved and genre-bending bands. Who can forget hits like “Sabotage,” “Intergalactic” and “No Sleep Till Brooklyn?” Those songs still rule the alternative music world. But, there are too many Beastie Boys songs that really don’t get their moment in the spotlight, and that’s a shame.
We’re talking about deep cuts, really deep, that were never radio hits. Just because they weren’t No. 1 doesn’t mean they didn’t rock. These are the deep cuts, the sleeper tracks and the underrated gems that showcase just how wide the Beastie Boys’ creative reach really was. Did we mention the Beasties even have their own book?
Here are three underrated Beastie Boys songs that may have slipped under the radar, but they each continue to hold their own as unforgettable and totally re-listenable favorites.
Underrated Beastie Boys Songs and Deep Cuts
“Gratitude” (1992)
From the album “Check Your Head,” “Gratitude” roars in with a fuzzed-out bass line so thick and growly it feels practically seismic. While not exactly a hidden track, it’s often overshadowed by more commercially hyped songs from the same record.
Still, among die-hard fans, “Gratitude” is a spiritual anthem of sorts. It’s loud, it’s raw, and it bridges that perfect line between punk and funk. Adam Yauch‘s bass playing steals the show, laying down a line that feels more like a thunderous heartbeat than a supporting rhythm. The lyrics are minimalist but filled with impact – almost like a love letter to persistence.
Despite its grit and groove, the track doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves outside fan circles. But ask those in the know, and “Gratitude” holds up as a powerful reminder of the Beastie Boys’ musical range.
“Grasshopper Unit (Keep Movin’)” (1998)
Buried deep in “Hello Nasty,” “Grasshopper Unit (Keep Movin’)” is one of those tracks that feels like it came straight from a Beastie Boys fever dream – and that’s a compliment.
It’s experimental, it’s layered, and it has a slightly hypnotic, almost sci-fi energy. The track pulses forward with robotic stabs and surrealist lyrics, giving fans a glimpse into the group’s playful weirdness that was never afraid to color outside the lines.
This is the kind of song that rewards headphone listening. From the staccato flow to the fuzzy textures, it’s a slice of late-’90s B-Boys experimentation that rarely gets its due. For those craving something beyond the standard hits, “Grasshopper Unit” is a gold mine.
“Something’s Got to Give” (1992)
Another standout from “Check Your Head,” “Something’s Got to Give” dials things way down and still lands just as hard.
It’s mellow, meditative and driven by a quiet groove that leans more toward trip-hop than rap-rock. Over a minimal beat, the lyrics float with almost philosophical weight. “When you finally think you’ve made it,” they rap, “you find out you’re not even close.”
This song is a rare moment of vulnerability and introspection from a group known for their brashness. “Something’s Got to Give” may not explode like “So What’cha Want,” but it resonates deeply – and quietly – for anyone willing to really listen.
So, the Beastie Boys were always more than just their hits. Hopefully this tally of songs will help populate your Beastie playlist a little better.
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