A foundational track from the album *Check Your Head*, "Pass the Mic" saw the Beastie Boys return to a raw, live-band sound, marking a deliberate shift away from the more sample-heavy production of their previous LPs.
- The single and its B-side "In 3's" were recorded at the band's own G-Son Studios in Atwater Village, California, with the group credited as producers.
- "Pass the Mic" was a key track in re-establishing the Beastie Boys' critical and commercial credibility following the less-well-received *Rhyme & Reason* soundtrack.
- The song features an iconic music video directed by Tamra Davis, filmed in black and white and showcasing the band performing in a crowded, intimate space.
New York City hip-hop trio Beastie Boys are known for their innovative genre-bending, blending rap with rock and funk influences. At the time of "Pass the Mic"'s release, they were transitioning from the raw energy of their early work towards more sophisticated production and social commentary.
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