Beastie Boys Wedding Songs for an Intergalactic Party

From their early punk roots to becoming hip hop icons, the Beastie Boys offer a unique “party” energy. Their songs are best saved for the high-energy peaks of your reception, grand entrances, or that late-night “rowdy” set.

Party Anthems: Mandatory hits for a high-energy dance floor.
Grand Entrances: Driving beats that make a statement.
Late Night Energy: Gritty, loud tracks for when the party is in full swing.

Spotlight Moments: Grand Entrances & Traditions

The Statement Entrance: “Sabotage” – 1994. If you want to walk into your reception with maximum impact, this is the song. The iconic fuzz-bass intro and explosive energy make it a favorite for a Wedding Party Grand Entrance. It tells everyone immediately that the “boring” part of the day is over.
The Party Starter: “Make Some Noise” – 2011. As the title suggests, this is a great track to play right as you transition into dancing. It’s high-energy and encourages the crowd to get involved.
The “Brooklyn” Tribute: “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” – 1987. For couples with New York roots (or just a love for the borough), this is a classic. It works well for a grand entrance or a high-energy dance set.

Reception & Dance Floor Fillers

The Mandatory Party Song: “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” – 1987. This is a wedding staple. It’s a parody of “attitude” songs that became the ultimate party anthem. Play this when the energy needs a massive boost.
The Funky Groove: “Brass Monkey” – 1987. Named after the alcoholic drink, this track has a syncopated beat that is incredibly easy to dance to. It usually gets a great reaction from Gen X and Millennials alike.
The Galactic Sing-Along: “Intergalactic” – 1998. A Grammy-winning track with a robot-voice hook that everyone knows. It’s perfect for the middle of a high-energy set where you want the crowd singing along.
The “Style” Track: “Ch-Check It Out” – 2004. The first rap song by a group to hit #1 on the Modern Rock charts. It’s great for a high-energy dance set or even a “reintroduction” of the couple later in the night.
The Rhythm-Builder: “Body Movin'” – 1998. As the lyrics say, “I wanna do the freak until the break of dawn.” This is a great track for keeping the momentum going during a peak dance set.

DJ Expert Tips: Mastering the Beastie Set

The Rock/Rap Bridge: Use the Beastie Boys to transition between different genres. For example, you can easily go from a rock song like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” into “Sabotage” or from a hip hop classic into “Brass Monkey.”
The “Explicit” Warning: The Beastie Boys have plenty of “clean” versions of their hits. Make sure your DJ is using the radio edits, especially for songs like “Sabotage” or “Make Some Noise,” to keep the party grandma-friendly while maintaining the energy.
Save the Best for Last: Tracks like “Fight for Your Right” are great “closer” contenders. They leave the crowd on a high note, feeling like they truly “fought” for their right to party.

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Beastie Boys Highest-Charting Billboard Hits

#1 Ch-Check It Out, 2004
#4 Intergalactic, 1998
#7 (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!), 1987
#7 Make Some Noise, 2011
#11 Alive, 1999
#11 Triple Trouble, 2004
#15 Body Movin’, 1998
#18 Hey Ladies, 1989
#18 Sabotage, 1994
#22 The New Style, 1986
#22 So What’cha Want, 1992
#29 The Negotiation Limerick File, 1998

Beastie Boys Wedding Songs

#1 Sabotage
Released in 1994 on the album Ill Communication

The video received more notoriety than the song itself. It was directed by Spike Jonze depicting a 1970s crime drama.

‘Cause what you see you might not get
And we can bet, so don’t you get souped yet
You’re scheming on a thing that’s a mirage
I’m trying to tell you now, it’s sabotage

#2 (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)
Released in 1987 on the album Licensed to Ill

The song was intended as a parody of party and attitude songs.

Your mom busted in and said, what’s that noise?
Aw, mom you’re just jealous it’s the Beastie Boys
You gotta fight for your right to party

#3 Intergalactic
Released in 1998 on the album Hello Nasty

The song received a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1999. Did you know the song samples the theme music for the 1985 film The Toxic Avenger?

If you want to battle you’re in denial
Comin’ from Uranus to check my style
Go ahead, put my rhymes on trial
Cast you off into exile

#4 No Sleep Till Brooklyn
Released in 1987 on the album Licensed to Ill

The song features an homage to New York City’s borough.

Ain’t no faking, your money I’m taking
Going coast to coast watching all the girlies shaking
While you’re at the job working nine to five, The Beastie Boys at the Garden – cold kickin’ it live

#5 Brass Monkey
Released in 1987 on the album Licensed to Ill

The song is named after an alcoholic drink of the same name.

Brass Monkey
That funky Monkey
Brass Monkey junkie
That funky Monkey
Brass

#6 Girls
Released in 1987 on the album Licensed to Ill

The song is about a desire for women.

Girls, that’s all I really want is girls
Two at a time, I want girls
With new wave hairdos, I want girls

#7 So What’cha Want
Released in 1992 on the album Check Your Head

Well, I’m Dr. Spock, I’m here to rock, y’all
I want you off the wall, if you’re playing the wall
I said what’cha, what’cha, what’cha want?

#8 Ch-Check It Out
Released in 2004 on the album To the 5 Boroughs

The Beasties Boys’ song hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, making it the first song by a rap group to achieve such a feat.

Check-ch-check-check-check-ch-check it out
What-wha-what-what-what’s it all about
Work-wa-work-work-work-wa-work it out
Let’s turn this mutha****ing party out

#9 Make Some Noise
Released in 2011 on the album Hot Sauce Committee Part Two

Did you know the song appears on the soundtrack to the video game Madden NFL 12?