One king of the ’90s hip-hop scene is back.
Music legend Mike D released his debut solo album, Thank You, on Friday via Capitol Records.
You might recognise Mike D as the co-founder of legendary punk-rap group The Beastie Boys, who reigned supreme as hitmakers for over 30 years — but don’t get it twisted, this isn’t a case of clinging to the Beastie Boys’ legacy.
Fans have been patiently awaiting the album since lead single ‘Switch Up’ dropped in May, with Mike releasing three additional singles through to July. Thank You features nine more brand-new tracks with a fresh electro-punk sound.
Mike D comes completely into his own with this record, blending his signature aggressive delivery with funk power for a real genre-bender.
In an interview with NPR, Mike detailed that he didn’t think he would get back into music after grieving fellow Beastie Boy Adam Yauch’s death in 2012. He said that alongside grieving his friend, he also mourned “this whole identity that we created together.”
More than 14 years after this tragedy, Mike D is ready to step back into the spotlight.
Lyricism may be the main separator between Thank You and the style Mike was known for within The Beastie Boys. The Beastie Boys’ dialogue was always raunchy, brash and cocky, driven further by Mike D, Ad-Rock and MCA trading lines through every fast-paced verse.
Thank You shows us a side we’ve rarely seen of Mike — a vulnerable, brooding part of him that reflects on his life and the world around him. ‘Secrets Pt. I’ explores the feeling of keeping parts of yourself hidden, with lyrics like “Got secrets but unhappy, might cry, might laugh”, while ‘Here We Are’ opens with “I woke up, felt wrong, stuck in my head”.
The album is accompanied by the 5D Tour, which started on the album’s release date in New York and finishes on November 5 in Brussels.
The Diamond household does not take family holiday planning lightly, with the band also featuring Mike’s two adult children, Skyler and Davis Diamond.
It’s not a cohesive album by any means, but it’s an experimental joyride to listen to.
‘That’s Right’ features some insane feedback squeals over warped vocals and a vigorous beat, whereas ‘True Colors’ features relaxed vocal ballads and smooth riffs throughout.
Thank You is available to stream now.
