Def Jam Recordings/UMe will reissue Beastie Boys’ debut album “Licensed to Ill” in a limited vinyl edition on March 18, 2027, marking 40 years since the album’s November 1986 release. The album was the first rap record to top the Billboard 200 and was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2015 for sales exceeding 10 million units.
The new “Vinylphyle” edition is pressed on 180-gram black vinyl, with lacquers cut by Joe Nino-Hernes at Sterling Sound from a high-resolution digital transfer of the original 1986 quarter-inch master tape. The package includes a gatefold jacket with satin-matte finish, a four-panel insert featuring scans of the original tape boxes, a band-logo etching, and new liner notes written by Public Enemy co-founder Chuck D.
The reissue is available for pre-order now. Beastie Boys members Ad-Rock and Mike D are scheduled to appear on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and the “SmartLess” podcast this week in connection with the anniversary.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Laura Eldeiry, nastylittleman.com.