I Need a Beat
Encyclopedia
I Need a Beat is the debut single released by rapper, LL Cool J
, and one of the first two releases of Def Jam Recordings
to have the logo and the catalogue number, along with Beastie Boys
' "Rock Hard
". It was released in 1984 for Def Jam Recordings
, produced by Rick Rubin
and written by Rubin, LL Cool J and Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys
. The song was later remixed and put on his first album, Radio
.
LL Cool J
James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...
, and one of the first two releases of Def Jam Recordings
Def Jam Recordings
Def Jam Recordings is an American record label, focused primarily on hip hop and urban music, owned by Universal Music Group, and operates as a part of The Island Def Jam Motown Music Group...
to have the logo and the catalogue number, along with Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys are an American hip hop trio from New York City. The group consists of Mike D who plays the drums, MCA who plays the bass, and Ad-Rock who plays the guitar....
' "Rock Hard
Rock Hard
Rock Hard is an EP by the Beastie Boys, released by Def Jam Records on 12" in 1985. The song, and the accompanying songs on the 12", feature the band's debut rap effort....
". It was released in 1984 for Def Jam Recordings
Def Jam Recordings
Def Jam Recordings is an American record label, focused primarily on hip hop and urban music, owned by Universal Music Group, and operates as a part of The Island Def Jam Motown Music Group...
, produced by Rick Rubin
Rick Rubin
Frederick Jay "Rick" Rubin is an American record producer and the co-president of Columbia Records. Along with Russell Simmons, Rubin was the co-founder of Def Jam Records and also established American Recordings...
and written by Rubin, LL Cool J and Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys are an American hip hop trio from New York City. The group consists of Mike D who plays the drums, MCA who plays the bass, and Ad-Rock who plays the guitar....
. The song was later remixed and put on his first album, Radio
Radio (LL Cool J album)
Radio is the debut album of American rapper LL Cool J, released November 18, 1985 on Def Jam Recordings in the United States. It serves as the label's first full-length album release. Recording sessions for the album took place during 1984 to 1985 at Chung King House of Metal in New York City...
.
B-Side
- "I Need a Beat" (Zootie Mix)- 5:03
- "I Need a Beat" (Instrumental)- 5:09