This came out in 2004 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Now you know why it’s been so long since Beastie Boys put out an album — they were all getting sex changes.
OK, that’s a lie. But it’s an easy mistake to make after hearing Dying In Stereo, the debut disc from female Long Island hip-hop trio Northern State. These women have clearly spent quality time with the Beastie’s catalogue, soaking up their old-school vibe, rocking beatbox grooves and snotty, interlaced vocals. All of which they deliver in spades on these eight cuts. Granted, they could be a whole lot more original. But they’ve learned their lessons well enough that they couldn’t be much more entertaining.
