Ah, the Beastie Boys—an iconic trio that carved out a unique space in hip-hop and rock. By the time of the live recording of "Gratitude" from the Check Your Head Tour in 1991, they had just released their album *Check Your Head* that same year. This album marked a pivotal shift in their sound, melding rap with live instruments, which was quite a departure from their earlier, sample-heavy work. How cool is that? It was like they were redefining their musical identity in real time. During this period, they were embracing a more authentic, DIY ethos, moving away from the heavily produced sounds of previous projects. Not to mention, *Check Your Head* produced hits that cemented their legacy, like "So What'cha Want." The energy in live performances like this one captures that thrilling blend of rawness and creativity. A perfect moment in their evolution—really a testament to their genius!