Beastie Boys Book
A sprawling, hilarious, and deeply moving tribute to a band and a lost New York.
The Historical Context
Following the tragic death of Adam 'MCA' Yauch, the surviving Beastie Boys wrote this colossal, unconventional memoir. It traces their evolution from obnoxious teenage hardcore punks to frat-boy rap caricatures, and finally to highly respected, socially conscious musical pioneers. It is as much a love letter to the dirty, pre-gentrification New York of the 1980s as it is a band history.
Deconstructing the Masterpiece
Here is exactly what you will find inside the pages of this pivotal work:
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The vital, cross-cultural pollination of punk and hip-hop in downtown Manhattan.
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The deep embarrassment of their early, misogynistic 'Licensed to Ill' persona and their deliberate growth away from it.
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The profound grief of losing a lifelong friend and creative partner.
The Myths & Controversies
They spend considerable time apologizing for their early behavior, actively disowning the culture that originally made them famous.
The Verdict
One of the most entertaining and emotionally resonant music books of the decade.
Archivist Notes: Beastie Boys Book
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