A panoramic experience that tells the story of Beastie Boys, a
book as unique as the band itself—by band members ADROCK and Mike
D, with contributions from Amy Poehler, Colson Whitehead, Spike
Jonze, Wes Anderson, Luc Sante, and more.
Formed as a New York City hardcore band in 1981, Beastie Boys
struck an unlikely path to global hip hop superstardom. Here is
their story, told for the first time in the words of the band. Adam
“ADROCK” Horovitz and Michael “Mike D” Diamond offer revealing and
very funny accounts of their transition from teenage punks to
budding rappers; their early collaboration with Russell Simmons and
Rick Rubin; the debut album that became the first hip hop record
ever to hit #1, Licensed to Ill—and the album’s messy
fallout as the band broke with Def Jam; their move to Los
Angeles and rebirth with the genre-defying
masterpiece Paul’s Boutique; their evolution as
musicians and social activists over the course of the classic
albums Check Your Head, Ill
Communication, and Hello Nasty and the
Tibetan Freedom Concert benefits conceived by the late Adam “MCA”
Yauch; and more. For more than thirty years, this band has had
an inescapable and indelible influence on popular culture.
With a style as distinctive and eclectic as a Beastie Boys
album, Beastie Boys Book upends the typical music
memoir. Alongside the band narrative you will find rare photos,
original illustrations, a cookbook by chef Roy Choi, a graphic
novel, a map of Beastie Boys’ New York, mixtape playlists, pieces
by guest contributors, and many more surprises.
Advance praise for Beastie Boys Book
“This entertaining look at Beastie Boys history is as
innovative and raucous as the band’s music.”—Publishers
Weekly (starred review)
“Beastie Boys fans will devour this book, as will anyone interested
in the early days of hip-hop, the art/music/street life of New York
City in the 1980s, and the alternative-nation zeitgeist of the
’90s.”—Kirkus Reviews