Being a die hard Beasties fan from day 1 and still obsessing over this band 30 years later at age 41, I was a afraid I knew everything there is to know and have seen every possible photo and youtube video available on the face of the earth to the point where this book wouldn't be as mind blowing for me as it would be for others...not the case. This book is the icing on the cake and absolutely incredible book-end (no pun intended) to easily one of the most enduring, creative and relevant bands of all time. Filled with new photos, intimate stories and perspectives from Mike and Adam make this a fun and entertaining read (even for any casual fan of just music or pop culture history) I finished the entire book in three days and now on to the audio version...outside of not having Yauch's perspective (which is definitely felt) this book is awesome in every way possible. The Beasties did it their way, always. Never comprimising and never selling out. From creating the first #1 hip hop album, being considered THE pioneers of the sampling game, building their own recording studio(s), consistently creating ground breaking records, game changing videos, starting Grand Royal, their record label, starting a clothing line still relevant today, a fanzine turned magazine, a series of GLOBAL non-profit concert festival, starting the internet (yes), a fan filmed concert documentary, induction to the rock n' roll hall of fame and a f'n movie production studio....Think about that, Like what band has ever accomplished all of this? Beastie Boys are the greatest band of all time. If you don't agree with me, read this book. Rest In Peace Adam Yauch.

UPDATE: I take back my disappointment with Amazon. They refunded my $5.00 extra I had paid when I pre-ordered it without me even asking. Good job Amazon.“And you know he weighs in pretty hefty…”Hefty is a perfect word for this book. More Chicago style pizza than NY.I’ve not read the book except a few pages I’ve skimmed since I got it a couple of hours ago. So my review is on the Book structure and printing…and unfortunately Amazon’s declining care of products it sells.The Book. As said above it’s huge. Not tall or wide but thick. “Ah, like a thick-ass book that's filled with wack rhymes”. Unlike most biographies where there are about 20 pages in the middle devoted to photos, this book has the photos and illustrations are throughout it’s entirety. It resembles a Fanzine more than a book. Plus there are tons of little extras throughout that only Beastie Fans will appreciate.The binding is quality and seems like it will stand the test of time. From what I can tell it has smyth sewn binding which make it lay fairly flat when opened on a table. This is nice because you can actually see the middle parts of this gigantic book.The paper and printing are quality as well. The paper is a non-coated stock (matte) which allows the ink to absorb into the page creating rich deep colors in the photographs. Plus the paper has a nice nostalgic smell. There are a few glossy sections but only used when appropriate, or to break up the pace of the book.Now onto the Amazon not so Prime deal I got on this book. Note: This is just me being picky. But needs to be noted in case others got the same damage on their book and paid more for it. I pre-ordered my book months ago for $35 through Amazon Prime. I now see it’s $30. “Knucklehead deli tried to gyp me on the price” I get it, prices change blah blah blah. I wouldn’t be so upset except that although my book was on my doorstep at 8am this morning which was sofa king Rad to wake up to, it is damage. The top right corner all the way through the pages to the back cover (see photos). I’ve tried to mend it myself the best I can. I’ll probably keep because it’s a waste of natural resources to ship this back because of a bent corner. I know I sound like I’m being silly about this but when it’s delivered damaged (no way this happened in shipping, the box was in perfect shape) and then you see that you could have waited and saved $5…it just gets under the skin.Anyways, if you love the Beasties and have been with them since the 80s like me, or even if you are a newer fan of this millennium…get this book. R.I.P. MCA.

Like most books of this type, BEASTIE BOYS BOOK is for the hardcore fan. This will make an outstanding gift for someone you know who loves the Beasties and everything they did.Admittedly I'm merely an above-average Beasties fan. I appreciate their contributions to hip hop (and music in general) and listen to PB and License to Ill fairly regularly, along with a couple dozen other songs from their discography. But I'm nowhere near hardcore enough in my fandom to be able to fully appreciate this book.This is a collection of pieces from Mike D, Ad Rock, and others (including Amy Poehler and Spike Jonze) that offers sometimes surprisingly deep, often funny stories and thoughts about the group's history and outlook. It is a perfect coffee table book (or, for people like me who don't have a coffee table, bathroom reader), not a cover-to-cover book the way many rock memoirs and autobiographies are. It's more a flip-to-a-random-page type of thing. It's "coffee table" distinction is further supported by the fact that it's a huge book. Roughly the size of Infinite Jest, I believe it would too cumbersome to lug around and read anywhere other than the comforts of one's home.It's well put together, with a great forward by Horovitz and plenty of solid photos throughout.Recommended for the huge fan, especially if it's on sale.

These guys have lived the life! Even though they are characters themselves, they have come across so many more and have amazing stories to tell. Lots of guest stars give different voices to this audio book. Bette Midler voicing the legendary Paul's Boutique voice message was great. It's great that the Beasties also gave people a chance to voice their own part and version in certain cases. You hear MC Search talk about his small part of BB history. And having Kate Schellenbach tell her view of how things went and her current outlook on times with her previous band members and friends is worth it's weight in gold, very moving. Too many favorite parts to choose from. A must read or listen!

Those in the fields of pop culture, American culture, and music will find much to explore and enjoy in this massive, comprehensive tome. Likewise, fans will find this to be the definitive, quintessential, "can't do without it" book. There are tons of photos that even the most ardent fans may not have ever seen. At first, you are simply going to find yourself flipping through the pages, being thrilled by one photo after the next. Once that wears off, you will settle into the text. Here's is where the journey begins in earnest.There is a gratitude here that is deeply compelling. Likewise, ummm, you will find an occasional, bizarre gem among this recounting of these friends' most extraordinary lives. (Be on the look-out for a BBQ Grilled Cheese recipe).From what I can currently determine, I believe the final version of this book will be an absolute boon to music-lovers, pop-culture fanatics, scholars, and fans. I've already put the finalized version in my cart ... yeah, it's kinda that amazing!Do not hesitate to buy this.