May 21st, 2016
We lost another Beastie Boy, this time not its de facto leader, but one of its lost members: founding guitarist, John Berry.
The history of popular music is full of stories about someone getting kicked out or not sticking around before their band eventually becomes massively famous. They become a trivia question for the ages, as young fans form conclusions on how stupid someone could be at blowing their shot at the big time, too naïve to realize that it would take prophetic foresight to assume your garage band would one day perform in a sold-out basketball arena.
John Berry was one of those guys.
Popular music is also filled with stories of irresistible personalities, those able to catalyze and create ideas that are just wild enough to work.
John Berry was one of those guys, too.
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March 23rd, 2016
A recap of current Beastie happenings, including a new Cassius track featuring Mike D, a new mixtape from Mix Master Mike, and the date and location of the next MCA Day.
This episode also looks at the many ups and downs, lefts and rights the Beastie Boys had in their career and how things could have happened differently if certain things did or didn't transpire...a game of "What If?" if you will.
And finally, a special shout to Phife Dawg (Malik Taylor) who recently passed away.
January 27th, 2016
Founding member of the Beastie Boys and drummer extraordinaire,
Kate Schellenbach, talks about: early Beastie history, her apprehension of being a rap superstar, life as a television producer, the most difficult Luscious Jackson song to drum, and the whereabouts of Manny.
December 2nd, 2015
Renown photographer Glen E. Friedman talks in depth about his iconic work with the Beastie Boys, including the day that yielded the cover shot for Check Your Head.
He also discusses why he threatened to scratch the negative for Public Enemy's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, how he almost scored the cover shot for Ill Communication, and whether or not he'll ever join Instagram.
Glen will be signing his latest book, My Rules, on Tue., December 8 at Pilgrim Surf Supply in Brooklyn (68 N. 3rd St.) from 6-8PM.
October 15th, 2015
Jeremy Shatan, member of the Young Aborigines and the man responsible for taking the cover photo for
Paul's Boutique talks about, well, taking the cover photo for
Paul's Boutique, mix-tape etiquette, hanging out with Mike D as a teenager, why he turned down a free "long-box" of
Licensed to Ill, and his important work with the charity
Hope & Heroes.
February 25th, 2015
A chat with Dan LeRoy, the man who wrote the book, um, books on Paul's Boutique. His contribution to the 33 1/3 series, in my opinion, is still the gold standard of that collection.
January 22nd, 2015
A year-long celebration of the greatest Beastie Boys surprise of all-time!
NOTE: A special addendum was added to this episode featuring Jim and Prof giving their take on the newly released "Too Many Rappers" music video. During the discussion the memory card on their recorder crashed. Instead of giving you an incomplete conversation, we'll give you a full critique at a later date.
Just lettin' you know. Thanks.
May 23rd, 2014
Jim & Prof give a track-by-track commentary on the Beastie Boys' Ill Communication, celebrating its 20th Anniversary.
July 19th, 2013
Oscar Pascual shares audio from a Beastie Boys' roundtable interview he took part in during the Gala Event era in 2007.
(above: Oscar poses with MCA & later grabs a photo of the Beastie Boys live in San Francisco.)
We also listen to Mike D's latest track, while Pat Poon takes his finger off the fader for a second to give 20 Questions a whirl.
July 9th, 2013
The Brouhaha returns by bringing you a Master's-level chat with Beastie backer, Rya. B-Boys & B-Girls of the world unite, al'ight?!
(above: Rya and the back of Stevie Wonder's head.)
