This installment of the 33 1/3 pocket book series investigates the Beasties' college-rap classic Paul's Boutique. Writer Dan LeRoy (Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, Vibe) gets deep inside the back workings of the album through interviews with Mike D, the Dust Brothers(!), and reclusive producer Mike Dike, among others. In the second chapter, the author breaks down each track with lots of interesting factoids (including lots of sample info) and some music writer-type analysis. The final chapter ends it with a classy touch with a selection of anecdotes, facts, and observations about the album. 124 pages.

reviewed by the mgmnt