The Beastie Boys Book Is Nominated For AudioBook Of The Year
In late 2018, Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz published The Beastie Boys Book. Mike D and Ad-Rock penned a group memoir to tell the story of the iconic trio that transcended the Rap, Hip-Hop, and Punk Rock genres. The Penguin Books text also memorialized Adam Yauch. The rapper/producer also known as MCA died in 2012, succumbing to cancer.
The Beastie Boys Book retraces the individual paths of the three members coming from New York City and forming at the top of the 1980s. Included in the text are extensive details on the creation of various Beasties albums and songs. It chronicles their early years as a Punk outfit, an obsession with Hip-Hop music and culture. The text follows the making of Licensed To Ill, and provides new information on the subsequent fallout with Def Jam Records’ Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin, who produced the Beasties’ early Rap records. Moreover, the book examines what happened with Kate Schellenbach, the group’s drummer and fourth member before the national fame. It looks at the group vocally changing an image that was perceived by some as misogynistic and sexist. It also reveals a liner notes prank the group played on its fans with their final album, 2011’s Hot Sauce Committee (Pt. 2). Ad-Rock says that it went unnoticed. There are playlists, recipes, and additional fodder for the fans.
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The book contains chapters and essays penned by friends, peers, and some of the people who knew the Beasties best and felt their influence. Music video director-turned-Oscar winner Spike Jonze, Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler, Wes Anderson and others. For the simultaneously released audiobook, read by Mike D and Ad-Rock, there are also guests. LL Cool J, Nas, Rev Run, Chuck D, Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Talib Kweli, Snoop Dogg, Rosie Perez, MC Serch, Ben Stiller, Mix Master Mike, Tim Meadows, and Steve Buscemi all read excerpts.
This endeavor is now nominated for “AudioBook Of The Year” at the 2019 Audie Awards, the highest honor for the medium. The awards are presented by the Audio Publishers Association and has been in existence since 2010. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on March 4, 2019, at Guastavino’s in New York City.
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The Beasties will compete against the following titles, authors, and narrators:
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, narrated by Eisa Davis and Sean Crisden
Calypso, written and narrated by David Sedaris
Children of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, narrated by Bahni Turpin
The Good Neighbor by Maxwell King, narrated by LeVar Burton
I’ll Be Gone In The Dark by Michelle McNamara, narrated by Gabra Zackman, Gillian Flynn, and Patton Oswalt.