Ahh, this one brings me back. The Dust Brothers-produced sophomore album from the Beastie Boys, when the OG white rappers were turning their sound from rambunctious clowns to that genre-bending "hip-pop" sound. The album is jam packed on both sides with memorable beats and raw rhymes - check "Hey Ladies," the hype "Shake Your Rump," the funky funky "Shadrach," the infamous break on "High Plains Drifter" and the metal-infused "What Comes Around." So many styles on this slab right here, it's easy to see how this opened the doors for their huge Check Your Head. Wax is a must for this one, mane.

• black vinyl pressing
• housed in deluxe 4-panel gatefold sleeve
  
• original release year: 1989
• music label: Capitol 2023

reviewed by C'mish 03/2007