Today the Beastie Boys’ sophomore release, Paul’s Boutique, turns 25, which is the same number of years it takes to read the album’s complete list of samples and references. Even “Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun,” which is just over two minutes long, contains five samples and eight references, including nods to Die Hard and Chuck Chillout. You don’t need me to tell you that it’s one of the greatest albums of all-time, and that the lyrics are equal parts hilarious and insightful, and that the production still sounds fresh, and 718-498-1043, that’s Paul’s Boutique, they’re in Brooklyn.
So let’s watch Mike D, Ad-Rock, and MCA on Soul Train in 1990 and share our favorite lyrics.
Hot cup of coffee and the donuts are Dunkin
Friday night and Jamaica Queens funkin
That’s mine (I married a girl from Jamaica, Queens — not unrelated). Now it’s your turn.