4 LP vinyl box set released in the
year 2000 as a limited, numbered
collector's edition of strictly 6,000 copies by
Grand Royal and
Capitol Records. It covers a rich spectrum of the group's classic hip-hop tracklist, rare B-sides, live variations, and unreleased gems across four individual pieces of vinyl.
Because this specific box set includes a massive 88-page hardcover book, it crosses over from music collecting into the world of rare book collecting, where this term originates. Each copy features an individual machine-stamped number located on the very last page of the enclosed hardcover book, however --
THIS COPY IS UNNUMBERED (see photo). It does NOT have a machine-stamped number on the last page of the book; the box for the number is left BLANK. Before Grand Royal and Capitol Records shipped out the retail batch, a small run of final production box sets was distributed unnumbered to radio stations, music journalists, record store owners, and industry insiders. This particular box set is an association copy, which means it originally belonged to someone directly connected to the Beastie Boys or the production of the album. An association copy is uniquely valuable because it bypassed the standard numbering system to be given directly to an insider. For this release, it would likely be a copy owned by:
- The Band Members: Ad-Rock, Mike D, or MCA themselves.
- The Creative Team: The designers, photographers, or authors who contributed to the 88-page book.
- The Record Labels: Executives and staff at Grand Royal or Capitol Records.
- Close Associates: Close friends, family, or high-profile musical collaborators (like Mix Master Mike or Mario Caldato Jr.).
In this particular case, the first option applies. The album was given to me personally by Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock) shortly before its release. We were hanging out at his Manhattan home, and he was giving me several rare Beastie Boys records, including this box set. I felt compelled to say maybe he should sign it, even though it felt incredibly awkward to ask. He jerked his head back, grinned, said "no", and we both laughed, relieved. To sign the album would have turned the moment into some kind of transaction, instead of the simple gesture of a friend, which is what it was.
Ironically, of course, had he signed it, I would have definitive proof of its authenticity of assocviation. But aside from the blank, unnumbered box on the last page of the book, I do not. I don't know how to prove that any of this is true. I can tell you that on the first BS 2000 album (one of Adam's side projects), there's a 30-second clip of an enamored BS2K fan raving about the band in Swiss German: that's me. But aside from that, you'll just have to take my word for it.
Needless to say, it breaks my heart to have to sell this, but circumstances are compelling me to do so. I don't really know what it's actual hard monetary value is -- if the start bid or Buy It Now price seems high, that's because to me the album is priceless, and absolutely worth it. If you feel otherwise, then just don't buy it.
Serious bidders only, please. If you have any questions or would like additional photos, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Vinyl is MINT MINUS; Inner Sleeves are NM/M-; Outer Box is EXCELLENT, minimal wear only.