Trivia / Paul's Boutique

• Acclaimed Flop: The album was originally a commercial failure, (especially compared to the monstrous success of Licensed to Ill) peaking at #24 on the top R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart. The album being Vindicated by History caused it to be certified double-platinum in 1999.
• Creator Backlash: In an interview with ''TODAY'', Ad-Rock and Mike D. stated that they thought "What Comes Around" was "a dud" and that they would've left it off the album in hindsight.
• Freeze-Frame Bonus: In the music video for Hey Ladies, text saying "FREE JAMES BROWN" flashes on screen at 2:25.
• Real Life Writes the Plot:
  • "Johnny Ryall" was inspired by a real-life homeless New Yorker with that name.
  • "Egg Man" was inspired by the fact that the Beasties enjoyed throwing eggs at people during the recording of this album.
    • "Egg Raid On Mojo", from the band's Hardcore Punk days, details an earlier egging incident: "Mojo" was a doorman who frequently refused the band entry at an NYC club - they responded by sneaking up on him and pelting him with eggs one day.
  • "Car Thief" references the Beasties' official photographer Ricky Powell and their bodyguard Mookie Wilson.
  And like Ricky always said, you've got to toke and pass
  Or Mookie's gonna kick your motherfucking ass
  (...) Your girl got dicked by Ricky Powell
  • "Stop That Train" references George Drakoulias, who discovered the Beasties and recognized their talent.
  I bought a hot dog - from Who? George Drakoulias