S8 EP6: Mike D discusses breaking rap into the mainstream, the infamous hydraulic penis, and disbanding the Beastie Boys

Louis sits down with Grammy award-winning rapper, producer and former Beastie Boy Mike D. Speaking ahead of the release of his first solo album, Thank You, Mike tells Louis about breaking rap into the mainstream, the mechanics behind the Beastie Boys’ 20 foot hydraulic penis, and breaking up the band after Adam Yauch’s death.

Warnings: Strong language and adult themes.

Links/Attachments:

Song: Rapture, Blondie (1980)

open.spotify.com/track/1hQr0D1ZXbGHFcWLhusijv

Book: Everybody’s Fly, Fat Five Freddy with Mark Rozzo (2026)

penguinrandomhouse.com/books/775871/everybodys…

Song: Cooky Puss, Beastie Boys (1983)

open.spotify.com/track/7DZSImZVNfImxqehwNtPuB

Song: Rapper’s Delight, Sugarhill Gang (1979)

open.spotify.com/track/7sZDbHZiuHEzS00vzCuhqS

Song: Good Times, Chic (1979)

open.spotify.com/track/0PQFPcSK1gnBGlbV4CZCG0

Song: The Message, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (1982)

open.spotify.com/album/4dEczweFPXeLMMVD1zIdi7

Song: Sucker M.C.’s, Run-D.M.C. (1983)

open.spotify.com/track/3hx5R8nOKu5zvhlfDNSIQC

Album: Licensed to Ill, Beastie Boys (1986)

open.spotify.com/album/11oR0ZuqB3ucZwb5TGbZxb

Radio Show: The Goon Show (1951-1960) - BBC

bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0072vdz

Film: National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978)

imdb.com/title/tt0077975

Film: Caddyshack (1980)

imdb.com/title/tt0080487

Album: Paul’s Boutique, Beastie Boys (1989)

open.spotify.com/album/1kmyirVya5fRxdjsPFDM05

Song: Shadrach, Beastie Boys (1989)

open.spotify.com/track/1vIJBVsuMouxSuDxRtTaYI

Album: Hello Nasty, Beastie Boys (1998)

open.spotify.com/album/1HhBu55aklCwIus7KffIji

Song: Intergalactic, Beastie Boys (1998)

open.spotify.com/track/5fpizYGbi5IQoEraj6FP0R

Song: What We Got, Mike D (2026)

open.spotify.com/track/3UeGo2iTVN98fWW96iRL5p

Song: Switch Up, Mike D (2026)

open.spotify.com/track/1FHSvpvNWmJcpDcmsxrtbH

Credits:

Producer: Millie Chu 

Assistant Producer: Beth Johnstone

Audio Mixer: Tom Guest

Video Mixer: Scott Edwards

Production Manager: Francesca Bassett 

Music: Miguel D’Oliveira 

Executive Producer: Arron Fellows 

A Mindhouse Studios Production for Spotify 

mindhouse.co.uk 

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