Frank Owen is a critically acclaimed investigative reporter. He began his career as a music critic in the mid-1980s working for Melody Maker, where he first met the Beastie Boys and other key players in the DefJam circle. He has written major stories for Playboy, Maxim, Details, Village Voice, New York Times, Washington Post, Newsday, Miami New Times and many other newspapers and magazines. He is the author of Clubland Confidential and No Speed Limit: The Highs and Lows of Meth. He lives in Miami Beach, Fla, USA.

The story of hip-hop's original white bad boys is told by someone who knew them all in the early days and who followed their careers through every stage, from spoiled little New York rich kids to globally acclaimed musicians-with-conscience. Author Frank Owen is a man with inside knowledge of what he calls 'the old Def Jam days', and in this unique box set he recounts all from his personal perspective. Drawing on contemporary and new interviews, Frank paints a picture of more than just a band evolving: music was changing and popular culture along with it. All is illustrated by the best contemporary photography and design, and removable facsimile memorabilia will transport you back to the sweaty New York summers of the late 1980s.