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By: Jared Evan
New York City paid homage to the iconic hip-hop group, the Beastie Boys, by immortalizing a piece of their history on Saturday. The street corner featured on the cover of the group’s 1989 album, “Paul’s Boutique,” officially became “Beastie Boys Square,” much to the delight of devoted fans, as reported by NME.
Two former band members, Ad-Rock (born Adam Horovitz) at 56, and Mike D (born Michael Diamond) at 57, graciously accepted the honor, expressing their gratitude to the city that played a crucial role in shaping their journey.
Rock took a moment to thank New York, saying, “Thank you [to New York] for teaching us what to look at, what to listen to, what to wear, how to love, how to live.” He also playfully anticipated the curiosity of future generations, imagining a day when a child on their way to school might ask, “What the f–k is a Beastie Boy? Why do they get a square?”
Mike D chimed in, acknowledging the profound influence of their hometown, stating, “we could not have become what we became without growing up in New York City.”
The dedication of “Beastie Boys Square” marked the end of a decade-long campaign to rename the Lower East Side intersection of Ludlow and Rivington streets after the legendary group. In 2014, an initial proposal to rename the intersection was overwhelmingly rejected by a Manhattan community board, citing criteria such as a minimum of 10 years of community involvement and consistent voluntary commitment to the area.
However, perseverance paid off, and in July 2022, the renaming finally received approval. Council member Christopher Marte noted the Beastie Boys’ transformative impact on the hip-hop genre and considered the renaming a celebration for the Lower East Side, hip-hop culture, and the community that had tirelessly advocated for the change.
LeRoy McCarthy, who had initiated the petition for the renaming, emphasized the significance of New York officially embracing the indigenous arts and culture of hip-hop. He pointed out that hip-hop’s roots were firmly grounded in the streets of NYC.
The dedication of Beastie Boys Square also coincided with an announcement from the group, which had been active from 1981 to 2012. They released a vinyl copy of their album “Hello Nasty” to celebrate its 25th anniversary, further solidifying their enduring presence in the world of music.
In the end, the celebration served as a reminder of the lasting legacy of the Beastie Boys, both in the annals of hip-hop history and on the streets of New York City, where their unique brand of music and culture was born.
The Beastie Boys, emerged as cultural icons and musical trailblazers. Formed in 1981, the trio consisted of Michael Diamond (Mike D), Adam Yauch (MCA), and Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock). They burst onto the scene with their 1986 debut album “Licensed to Ill,” which became the first rap album to top the Billboard 200 chart, thanks to hits like “Fight for Your Right” and “No Sleep till Brooklyn.”
Their musical evolution continued with subsequent albums, most notably “Paul’s Boutique” (1989), showcasing their innovative sampling and lyrical prowess. The Beastie Boys seamlessly blended punk rock, hip-hop, and funk, setting a new standard for genre fusion.
Adam Yauch passed away in 2012. All 3 Beastie Boys are ethnically Jewish.
Beyond their music, they championed social and environmental causes and were instrumental in organizing the Tibetan Freedom Concerts.
