The pioneers of the world hip-hop scene, Beastie Boys, received a unique recognition as they were immortalized on the streets of New York City. The intersection in Manhattan, New York, which was featured on the cover of their iconic “Paul’s Boutique” album, will now officially be known as the “Beastie Boys Square.”
The idea of renaming the site to “Beastie Boys Square” had been in the works for quite some time. Initially, it faced resistance but after a decade-long effort, it has become a reality. The official grand opening of Beastie Boys Square took place on 08/09/2023, and it was marked with speeches from band members Ad-Rock and Mike D.
“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,” Ad-Rock said to the crowd. “It makes me really happy to know that some kid on the way to school 50 years from now is gonna look up and say, ‘What the f**k is a Beastie Boy? Why do they get a square?’”
Mike D added: “We could not have become what we became without growing up in New York City.”
said Mike D
In short, Who are the Beastie Boys?
Beastie Boys are indeed pioneers of the American hip-hop scene. The group, consisting of members Michael “Mike D” Diamond, Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz, and Adam “MCA” Yauch, emerged in the early 80s. They gained fame for their distinctive style and made a significant contribution to the popularization of hip-hop culture. Their innovative blend of hip-hop, punk, and rock elements set them apart in the music industry.
They began as an experimental hardcore-punk rock band but transitioned to hip-hop, which led to their ground-breaking debut album, “Licensed to Ill.” This album featured iconic tracks like “Fight for Your Right” and “No Sleep Till Brooklyn“, establishing them as rap icons. Their musical journey continued to evolve with subsequent albums like “Paul’s Boutique” and “Ill Communication“.
In addition to their music, the Beastie Boys were also known for their activism. The legacy left by the band, as pioneers in both hip-hop and rock music, but also in the wider cultural scene, continues. Eminem, Rage Against the Machine, Limp Bizkit and Blur are just some of the musicians who have publicly acknowledged the influence of the Beastie Boys on their music.
