In a move that’s been a long time coming, the Beastie Boys, finally got their well-deserved nod from the city that never sleeps.
Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz and Michael “Mike D” Diamond, the surviving halves of this iconic rap trio, were front and center for the unveiling of the Beastie Boys Square sign, marking their indelible contribution to the musical tapestry of New York City.
This corner of Ludlow and Rivington has seen its fair share of history, but it’s the 1989 magnum opus ‘Paul’s Boutique‘ that etched it into the annals of music legendry. The cover art immortalized this spot, and now, over three decades later, it officially bears the name of the group that put it there.
Now, this honour didn’t come without its share of hurdles. Back in 2014, an attempt to christen this locale in the Beastie Boys’ honour hit a roadblock, with a 24-to-1 vote against the idea. But sometimes, good things take time.
Fast forward eight years, and the New York City Council saw the light, giving the green light to what is now Beastie Boys Square.
Via a chat with The Rolling Stone, Horovitz, with his trademark wit, mused about the names that decorate the city streets. It’s easy to stroll past Ludlow, Irving, or Father Demo Square without a second thought, but now, there’s a name that’s bound to spark curiosity in future generations. “What the f— is a Beastie Boy and why the f— do they have a square?” he envisioned a wide-eyed kid asking years from now.
The sentiment was echoed by Diamond, who called this a “multiyear battle.” For him, it’s not just about a street sign; it’s about celebrating a neighbourhood that was, and still is, the epitome of cool. It’s where they cut their teeth, honed their craft, and found their rhythm amidst the urban sprawl.
Diamond’s words took us on a journey back to their beginnings, back to the days of consuming every hip-hop record like it was gospel. They transformed from starry-eyed kids, dreaming of making their own mark in the rap world, to the pioneers who did just that. Now, standing in the heart of the city that shaped them, gratitude flowed.
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In the end, this recognition isn’t just about a sign on a corner. It’s a testament to the enduring influence of the Beastie Boys, a group that reshaped the musical landscape and left an indelible mark on the streets of New York.
It’s a celebration of a journey that started with wide-eyed wonder and culminated in a legacy that will resonate for generations to come. And for Horovitz and Diamond, it’s a moment that makes them “really happy” — a fitting tribute to a trio that rocked the world.
