By: Erin Jones
Paul's Boutique, the site of the cover for the album Paul's Boutique by the Beastie Boys
(picture credit: Jeremy Shatan)
This Saturday, September 9, will mark the opening of Beastie Boys Square. Located on the Lower East Side of New York City, at the corner of Rivington Street, this location is an integral part of Beastie Boys history, being the place where the iconic Paul’s Boutique cover photo was taken.
The Beastie Boys are a New York City-based hip-hop group, consisting of members Mike D, Ad-Rock, and MCA. Inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, the trio was celebrated for their quick-witted lyrics, genre-blending rhythms, extravagant videos and carefree attitude. Many know their hits, such as “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party),” “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” and “Intergalactic". The trio was active from 1979 to 2012, ending after MCA’s untimely death from cancer.
Released in 1989, the hip-hop trio’s second studio album, Paul’s Boutique, is filled with their signature clever rhymes, recognizable samples, and callbacks to their New York City origins. The trio used their second album to experiment with funk rhythms, contrasting with the hard-rock influences of their 1986 debut, Licensed to Ill.
The unveiling is not the only Beastie Boy-related event this weekend: on Thursday, September 7, SiriusXM brought back the Beastie Boys Channel on Channel 105, and tonight Friday, September 8, the IFC Center in Greenwich Village will debut Beastie Boys Story, an Apple Original film. These events are part of a year-long celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Beastie Boys Mike D and Ad-Rock will be in attendance this Saturday, as well as New York City Council member Chris Marte.
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