By: Emily Tonna

On September 9, 2023, I had the privilege to attend a ceremony celebrating the unveiling of Lower East Side’s newest landmark: Beastie Boys Square. 

For those unfamiliar, the intersection of Ludlow and Rivington is home to the album cover of the Beastie Boy’s 1989 record that changed hip-hop forever, “Paul’s Boutique.” The ceremony was attended by none other than Beastie Boys members Adam Horovitz (a.k.a ‘Ad-Rock’) and Michael Diamond (‘Mike D’). Also in attendance was LeRoy McCarthy, a longtime friend of the Beasties and the man behind the Square’s petition in the first place. 

New York City is home to many landmarks commemorating native hip-hop legends throughout history, such as Notorious B.I.G’s Christopher Wallace Way in his hometown of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. It was noted by LeRoy, who spoke from a fire escape balcony on Ludlow Street, that the Square’s petition journey was not a smooth one. It faced many setbacks, such as being rejected by the City Council in 2014. 

However, the New York trio prevailed. Notable feats of M.C.A’s (a.k.a Adam Yauch, founding member) pioneering of the drum-loop technique and iconic uses of sampling throughout the record, particularly “Looking Down The Barrel of A Gun,” “Egg Man,” and the 10-minute segue denouement of “B-Boy Bouillabaisse”, undoubtedly solidified the legacy of “Paul’s Boutique’s” spot forever in Manhattan’s infrastructure. 

Having marked 11 years since his untimely passing, M.C.A.’s absence was definitely felt. I came across a Cadillac adorned with a custom wrap reading “R.I.P M.C.A,” as well as images and quotes from him on the hood of the car. The sweltering ceremony was nothing short of heartfelt, as indicated by the thousands of adoring fans congregated in the tiny streets of the Lower East Side. 

Ad-Rock addressed the crowd, remarking: “We walk around these streets, and we don’t really think about who they’re named after, like Ludlow Street, Irving Street, Father Demo Square… But it makes me really happy to know that some kid on their way to school 50 years from now is going to pass by this and look up and be like, ‘What the f*** is a Beastie Boy, and why the f*** do they have a square?’” 

Mike D continued the sentiment, crediting their New York upbringing for their success: “We could not have ever been what we have become without growing up here in New York City and hearing all this incredible music, being around all this incredible art, being around all of these incredible people. It’s only in New York City.” 

Diamond’s words especially strike a sense of pride in New Yorker’s hearts; the unveiling serves as part of the celebration for the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop, born right here in the Bronx in 1973. 

As a New Yorker whose father’s “Paul’s Boutique” CD never left the car’s stereo growing up, this celebration was indeed a treat to experience. If you want to “Ch-Check it Out,” ‘kick it downtown’ to the southwest corner of Ludlow and Rivington Street to witness this iconic piece of hip-hop history.