Photography: Beastie Boys Square 9/9/23

September 9, 2023 was an important day for music, for hip-hop and for what hip-hop really means for New York: The corner of Ludlow Street and Rivington Street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, made famous for being photographed on the cover of Beastie Boys‘ Paul’s Boutique was officially named Beastie Boys Square.

The surviving members of the legendary act Mike “Mike D” Diamond and Adam “Ad Rock” Horovitz were in attendance for the unveiling — and made a few brief comments. While it was a celebratory occasion, it was underpinned by a sense of real sadness — Adam “MCA” Yauch has been dead for over a decade — and a sense of making sure that we give our legends their deserved flowers before it’s too late.

I was there for a good portion of the events. So check out some photos below.