A guide to Beastie Boys fashion

By Elise Hacking Carr

Dear Readers:

If you are familiar with my blog, then you know I live for sarcasm—especially when celebrities are involved. However, this week, I'd like to get serious. Last Friday, Beastie Boys rapper Adam Yauch (aka MCA) passed away after a three-year battle with cancer of the parotid salivary gland. He was only 47.

It just isn't right. A Beastie Boy ... someone who told me to “fight for my right to party” (even though I was only six years old at the time) ... is gone. I could sit here and write my own “Everything You Need to Know About the Beastie Boys” guide that would rival any Wikipedia entry, but I'll leave that to the professionals. (One of my favorite writers and music connoisseurs Rob Sheffield wrote a beautiful tribute to MCA, entitled, Culture: Namaste and Gratitude to Adam Yauch.) Plus, how can anyone sum up the legacy (which I believe is “To Be Continued”—not over) of one of the longest-lived hip hop acts worldwide in 400 words? It can't be done. So, instead, let's keep it about the fashion.

Yauch, along with his group members Michael Diamond (aka Mike D) and Adam Horovitz (aka Ad-Rock), used not only ill lyrics, but edgy fashion, to bring on that New York flavor. As proven in the Huffington Post's slideshow of Beastie looks, the guys generally opted to rock colorful baseball caps and cuffed jeans. And no outfit in the '80s hip hop scene was complete without a pair of Adidas sneakers.

As the careers of Yauch, Diamond and Horovitz evolved, so did their style. They could be seen sporting ties and matching shades at appearances (and ironically in a retro look filled with a little cheese and a lot of awesomeness in the '70s-inspired music video for “Sabotage,” a hit single from the group's 1994 album Ill Communication). Nevertheless, Yauch always stayed true to his tan cap and comfortable hoodies.

In light of Yauch's death, I suspect Beastie Boys' albums will reclaim a top spot on the musical charts. I also foresee a higher demand for Beastie Boys' fashion—a perfect fit for the promotional apparel industry. So, nod your hat to MCA and check yourself with some of the freshest outfits in the game.

Here are a few of my favorite Beastie Boys-inspired looks that I wanted to share with you:

CAPS AND HEADWEAR

HOODIES

MISCELLANEOUS

Adidas adiPure Golf Shoes from Pro Am Golf (Okay, technically for the course and not the streets)
Solid Color Skinny Tie from Wolfmark
Motorcycle Jacket from Nucom
Authentic Denim Jacket from SanMar

(Editor's Note: In addition to the old school classics, do yourself a favor and listen to Hot Sauce Committee Part Two. Rest in Peace MCA.)

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Elise Hacking Carr Author's page Elise Hacking Carr is senior production editor for Print & Promo Marketing magazine, and managing editor for PRINTING United Journal.

The Sure Shot Guide to Beastie Boys Fashion