The Beastie Boys were an American hip hop group from New York City, consisting of members Michael "Mike D" Diamond, Adam "MCA" Yauch, and Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz. Emerging in the 1980s, they were known for their fusion of punk rock and rap, resulting in a distinctive sound that significantly contributed to the popularization of rap-rock. They are best remembered for influential albums like "Licensed to Ill" and "Paul's Boutique", and for their innovative music videos, which helped shape the MTV generation. The Beastie Boys' cultural impact and pioneering style have secured their place as an enduring influence in hip hop music history.