The legendary Los Angeles recording space once owned by the Beastie Boys is being revived by new owners who plan to transform it into a community-focused cultural venue. To help fund renovations, a Kickstarter campaign launches on May 28.
After relocating from New York to Los Angeles in the late 1980s, the Beastie Boys entered one of the most creative periods of their career. Following the success of Paul’s Boutique in 1989, the group sought a permanent creative home and found it in a former dance hall in Atwater Village.
In 1990, Adam Yauch (MCA), Mike D, and Ad-Rock converted the upper floor of a commercial building into what became known as G-Son Studios—a name inspired by a partially missing sign from the plumbing business below. The studio quickly became the birthplace of Check Your Head (1992), the album that marked the band’s return to playing instruments and experimenting with genres such as funk, jazz, soul, and hardcore punk.
More than just a recording facility, G-Son evolved into a creative hub. It hosted artists including Beck, Biz Markie, Run-D.M.C., Luscious Jackson, and Ben Lee, while also serving as the headquarters for the Beastie Boys’ Grand Royal record label and magazine. The space became known for its relaxed atmosphere, complete with a basketball hoop, skate ramp, and frequent gatherings of musicians and friends.
After the Beastie Boys left Los Angeles around 2000, the studio passed through several owners, including producer Diplo and his Mad Decent label. Over time, its musical legacy faded from public memory.
Today, entrepreneurs Adam Englander and Alex Cherin are restoring the historic venue with plans to host concerts, dance performances, film screenings, DJ sets, art exhibitions, and community events. Their vision is to create a welcoming space that serves both artists and local residents.
During renovations, the owners uncovered several remnants of the studio’s past, including a mural painted largely by actress Ione Skye, preserved behind drywall, as well as an upright piano once used by longtime Beastie Boys collaborator Money Mark. The walls still feature signatures from artists such as Biz Markie, Jam Master Jay, and the Beastie Boys themselves.
Future improvements include accessibility upgrades, a new stage, soundproofing, and other modern enhancements. A liquor license is also being pursued to allow the venue to operate as a full live-music space with a capacity of roughly 150 guests.
Although the Beastie Boys are not directly involved in the project, Englander has spoken with Ad-Rock and received enthusiastic support from former studio regulars. Musicians and artists connected to G-Son have shared memories of the space as a creative gathering place where people came together to make music, socialize, and collaborate.
The restoration aims not only to celebrate the Beastie Boys’ influence but also to preserve the broader history of the nearly century-old building. With deep respect for its past and ambitious plans for its future, the new owners hope G-Son Studios will once again become a vibrant center for culture and community in Los Angeles.
