Interview: Beastie Boys Talk Lily Allen, Marky Mark

In honor of their first-ever live show in Brooklyn, native New Yorkers Beastie Boys held a small press conference in downtown Manhattan (left). The trio dressed to impress ("I bought this suit on eBay for $50," bragged Ad-Rock). After a brief photo session, MCA, Mike D and Ad-Rock fielded questions from a bevy of reporters for about a half hour. The whole thing was pleasantly low key — segue alert! — not unlike the group's recent instrumental album, The Mix Up. Here are a few highlights and tidbits from the Q&A.

+ A reporter from JewishMayhem.com (described as an "uncensored Maxim for Jews" — you must go there now) asked the guys about being Jewish rappers. MCA: "We didn't even notice we were all Jewish until journalists started asking us about it."

+ These guys know their white MCs. When asked how they feel about the lack of Caucasians in hip-hop, MCA was quick to mention famed white rapper like Vanilla Ice, Snow and Marky Mark (formerly of the Funky Bunch). Are they envious of Mark Wahlberg's illustrious acting career? Nope. "It leaves more room for us to do underwear ads," said MCA.

+ Reporter: Do you still feel the need to fight for your right to party?
MCA: Do you still feel the need to ask that question?

<< Mike D probably didn't have sex with Neil Diamond, but he's definitely not related to him.

+ They like Lily Allen.

+ The Beastie Boys still have a way with the zinger:
Reporter: Who brought the funk on The Mix Up?
Mike D: Adam pursued the funk agenda.
Ad-Rock: That's just because I didn't shower that day.

+ Ironically, rumors about Mike D dying have decreased as he's gotten older.

<< And then we finally got our chance to ask a question:
Blender: We just saw Sonic Youth perform their Daydream Nation album in concert, and it got us wondering which album you guys would pick to play live straight through if given the chance.
Ad-Rock: Rumours.
Mike D: Thriller ... The Chronic.
Blender: So you wouldn't even consider doing one of your own records?
Mike D: Well, then we'd have to play the clunkers like "What Comes Around" from Paul's Boutique.