Beastie Boys’ Mike D Releases First Solo Single Switch Up

Mike D, a founding member of the Beastie Boys, has released his first solo single, Switch Up, marking his first solo recording effort since the Beastie Boys ceased operations more than a decade ago.

The release follows the group’s final studio album, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, and represents a return to recording for the 60-year-old rapper and producer. The track is described as a genre-blurring composition that originated from casual home studio sessions involving Mike D’s sons, Davis and Skyler Diamond, and their band, Very Nice Person.

According to a statement regarding the project, the song developed organically through a rotating group of collaborators and various recording locations. This experimental approach contributed to the freewheeling nature of the final cut.

The production of Switch Up was handled by Carter Lang and Very Nice Person. The track was mixed by Derek MixedByAli Ali at No Name Studios, while the accompanying single artwork was created by San Francisco-based artist Thad Higa.

Live Performances and Pop-Up Tour

Mike D premiered the track on May 7, 2026, during a sold-out pop-up performance at the Plaza Nightclub & Dance Hall in Los Angeles. This appearance is part of a series of unconventional, small-venue performances throughout the region.

Prior to the May 7 event, Mike D performed at the Brothers Marshall Surf Shop in Malibu and the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club. The current run of performances continues on May 11, 2026, at the Sid the Cat Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Following the California dates, the tour will move to the East Coast for two scheduled performances at Xanadu Roller Arts in Brooklyn, New York, on May 22 and May 23, 2026.

Beastie Boys Legacy and Live Sets

During these recent surprise appearances, Mike D has performed alongside Very Nice Person to revisit material from the Beastie Boys catalog. The live sets have included performances of group classics such as So What’cha Want and Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun.

The Beastie Boys, known for pioneering the fusion of punk rock and hip-hop, effectively dissolved following the death of member Adam Yauch in 2012. Yauch passed away from cancer at the age of 47, leading the remaining members to conclude the group’s professional activities.

The return to live performance of these tracks marks a rare public revisiting of the group’s discography by a founding member in a live setting.

Additional Production Work

In addition to his solo return, Mike D has remained active in the music industry as a producer. He co-produced the 2025 album The Hives Forever Forever the Hives for the Swedish rock band The Hives.

This production role reflects Mike D’s continued involvement in the intersection of rock and alternative music, mirroring the eclectic approach found in his new solo work with his sons and Very Nice Person.