Beastie Boys’ Trial Against Monster Energy Drinks Begins

Opening arguments and, according to Billboard, stifled laughs were heard yesterday in the Beastie Boys' lawsuit against Monster Beverage Corp.

The rap group is seeking compensation of $1 million in song licensing fees and another $1 million for the "implied endorsement" of the Beastie Boys' association with the company. Yauch stated in his will that neither his likeness or art, including his Beastie Boys-related work, was to be used for advertising.

The surviving members of the crew, Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz and Michael "Mike D" Diamond, were present in a New York courtroom along with Yauch's widow Dechen Wangdu. As he testified, Horovitz held back laughter as he was asked to explain ridiculous elements of the music business, at what point he was even asked what a single is.

His ability to keep a straight face was tested even more during cross-examination. The defense tried to refute the Beastie Boys' claim that they don't sell out" by licensing their music for consumer products." A smirking Horovitz reportedly responded to the defense, "He sure is," when asked if that was indeed Mike D in the courtroom.

A promotional clip that included the Beasties music is at the center of the case. The energy drink company posted a video recapping an after party for their “Ruckus In The Rockies” snowboarding competition in Canada. The promotional video features a mix DJ Z-Trip had made of Beasties songs to promote the group's 2011 album, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two. Posted online a few days after the death of Adam "MCA" Yauch, the credits included a “RIP MCA” graphic using a font similar to the Monster Energy Drink's logo.

Last year Monster's attempt to place blame at DJ Z-Trip's feet was thrown out. Z-Trip, who performed at the event and was paid $15,000, was sued by Monster in a related case. In their lawsuit the company claimed Z-Trip authorized the infringement when he replied "Dope" when asked if he approved of the video.

The Beasties, who saw their album Ill Communication recently turn 20 years old, can expect to be in court for five or six days to wrap up the court proceedings.

[Billboard]