Synopsis
Mix Master Mike awakens the Beastie Boys, who launch into a frantic performance while attempting to make their latest music video. The trio move through a series of absurd settings and costumes, from a surreal studio setup to street scenes populated by hostile tourists, old ladies, and other odd characters. Bread, fish, disguises, exaggerated reactions, and visual effects turn the shoot into comic chaos. Rather than presenting a polished performance piece, the video plays like a deliberately unruly parody of music-video production.
Factoids & Trivia
- The video was produced in high definition and required extensive visual-effects compositing during post-production.
- Its production team included Northern Lights Post, with Ross Shain handling HD editing and effects work. Shain had previously collaborated with the Beastie Boys.
- The clip's comic premise includes the group being attacked by German tourists wielding bread and by fish-throwing old ladies.
- The Beastie Boys appear in several deliberately ridiculous disguises and costumes, continuing the playful visual approach associated with videos such as "Intergalactic" and "Body Movin'."
- "Ch-Check It Out" was the lead single from *To the 5 Boroughs*, released in 2004 after the group's long-rap-focused return. The single reached No. 1 on the U.S. Modern Rock chart and No. 8 in the United Kingdom.
- The music video entered MTV and MuchMusic rotation during the week ending May 2, 2004, and later appeared on Fuse's playlist.