It’s a sad day for hip-hop…for music in general.
Adam Yauch, rapper “MCA” of The Beastie Boys, has succumbed to his battle with cancer at age 47.
Russell Simmons‘ site the Global Grind announced the news. “Our prayers go out to the family of Adam and the entire Beastie Boys crew.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Yauch was 22 when The Beastie Boys (Yauch, Mike “Mike D” Diamond and Adam “Adam Rock” Horowitz) released their album “Licensed to Ill” on Richard Simmons’ Def Jam label. The rap trio took the world by storm due to their innovative style and sheer talent. Their presence expanded the world of hip-hop. The Beastie Boys have won three GRAMMY Awards and were recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Yauch was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and has been in treatment ever since. Due to his illness and treatments, The Beastie Boys have not performed together live since 2009.
Fans, including Justin Timberlake, Milla Jovovich and others, are tweeting in memory of one of music’s pioneers.