Tributes pour in for the Beastie Boys’ MCA, dead at 47 (SOURCE)

Adam Yauch, better known as rapper MCA in the legendary Beastie Boys crew, has lost his battle with cancer at age 47.

Yauch’s publicist announced the news this morning via a statement,

“It is with great sadness that we confirm that musician, rapper, activist and director Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch… passed away in his native New York City this morning.”

He was first diagnosed with cancer of the salivary gland in 2009 but remained optimistic about his recovery, telling fans via a video message that is was a “pain in the ass” but “something that’s very treatable, and in most cases, they’re able to completely get rid of it.”

Yauch’s work with the Beastie Boys from their early 1980’s debut right up until 2011’s Hot Sauce Committee Part Two completely revolutionised rap music.

Their debut, 1986’s Licensed To Ill, was the first hip hop album to go #1 in the US. They did that another 3 times during their long career. Last month the trio were inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame.

As a director using the moniker Nathanial Hornblower, Yauch directed some of the Beasties’ most loved film clips like “So Whatcha Want,” “Intergalactic,” “Body Movin” and “Ch-Check It Out.” Just last year, he directed the star-studded ‘Fight For Your Right Revisited’ featuring Seth Rogen, Will Ferrel, Elijah Wood and more. You can check that out over here.

Despite his health issues, news of Yauch’s death has shocked many in the music industry. Here are just a few of the tributes coming in on twitter:

Big Boi: #RIPMCA the First Tape I ever bought as a kid was The Beastie Boys, stank ya for the inspiration.

At The Drive-In: RIP Adam Yaunch

Boy George: Such sad news about Beastie Boy Adam Yauch. A fellow Buddhist and part of hip hop history!! R.I.P!

Q-Tip: RIP yauch and thank u mike and adam n adam 4 all of your help, the tours, the bball games, n great times. a humanitarian a tru friend

Fred Durst: A very sad day indeed. Adam Yauch RIP.

Justin Timberlake: Crushed to hear the news of Adam Yauch’s passing. A true pioneer of art. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. #RIPMCA

Ben Stiller: So sad that Adam Yauch is gone. A truly great musician & filmmaker. He stood for integrity as an artist. What a loss. He was a very good man

Billy Corgan: Sad news about Adam Yauch’s passing,a man of dignity + spiritual conviction. I always had great respect for him in times we met and talkedne in weezers generation

Ghostface Killah: My condolences to Adam “MCA” Yauch Family & the Beastie Boys. My brothers & I felt that pain before as well. Sad Day.

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