Iconic hip-hop crew The Beastie Boys lost a group member this week in Adam “MCA” Yauch, who passed away at the age of 47.
While details are still coming together, Yauch’s passing became public knowledge Friday (May 4).
Multiple media outlets are reporting this afternoon that New York native and Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch has died at the age of 47. Yauch, also known as “MCA”, had been in treatment for cancer. He was diagnosed in 2009 and was unable to attend The Beastie Boys induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of fame. Yauch along with Mike Diamond and Adam Horowitz formed the brooklyn group in 1979. They are known for songs including “Fight for your right to party” “No Sleep ’til Brooklyn” and “Sabotage.” (New York 1)
Since 2009, the late group member had been undergoing cancer treatment.
Yauch sat out the Beastie Boys’ induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April, and his treatments delayed the release of the group’s most recent album, “Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 2.” The Beastie Boys had not performed live since the summer of 2009, and Yauch’s illness prevented the group from appearing in music videos for “Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 2.” (MSNBC)
West Coast rap veteran Snoop Dogg shared his reaction to MCA’s passing following the news.
“RIP MCA U are a Legend and a pioneer. #BeastieBoys4life,” Snoop Dogg tweeted May 4th. (Snoop Dogg’s Twitter)
New York rap veteran Big Daddy Kane also sent his condolences.
“Rest in peace MCA of the Beastie Boys. A pioneer, legend & OG that will be missed.,” he tweeted. (Big Daddy Kane’s Twitter)
Atlanta’s DJ Drama gave his thoughts on losing a hip-hop pioneer.
“Sad news… RIP MCA of the Beastie Boys… We just lost another member of hiphop royalty” (DJ Drama’s Twitter)
