Adam Yauch, a co-founder of Grammy-winning hip-hop giants the Beastie Boys, died on Friday after a three-year battle with cancer, the band’s publicists said.
The 47-year-old, better known by his stage name MCA, died weeks after the pioneering white hip-hop act were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, although he was too ill to attend.
“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 after a near-three-year battle with cancer,” said a statement.
The Beastie Boys sold over 40 million records and released four number one albums, including the first hip hop album ever to top the Billboard 200, the band’s 1986 debut full length, Licensed To Ill.
They won three Grammys: two in 1998 — best rap performance and best alternative music performance — and one in 2007, best pop instrumental album, for The Mix Up, according to the Grammys website.
The three-member band cancelled a tour in 2009 after Yauch announced he had been diagnosed with cancer in a salivary gland. They have not appeared live since the summer of that year, said Rolling Stone.
Tributes began pouring in even before his death was confirmed — on Twitter it became the top trending discussion topic, under the hashtag #RIPMCA.
“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,” said actor-singer Justin Timberlake.
British Culture Club star and DJ Boy George said: “Such sad news about Beastie Boy Adam Yauch. A fellow Buddhist and part of hip hop history!! R.I.P!”