People from all over the music industry reacted on Friday to the news that Adam “MCA” Yauch, co-founder of the Beastie Boys, died after a long battle with cancer. He was 47.
Rapper Eminem said the Beastie Boys were “trailblazers” and were a huge influence on his career. Jay-Z called Yauch a “musical pioneer,” while rapper Nas described Yauch as a “true legend.”
“R I P Adam… I’m devastated,” Run from Run-DMC said through Twitter. “Praying for Adam Yauch’s family from the legendary Beastie Boys. Youll be missed!”
The Beastie Boys confirmed the news of his death on their official website.
Yauch, who was born in Brooklyn, died in New York City Friday morning after a three-year battle with cancer.
Yauch is survived by his wife, Dechen, and his daughter.
“Adam Yauch was a pioneer who broke ground with his music and introduced hip hop to a wider audience,” Terry Stewart, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, said in a statement. The museum honored the Beastie Boys during an induction ceremony in April, but Yauch was unable to attend the event.
The Beastie Boys sold over 40 million records, and gained fame with their with their album Licensed to Ill, which came out in 1986. The album features tracks like “Fight For Your Right,” “Girls” and “No Sleep Til Brooklyn.”
Yauch also had his hand in several causes outside of music.
He was the founder of the Milarepa Fund, and through the organization he helped produce the first Tibetan Freedom Concert in San Francisco in 1996.
Following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the Beastie Boys performed a benefit concert to support 9/11 victims.
-With Associated Press
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