Adam Yauch (aka MCA) co-founded the Beastie Boys in the early 80s. The group came together originally as a hardcore punk rock band without Yauch, but later switched over to Hip Hop once Yauch was added. Although many expected the Beastie Boys simply to be a one hit wonder group, they released a string of successful hits. The Beastie Boys have had numerous albums, tours, and even opened up their own record label. 

In 2009, Yauch announced that a tumor was discovered in his left salivary gland. Yauch unfortunately passed away Friday, losing his battle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife and 14-year-old daughter. 

Management for the band posted this statement on the Beastie Boys website:

It is with great sadness that we confirm that musician, rapper, activist and director Adam “MCA” Yauch, founding member of Beastie Boys and also of the Milarepa Foundation that produced the Tibetan Freedom Concert benefits, and film production and distribution company Oscilloscope Laboratories, passed away in his native New York City this morning after a near-three-year battle with cancer.

Source: rollingstone.com

5 interesting facts about Adam Yauch

-Yauch was a victim of substance abuse during the 80s, but quit in the early 90s, after converting to Buddhism.

-He is the only member of the Beastie Boys that comes from Brooklyn and the only one who’s zodiac sign is a Leo rather than a Scorpio 

-Yauch directed many of the Beastie Boys videos under the alias of “Nathaniel Hörnblowér”.

-He was a big fan of reggae-flavored hardcore punk

-When Yauch was younger, he had an extreme fascination for guns and owned many of them. Once becoming a Buddhist and pacifist, he got rid of all of his guns.