R.I.P. Adam “MCA” Yauch Of The Beastie Boys

Various music media sources have reported on the sad news of the death of Adam “MCA” Yauch from legendary New York Rap group, The Beastie Boys. MCA passed away at age 47 on May 4, 2012 in Brooklyn New York after a tough battle with what he described as “terrible” cancerous parotid gland and a lymph node.,Yauch was first diagnosed and treated in 2009. He underwent surgery and radiation therapy. These procedures delayed the release of The Beastie’s Hot Sauce Committee Part Two. Capitol Records did eventually release the album in April of 2011. MCA was unable to appear in any music videos related to the project or tour to support the album. Despite his illness delaying The Beastie Boys’ last project, MCA is remembered by his millions of fans as part of one of the most influential figures in Hip Hop music MCA, along with his group mates, Michael “Mike D” Diamond and Adam “Adrock” Horovitz, forever have a place in Hip Hop history as one of the flagship acts on the now iconic Hip Hop labe, Def Jam Recordings. MCA and the guys opened the door for classic Def Jam performers like LL Cool J, EPMD, Public Enemy and many others. The Boys also were one of the first to work with Def Jam co-founder turned acclaimed record producer Rick Rubin, who would later make history with other acts as diverse as Run DMC, to Jay-Z, to Linkin Park, Dixie Chicks, Johnny Cash and Justin Timberlake. MCA and the Beastie Boys also paved the way for other white rappers who would later go on to make a major cultural impact on the genre like Eminem, 3^rd Bass and Kid Rock.
Rap Superstar turned actor and Def Jam Records alumni, LL Cool J was deeply saddened when he learned of MCA’s passing. See his touching emotional testimony about MCA and his influence on his career below.