Adam Yauch, who performed under the stage name MCA, is dead, according to reports from Global Grind and TMZ.
The cause of death is currently unknown. In July 2009, the 47-year-old member of the Beastie Boys announced that he would be receiving treatment for a cancerous tumor in his salivary gland, and that, as a result, the group would cancel some future shows and push back the release of a new album.
In 2011 it was erroneously reported that Yauch had beaten the disease. On the band's website he wrote:
"Hello My Friends While I’m grateful for all the positive energy people are sending my way, reports of my being totally cancer free are exaggerated. I’m continuing treatment, staying optimistic and hoping to be cancer free in the near future."
Most recently, it appeared Yauch's health had taken a turn for the worse when he proved unable to attend the Beastie Boys' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland on March 14.
Yauch and Michael "Mike D" Diamond first performed as the Beastie Boys with John Berry and Kate Schellenbach in 1981. Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz replaced Berry in 1982 and became a permanent member.
The permanent lineup of Yauch, Diamond and Horovitz released eight albums. On Saturday, May 5, HBO will air the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony honoring the group, who became just the third rap group to enter the Hall, after Run-D.M.C. (2009) and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (2007).
Yauch was a practicing Buddhist who worked extensively on behalf of Tibet's oppressed Buddhist population. He was instrumental in organizing a series of Tibetan Freedom Concerts between 1996 and 2001, featuring acts including U2, Radiohead, and Run-D.M.C.
r.i.p. atleast the music will never die
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