Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch Dead At 47

After a three year battle with cancer, “Beastie Boys” rapper MCA — real name Adam Yauch — has died.

In 2009, MCA announced he was being treated for a cancerous parotid gland and a lymph node. He has since undergone surgery and radiation therapy. So far, it’s not clear if the death is related to the rapper’s battle with cancer.

MCA co-founded Beastie Boys in 1979 with Mike D, and Ad Rock and went on to churn out some of the most iconic albums in hip-hop including License to Ill, Paul’s Boutique, Check Your Head and Ill Communication.

Yauch is survived by his wife and daughter. He was 47.