Adam Yauch, a founding member of the Grammy-winning hip-hop group Beastie Boys, has died after a long battle with cancer. The musician, also known as MCA, was diagnosed with cancer of the salivary gland in 2009. He underwent extensive treatment, but his health declined in recent months. He died today at the age of 47.
The Beastie Boys began as a hardcore punk band in 1979 with Yauch, Mike Diamond, John Berry and Kate Schellenbach as the founding members. The lineup changed to Yauch, Diamond and Adam Horowitz in the mid-80s and the group began leaning towards hip-hop. They produced their breakout album, Licensed to Ill, in 1986 and went on to produce other success albums, including Paul's Boutique, Check Your Head and Ill Communication. The Beastie Boys’ most recent album, Hot Sauce Committee Part 2, was released in May 2011. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in March.
Outside of music, Yauch was known for his involvement in the movement to free Tibet from Chinese rule. He also launched the production company Oscilloscope Laboratories.
Yauch is survived by his wife, Dechen Wangdu, and their daughter, Tenzin Losel Yauch.
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