Music scene drama as Adam “MCA” Yauch dies aged 47

According to gossip site TMZ, Beastie Boys rapper Adam Yauch, also known as MCA, has passed away at age 47. Rolling Stone magazine later confirmed his death.

Yauch was diagnosed with a cancerous parotic gland in 2009 and underwent surgery and radiation therapy, which led to a delay in the Beastie Boys’ album release and tour, although it’s unclear what role, if any, the cancer played in his death.

He recently missed the induction ceremony of the Beastie Boys at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where the group was honoured.

In October 2009, the rapper said he was “feeling healthy, strong and hopeful that I’ve beaten this thing, of course time will tell”. He travelled to a Tibetan community in Dharamshala, India, following his surgery, after which he began a vegan/organic diet on the advice of his Tibetan doctors, who also prescribed him traditional Tibetan medicine.

Yauch co-founded the Beastie Boys with Mike Diamond (Mike D) and Adam Horowitz (Ad-Rock) in 1979. The band started off as a punk group, but soon began experimenting and became a hip-hop centred band. 

The Beastie Boys hit big with their first studio album Licensed to Ill in 1986 and further albums Paul’s Boutique, Check Your Head and Ill Communication gave the band a superstar image.

In addition to his career with The Beastie Boys, Yauch was involved in the movement to free Tibet and co-organised the Tibetan Freedom Concerts in the late 90s.

Zanib Asghar
Photo: Courtesy of Beastie Boys