Reports are just now coming in, so details are scarce, but Adam Yauch, better known by most as the Beastie Boys' MCA, has died at the age of 47. 

Yauch had been diagnosed with cancer on his lymph nodes in 2009, and immediately sought treatment via radiation, but it's unknown at this time (though likely) that the cancer was responsible for his death, either directly or indirectly. 

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As 1/3 of the Beastie Boys, Yauch helped open the floodgates of hip-hop to millions of performers and fans by demonstrating that non-black rappers had every right to be part of the scene and movement. Over 30 years, the Beastie Boys provided a fun, aggressive, and clever soundtrack to the lives of several generations of music fans. 

Yauch and the other members never worked to cultivate individual personas, instead letting the group exist as a cohesive unit. As tragic as Yauch's passing is, what's even more devestating to me is that, all of a sudden, the Beastie Boys will never, ever perform again as they were, which saddens me to no end. 

R.I.P., MCA. You will be greatly missed by millions. Thanks for the music.