The music community came out in full force to mourn the loss of rap pioneer Adam "MCA" Yauch of the Beastie Boys, who died earlier today (May 4), after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 47.

Many relied on Twitter to pay their respects, relate the impression he made upon their lives or quote his lyrics, from Hollywood directors to athletes, Ice-T and Snoop Dogg to Boy George and Duran Duran, old school rhyme partners like Rev Run to up-and-comers like his son Diggy Simmons.

For many, The Beastie Boys' debut Licensed to Ill provided an introduction to hip-hop and fans followed Yauch's transformation from hard-partying bad boy to Buddhist vegan, as we ourselves matured.


See Photos Both Old & New of Beastie Boys' Adam "MCA" Yauch Throughout His Career
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Watch The Beastie Boys' "Intergalactic" Video


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