Sad news just coming right now as we speak. Adam Yauch, co-founder of the massively influential hip-hop group The Beastie Boys, has died from cancer at the age of 48. Adam, who went by the stage name of MCA, helped co-found the group in 1979 and initially started out as a hardcore band before changing their style to hip-hop in 1984. The group got their first big break opening for Madonna on her Virgin tour in 1985 and released their debut album, Licensed To Ill in 1986 which became their biggest commercial success to date, selling over 9 million copies and producing such instantly infectious tracks as "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)", "Brass Monkey", and "Girls". Several more studio albums followed over the years, including Paul's Boutique, Check Your Head (which produced my favorite Beasties track "Sabotage") and "So What'cha Want". The band took a hiatus and made a huge return in 1998 with Hello Nasty, producing the instantly catchy track "Intergalactic" which sold over 3 million copies. The band didn't make another album again until 2004 with To The 5 Boroughs, producing the #1 Modern Rock hit "Ch-Check It Out" and brought the group even more fans as well.
In 2009, Adam was diagnosed with salivary cancer and immediately underwent radiation therapy to treat it. The band delayed release of their next album Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2 indefinitely until Adam was well enough to record. The album eventually saw the light of day last May and Adam was unable to appear in any music videos from the album due to his illness. He recently dropped out of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where his group was slated to be inducted and perform as well, but his health was deteriorating. This is a major loss for the music community and was a major influence on both the rock and hip-hop genres, allowing rock fans to enjoy hip-hop and have them co-exist with one another. He will be sorely missed by all.
It's a shame another talented person has passed away. But nevertheless the Beastie Boys will continue on their venture to great dancing. He will not be forgotten. Respects to the late Adam Yauch.
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