More artists, executives, and celebrities have taken to social media to express sadness or pay tribute to Adam "MCA" Yauch of the Beastie Boys, who died today at the age of 47 [1]. We've compiled some below, and more can be found here [2].
Analysis: The Beastie Boys' Trailblazing Billboard Chart History [3]
"Adam Yauch was a pioneer who broke ground with his music and introduced hip hop to a wider audience. While we mourn the loss of one of our newest inductees, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is thankful to have been able to honor Adam before his passing. Just two weeks ago, band mate Adam Horowitz read Yauch's acceptance letter at the 2012 induction ceremony and fellow inductees, the Red Hot Chili Peppers dedicated their performance to him. Yauch's contributions to our culture as a musician, film director and advocate for the people of Tibet will be remembered forever." - Terry Stewart, President and CEO, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum
Tributes For Beastie Boys' Adam 'MCA' Yauch Pour In: Russell Simmons, Rev Run, Bill Adler, More [2]
More Tributes To Beastie Boy Adam Yauch: Eminem, Chuck D, Jay-Z, Madonna, Others [4]
"His legacy here at Def Jam is nothing short of iconic - he was one of the pioneering artists of this great label and family. We are filled with a sense of loss today...the Def Jam flag is at half mast. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones." - Joie Manda, President of Def Jam Recordings
R.I.P. MCA from the Beastie Boys. He was an integral part of building the Def Jam label that I am a part of today. Condolences to the Fam
- Ludacris (@Ludacris) May 4, 2012 [5]
"Rest in peace Yauch "MCA" Beastie Boys. Hip Hop needs to honor our legends before they are gone." - Chris Lighty, via Twitter.
"Lots of us at MTV grew up with Adam and his Beastie brothers. He had a keen artistic eye and great wit that helped shape so many of the group's music and videos. He made us want to rock, scream and laugh all in one breath. We will miss him as will his many fans." - Van Toffler, President of MTV Music Group
Sad news about Adam Yauch's passing,a man of dignity + spiritual conviction. I always had great respect for him in times we met and talked
- Billy Corgan (@Billy) May 4, 2012 [6]
"The Beastie Boys have been a pioneering force in hip-hop for more than 25 years, and an integral part of the EMI family for the vast majority of their career. With albums such as Licensed To Ill, Paul's Boutique, Ill Communication and 2009's Hot Sauce Committee Pt 2, they have consistently pushed creative boundaries and produced music that has connected with fans around the world. ... For us at EMI to have had the opportunity to work with such a groundbreaking band has been a true privilege, and the devastating loss of Adam will be felt by all of us around the world. Our thoughts and best wishes are with his family and friends at this difficult time." - Roger Faxon, CEO of EMI Group
Prayers and all the love I could ever muster for Adam Yauch. What a beautiful man. God bless his beautiful soul. A class act all the way
- Flea (@flea333) May 4, 2012 [7]
Adam Yauch marched with us in November over the Brooklyn Bridge. He was a visionary artist who never lost sight of his community. #RIP [8]
- Occupy Wall Street (@OccupyWallSt) May 4, 2012 [9]
My deepest condolences 2 the family of Adam yauch & the beastie boys. Adam was the coolest dude ever & will b missed but memory will live on
- B_Real Cypress Hill (@B_Real420) May 4, 2012 [10]
Lollapalooza94 talked to Yauch almost everyday He was full of wisdom & encouragement for a freaked out kid like I was. Thank you MCA. LoveBJ
- Billie Joe Armstrong (@BJAofficial) May 4, 2012 [11]
We lost an incredible human & inspiring musician today...RIP Adam Yauch instagr.am/p/KN0TsvraxC/ [12]
- Grace Potter (@gracepotter) May 4, 2012 [13]
RIP MCA!!!! - My prayers go out to The Beastie Boys and their families. tmblr.co/ZxeGrvKsnhQR [14]
- Nasir Jones (@Nas) May 4, 2012 [15]
"We've lost one of our greats. A true gentleman with the strongest resolve, humor, and energy to spin the world on its axis... and that is exactly what he did. Let's not forget he did it with panache and style and beats and in various costumes. Even while dressed as a Swiss mountain climber. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Beasties and to Adam's family and fans." - Michael Stipe and REM [16]
RIP MCA .....
- iamdiddy (@iamdiddy) May 4, 2012 [17]
The Beastie Boys basically invented the concept of the cool white person. #RIPMCA [18]
- Chromeo (@Chromeo) May 4, 2012 [19]
#RIPMCA [18] the First Tape I ever bought as a kid was The Beastie Boys , Stank ya for the inspiration
- Big Boi of OUTKAST (@BigBoi) May 4, 2012 [20]
My condolences to Adam "MCA" Yauch Family & the Beastie Boys. My brothers & I felt that pain before as well. Sad Day.
- Ghostface Killah (@GhostfaceKillah) May 4, 2012 [21]
Now playing: something's got to give: BEASTIE BOYS R.I.P. M.C.A.One of the best hip-hop groups of all time!much love to MIKE-D and AD-ROCK
- Cee Lo Green (@CeeLoGreen) May 4, 2012 [22]
"As a co-founding member of the three-time GRAMMY®-winning Beastie Boys, Adam Yauch was part of one of the most groundbreaking trios in hip-hop. The group's music crossed genres and color lines, and helped bring rap to a wider audience. A rapper, musician and director, Yauch was an immense talent and creative visionary, and an instrumental force in the group's career for more than three decades. In addition to his music and artistry, he was a philanthropist who devoted much of his energy to his passionate support for freedom of expression. The music world has lost a true trailblazer, and our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and fans throughout the world." - Neil Portnow, in a statement.