Beastie Boys Star Adam 'MCA' Yauch Dead At 47

Beastie Boys, passed away today (4th May) at the age of 47 after losing his lengthy battle with cancer.

The news was announced on the Justin Timberlake and Eminem have paid tribute to Yauch, with JT posting on Twitter: "Crushed to hear the news of Adam Yauch's passing. A true pioneer of art. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. #RIPMCA"

In a statement to Blink 182 drummerTravis Barker tweeted: "Rest In Peace Adam Yauch /MCA. 4ever somebody i looked up to & had the pleasure of meeting. Damn this bums me out, we lost one of the best."

Nas - who worked with the group on the trackBlack Eyed Peasmastermind Will.I.Am tweeted: "#restinpeaceMCA 1 of my favorite hiphop groups. hiphop raised a lot of us & now we have to wake up because are hero's are dying too young."

Red Hot Chili Peppersbassist Lenny Kravitz recalled one of the group's biggest songs on Twitter while remembering the rapper: "Rest in peace MCA. You are a legend. No sleep 'till Brooklyn. Lenny."