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Adam Yauch biography

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Adam Yauch (aka MCA) was a co-founder and member of the Beastie Boys, the popular rap group.


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Over the years, the Beastie Boys and other performers, such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Smashing Pumpkins, worked to support this cause.

The Beastie Boys' popularity continued with 1998's Hello Nasty, an album that earned Yauch his first two Grammy Award wins. Their tribute to their hometown, To the 5 Boroughs (2004), proved to be another big hit for the group. In addition to providing vocals,

Yauch helped write the band's music. He also served as a director on many of the group's videos. This interest in film and storytelling led to more work in the visual arts. He directed and produced the 2006 Beastie Boys live concert film Awesome: I F— Shot That!. In 2008, Yauch debuted another film, Gunnin' for That #1 Spot, a basketball documentary.

Final Years

In July 2009, Yauch announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Doctors had discovered a tumor on his salivary gland. He and his fellow Beasties canceled their summer tour so that he could focus on getting better. To treat the condition, Yauch had surgery and radiation treatment.

Postponed because of Yauch's illness, the Beastie Boys finally released their next album, Hot Sauce Committee Part 2, in 2011. The recording proved to be a strong seller, hitting the top of the rap, rock, and hip-hop charts. In addition to their commercial success, the group also received a prestigious honor the following year: The Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2012. However, Yauch was unable to attend the ceremony. A few weeks later, Adam Yauch died on May 4 at the age of 47.

Yauch's death was a great loss to the musical world. Friends and colleagues mourned his passing. "Adam was incredibly sweet and the most sensitive artist who I loved dearly," Russell Simmons said in a statement. "I was always inspired by his work. He will be missed by all of us."

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