hipolito's blog: Fans Mourn Beastie Boys 'Legend' Adam 'MCA' Yauch

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Fans Mourn Beastie Boys 'Legend' Adam 'MCA' Yauch

Outpouring of sadness and gratitude on social sites follows news of rapper/bassist's death at age 47.
By Kara Klenk

Beastie Boys in the early 1990s
Photo: Paul Natkin/ Getty Images

Fans of the Beastie Boys were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Adam "MCA" Yauch, after a long battle with cancer, on Friday (May 4).

Many took to the Web to mourn and remember what the musician's work with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rap trio meant to them. And almost as soon after the news of Yauch's death broke, Beastie Boys-related phrases were dominating the majority of the worldwide trends on Twitter, with topics and hashtags like #RIPMCA and "No Sleep Til Brooklyn."

Fans like @sbpeterson expressed overwhelming sadness, writing, "You'll be missed MCA - I'm simply devastated," while others referred to Yauch as an "icon" and a "legend."

Some didn't know how to explain how deeply they were affected, like @Dawsonase who wrote, "What a loss. Having trouble expressing what the Beastie Boys mean to this small town white girl." Music fans like @RockforTrouble tweeted, "This has been a HEART BREAKING year" with Yauch's death coming shortly after the loss of music-industry icons like the Whitney Houston and the .

For many, the Beastie Boys' massive catalog coincided with their youth.‏ @chasesclouds tweeted, "Still have all cassettes & original Beastie Boys cd's before they were remastered. Soundtrack to my life; inspiration to many," a sentiment echoed in several tweets. Comedians the @SklarBrothers tweeted, "So sad about MCA. The Beasties influenced us and inspired us to do what we do. Everyone we knew wanted 2 b them. Huge loss. #hero."

‏

Gratitude for Yauch abounded as fans like @cholliday tweeted, "Thanks for 20+ yrs. of killer tunes & rhymes!" while others encouraged fans to spread the music, like @KimberlyAMT who wrote, "Play some Beastie Boys today. #RIPMCA."

The Beastie Boys' rapper/bassist battle with cancer of the salivary gland put his untimely death into perspective for some fans. User Kelsey Danna wrote on MTV News' Facebook page , "I was in shocked when I heard the news but at least he's not suffering anymore."

The outpouring of love and admiration from fans, friends and celebrities who knew him highlights the indelible mark Yauch left on the music world, on hip-hop, and the hearts of his fans.

Share your condolences for MCA's family, friends and fans in the comments below.

Tune in to MTV tonight at 8 p.m. for "Adam Yauch: Remembering a Beastie Boy," an hour-long special hosted by Sway celebrating the life and career of Adam "MCA" Yauch, including his biggest moments and remembrances from his friends and peers. Check out mtvU now for classic Beastie Boys music videos.

Related Videos

Related Photos