Beastie Boys: remembering Adam 'MCA' Yauch 1964 - 2012

On 4 May 2012, news broke that founding member of the Beastie Boys, Adam Yauch had died. Having formed one of the most influential rap bands of all time, the rapper and musician had long battled cancer. His death has left fans devastated at the loss of a true music inspiration.

Tributes have poured in from stars of the music and film industries as well as fans from across the globe, with stars of the hip-hop world speaking about the star, his influence on them and the rap industry. Coldplay also performed a cover of Beastie Boys' party anthem 'Fight For Your Right' at a US show to honour Yauch.

"May a great musical pioneer rest in peace. Our prayers go out to his family, as his hip hop family mourns our loss and celebrates his life" said Jay-Z to Life + Times.

"Adam Yauch brought a lot of positivity into the world and I think it's obvious to anyone how big of an influence the Beastie Boys were on me and so many others," said Eminem in an interview with MTV news. "They are trailblazers and pioneers and Adam will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, Mike D, and Ad-Rock."

"One of my greatest moments in music was when I worked with the Beastie Boys..." said US hip-hop star Nas. "Now today I'm hearing our brother is gone. I prayed this would not happen... MCA was so cool, man. We had great talks about what it was like for them in the beginning, getting into the rap game.

"I'll never forget that experience for the rest of my life. MCA is true legend who influenced me. God bless his soul and his loved ones."

See pictures of Adam Yauch through his career with the Beastie Boys below - from early recording shots through to live shows, public appearances and the most recent band promo shots.