Beastie Boys star Adam Yauch has died at the age of 47.
Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons's website GlobalGrind.com first reported the death, while TMZ has spoken to independent sources.
© WENN / Patricia Schlein
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Yauch, also known by his stage name MCA, was diagnosed with cancer back in July 2009, originally resulting in the cancellation of the group's tour and the delay of their album Hot Sauce Committee.
Bandmate Adam 'Ad-Rock' Horovitz confirmed that the star was still receiving treatment last May.
It is currently unclear whether his battle with the disease was the cause of his passing.
The musician founded the New York group in 1979 with Mike D, Mix Master Mike and Ad-Rock.
Under the alias Nathanial HÖrnblowÉr, Yauch directed many of the Beastie Boys' most memorable music videos.
Beastie Boys won three Grammy Awards, two in 1999 and another in 2008.
Yauch is survived by his wife Dechen and daughter Tenzin Losel.
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^article from DigiSpy.
Very sad news. RIP Adam.
