Adam "MCA" Yauch, one-third of the legendary New York rap group Beastie Boys, died at age 47 on May 4, 2012. He had been battling cancer since 2009 when a tumor was found in his salivary gland.

Beasties Boys formed in 1979 by Yauch, Mike "Mike D" Diamond and Adam "Ad-Rock" Horowitz. The group broke into the mainstream with 1986's License to Ill and the anthem "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)." Other albums include Paul's Boutique, Check Your Head, Ill Communication and their most recent release, 2011's Hot Sauce Committee Part Two.

The band was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last month. Yauch did not attend the ceremony.

The group had not performed live since Bonnaroo in June of 2009. They last performed in Charlotte during the Get Out and Vote Tour which stopped at Amos' Southend in October of 2008.

Editor Mark Kemp will post a personal tribute to Yauch online in the coming days.