S. Samuel
The New York Senate paid homage to the life and legacy of late Beastie Boys member Adam "MCA" Yauch this week by publicly passing a resolution in his honor.
According to reports, the state senate recognized Yauch’s accomplishmens outside of just hip-hop.
The state senate passed a resolution on Tuesday “mourning the death of famed rapper and activist Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch,” writing that the Beastie Boys “exemplified New York” and helped rejuvenate the city during their influential early years. The statement continued by praising Yauch’s extracurricular activities, which included his pro-Tibet Milarepa Fund and the film distribution company Oscilloscope Laboratories. The late rapper was “a man of colossal talent and charisma,” the resolution stated. (Billboard)
Following his unexpected passing earlier this month, Grammy-winning rapper Eminem spoke on Yauch’s impact.
“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,” Em said in a statement to 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.” (MTV)
Rap veteran Nas recently credited his time alongside the Beastie Boys as one of his most favorite music experiences.
Nas — who worked with the group on the track “Too Many Rappers,” which eventually appeared on the band’s last album, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two — opened up about recording with the legends to MTV News. “One of my greatest moments in music was when I worked with the Beastie Boys. … 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 a true legend who influenced me. God bless his soul and his loved ones.” (MTV)
Reports of MCA’s untimely death emerged online on May 4th.
Multiple media outlets are reporting this afternoon that New York native and Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch has died at the age of 47. Yauch, also known as “MCA”, had been in treatment for cancer. He was diagnosed in 2009 and was unable to attend The Beastie Boys induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of fame. Yauch along with Mike Diamond and Adam Horowitz formed the brooklyn group in 1979. They are known for songs including “Fight for your right to party” “No Sleep ’til Brooklyn” and “Sabotage.” (New York 1)
