Adam Yauch aka MCA of the Beastie Boys has passed away at the age of 47 after a long battle with cancer. The Beastie Boys were one of the 1st acts signed to Def Jam in the 80′s and paved the way for acts like Eminem, Kid Rock and Limp Bizkit. Russel Simmon’s site Global Grind describes Yaunch as one of their heros. Our condolences go out to his family and fans.