adamyauch_460.jpgMTV

Beastie Boys Rapper MCA, who's real name was Adam Yauch has died from cancer at age 47, after he announced in 2009 that he was receiving treatment for a cancerous parotid gland and a lymph node.

The Brooklyn-born rapper, who co-founded Beastie Boys in 1979 with Mike D, and Ad Rock, had undergone surgery and radiation therapy for his cancer, but as of now it is unclear if his death was related to his battle with cancer.

Yauch was a pioneer in the rap and music industry, and was the mastermind behind some of the most iconic albums in hip-hop history, which won the group multiple Grammys.

They Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Yauch is survived by his wife and daughter.