In Memoriam: Adam Yauch, aka MCA, of the Beastie Boys

Adam YauchThe news of the passing of Beastie Boy member Adam Yauch hit the web on Friday, with a massive outpouring that followed on the social web.

What wasn’t mentioned as often was that Yauch held down the low end in addition to being a rapper in the group.

Yauch, aka MCA, had been battling cancer for some time. He was 47.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Yauch formed The Beastie Boys at age 17 after teaching himself to play bass guitar. Beastie Boys started as a punk band, eventually transforming into a hip hop trio signed to Def Jam Records. With only 8 albums, the group sold over 40 million records in their career. Yauch directed their music videos, but also went on to make documentaries and other films.

Yauch was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Beastie Boys last month.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Adam Yauch.

Get daily bass updates.

Get the latest news, videos, lessons, and more in your inbox every morning.

Share your thoughts

  1. And that is exactly how it’s done: manic and uplifting. Never fails to put a massive grin on my face. RIP MCA.

  2. RONAN LEE

    I was truly fucking gutted when I heard of his passing. I am still fucking gutted. RIP MCA