Consequence of Sound has pointed out that Adam Yauch (aka MCA of the Beastie Boys) has died after a near-three-year battle with cancer.  A statement on the band’s website reveals that the Brooklyn-born 47-year-old founding member of one of the most influential groups in hip hop history passed away in NYC this morning.  He is survived by his wife Dechen and his daughter Tenzin Losel, as well as his parents Frances and Noel Yauch.

The group first appeared on record as a hardcore punk outfit via a 1982 cassette compilation titled New York Thrash and made the transition to hip hop through a few 12″ singles before releasing their breakthrough Rick Rubin-produced debut LP — Licensed To Ill – in 1986.  The album became the first rap LP to hit No. 1 on Billboard Charts and stayed on top for seven straight weeks.  It featured anthems like ”(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!),” “Brass Monkey,” “Paul Revere,” as well as “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.”

Yauch — along with band members Michael Diamond (Mike D) and Adam Horovitz (Ad Rock) — went on to release seven more LPs including last year’s Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2.  Have a look at a video for Beasties Boys’ “Sabatoge” from 1994′s Ill Communication as well as Look Mexico’s cover of “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” below.  RIP MCA — you changed the world, and you will be missed.