In the wake of what’s likely been the year’s saddest musical event, artists have spoken out on MCA’s passing, acknowledging both his and the Beastie Boys’ impact on hip hop and culture at large.
Firstly, Coldplay again covered “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)” last night in L.A., the first time they’d done so since 2009 at the All Points West Music Festival, when they first learned of MCA’s battle with cancer. Watch the piano-led tribute at the bottom.
Many other musicians, rappers and rockers alike, mourned MCA as well.
“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… They are trailblazers and pioneers and Adam will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, Mike D., and Ad-Rock.” –Eminem
“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.” –Nas
“RIP Adam Yauch. You made my teenage years more fun and your art made it easier for me to do what I do. For a Beastie, you sure were a beaut.” –Kevin Smith
“Rip dear Adam Yauch. Words can’t express the sadness and loss. Ur humor, talent & gentle soul are just irreplaceable. Be at peace brother.” –Tom Morello
“Prayers and all the love I could ever muster for Adam Yauch. What a beautiful man. God bless his beautiful soul. A class act all the way.” –Flea
“Now playing: something’s got to give: BEASTIE BOYS R.I.P. M.C.A. One of the best hip-hop groups of all time!” –Cee-Lo Green
“#restinpeaceMCA 1 of my favorite hiphop groups. hiphop raised a lot of us & now we have to wake up because are hero’s are dying too young.” –Will.I.Am
“We are so sorry to hear about the loss of the Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch a true legend & inspirational to everyone in weezers generation.” –Weezer
“Crushed to hear the news of Adam Yauch’s passing. A true pioneer of art. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.#RIPMCA” –Justin Timberlake
“Adam made amazing artwork until the very end and he was a genuinely sweet guy. He will be sorely missed.” –Jack Black
“Mca Adam Yauch RIP… Im sittin in the former g son studios. Flying the flag half mast today…. Rap/punk hero, philanthropist, legend.” –Diplo
“Lollapalooza94 talked to Yauch almost everyday. He was full of wisdom & encouragement for a freaked out kid like I was. Thank you MCA. LoveBJ.” –Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day
“God Bless the soul of Adam Yauch aka MCA of the Beastie Boys. RIP” –Common
