Four Reasons We Will Miss Adam Yauch, MCA

R.I.P. Adam Yauch. Image via Flickr.

Adam Yauch (MCA) passed away yesterday at age 47, after a long battle with cancer, though his cause of death is still undetermined.

We were so shocked and saddened by his passing. Yauch was an accomplished artist and a compassionate man who left a huge impact on the world, and not just in the music industry.

He left us far too soon and his absence will be felt on a number of levels. More specifically, we've compiled some main reasons we will sadly miss MCA.

1. He was an amazing artist
As a contributing member of the Beastie Boys, Yauch helped tear down boundaries in the music industry. He brought hip hop to a broader audience and tested the definitions of the genre. The Beastie Boys' music also progressed and evolved over time as the group encountered different influences, from Buddhist chants to electronica. No matter how the music changed though, Beastie Boys still kept an irreverent style and wry sense to their lyrics.

2. He helped define a generation
As mentioned above, Yauch helped to bring hip hop music to a whole new generation of kids who may have otherwise never listened to the genre. As the group matured, The Beastie Boys' subject matter also slightly changed to incorporate ethical issues such as social justice. They helped draw attention to injustices and made kids think about larger political issues. They managed to do this without ever losing the playful nature of their music. The band communicated that you can love life, have a good time and actually care about the world at the same time.

3. He practiced a compassionate lifestyle
Yauch was a Buddhist and largely active in the Free Tibet movement. He helped to organize many fundraisers for the cause and he also helped raise awareness about the struggles in Tibet. He also became a vegan later in life, largely due to recommendations from his Buddhist doctors. He was actively involved in making the world a better place, even as he was battling his own cancer. Russel Simmons, a fellow Buddhist and close friend, said that Yauch "was incredibly sweet and the most sensitive artist".

4. He had so much left to contribute
At 47, Yauch should have had half of his life still in front of him. We selfishly wish we could have had him around longer to see what he could have created with the time he had left. Of course, no one should have to die from cancer, especially at such a young age. The passing of Adam Yauch will leave a huge hole in our hearts and we will miss all that he still could have contributed to the world, both musically and personally. His passing is a massive loss, especially to the generation who grew up with the Beastie Boys. We will miss you MCA. Rest in peace.