Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys died today after a long battle with cancer.

Yauch, also known as MCA, was only 47-years-old. 

Yauch and Mike D are responsible for creating a sound all their own. Their 1986 album, Licensed To Ill became the first hip-hop album to top the Billboard charts.They were the original white boys rappers, and to this day none has even come close to duplicating their sound. 

Yauch branched out from music and in 2008, he founded Oscilloscope Labrotories, a company that distributed small films, including documentaries and foreign language movies.

The Beasties were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14. Yauch was unable to attend, however Mike D read a note from his friend, thanking them for the honor.