Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch dies, aged 47 © Reuters/Nicholas Roberts A founding member of hip-hop group the Beastie Boys has died after a long battle with cancer. Adam Yauch, also known by his stage name "MCA," died after suffering from the illness for nearly three years. In July 2009, Yauch revealed he had been diagnosed with a tumour in his left salivary gland and lymph node. He had surgery and sought treatment in countries including Tibet. Longtime associate and friend Russell Simmons posted a message on his website saying "Adam was incredibly sweet and the most sensitive artist, who I loved dearly. I was always inspired by his work. He will be missed by all of us. Yauch founded the Beastie Boys with his two friends, Michael Diamond (Mike D) and Adam Horovitz (Adrock). They initially formed as a punk-rock band but soon switched to rap as it developed on the street and in clubs in the early 1980s. The group captivated fans with their brash style in hits like " (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party) ." Under the alias Nathanial Hrnblowr, Yauch directed iconic videos including "So Watcha Want," "Intergalatic," "Body Movin" and "Ch-Check It Out." Yauch is survived by his wife Dechen and his daughter Tenzin Losel, as well as his parents Frances and Noel Yauch.