Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys has passed away. The founding member of the legendary hip-hop group was 47.

In 2009, MCA announced that he had a cancerous parotid gland and a lymph node. He underwent surgery and radiation therapy.

His industry friends mourned his loss on Twitter. “R I P Adam… I’m devastated,” tweeted Rev Run of Run–D.M.C. “Praying for Adam Yauch’s family from the legendary Beastie Boys. Youll be missed!”

Yauch co-founded the Beastie Boys in 1979 with Mike D, Mix Master Mike, and Ad-Rock. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

[TMZ via Global Grind]