barby debor: Adam 'MCA' Yauch A Hip-Hop 'Pioneer': Rappers React

Russell Simmons, Q-Tip, Snoop Dogg and more fellow MCs tweet tributes to fallen Beastie Boy.
By Rob Markman

The Beastie Boys in 1987
Photo: Getty Images

It is impossible to sum up the life and career of Adam Yauch in 140 characters, but when the hip-hop community learned of MCA's death on Friday (May 4), rap figures from all over sent their love via Twitter.

Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons was the first to break the news on his GlobalGrind website, and soon after, he sent a message via Twitter with a link to a statement he wrote on his site. "RIP Adam Yauch. My thoughts...," he wrote linking to a page that read: "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."

Simmons' nephew Diggy also took to Twitter to quote a lyric from the group's 1986 jam "Paul Revere," proving that Yauch's musical influence was strong even on rap's new generation. "'Now my name is MCA I got a license to kill, I think you know what time it is it's time to get ill' Wooow... RIP," he wrote.

Slaughterhouse member Joell Ortiz simply tweeted, "NO SLEEP TO BROOKLYN" in all caps, referencing the Beasties' ode to BK.

Rapper Q-Tip shared a more personal message, sending his condolences out to the trio's surviving members. "RIP yauch and thank u mike and adam n adam 4 all of your help, the tours, the bball games, n great times. a humanitarian a tru friend," he sent from his QtipTheAbstract handle.

Snoop Dogg, Big Daddy Kane, EPMD's DJ Scratch and Brooklyn underground lyricist Skyzoo all tweeted as well, labeling Yauch either a legend, icon, pioneer or a combination of the three. "RIP MCA U are a Legend and a pioneer. #BeastieBoys4life," Snoop lamented.

Former Maybach Music affiliate Pill credited Yauch, the Beasties and their track "The New Style" with inspiring his breakout underground track "Trap Goin' Ham." "The main reason I chose the 'Trap Goin Ham' beat was because of the Beastie Boys sample. True hip hop pioneers," he respectfully wrote.

"A VERY SPECIAL R.I.P. TO ADAM YAUCH FROM THE BEASTIE BOYS MY BROTHER YOU ARE GONNA BE TRULY MISSED MY HEART IS HEAVY.....," rap luminary Biz Markie said on his Twitter.

As the hip-hop community continues to send a steady stream of R.I.P. messages and well-wishes, it is clear Adam Yauch was loved, respected and one of a kind.

Share your condolences for MCA's family, friends and fans in the comments below.

Tune in to MTV tonight at 8 p.m. for "Adam Yauch: Remembering a Beastie Boy," an hour-long special hosted by Sway celebrating the life and career of Adam "MCA" Yauch, including his biggest moments and remembrances from his friends and peers. Check out mtvU now for classic Beastie Boys music videos.

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