Snoop Dogg - "RIP MCA U are a Legend and a pioneer"

Beastie Boys

Following the sad news of the untimely death of Beastie Boys member Adam “MCA” Yauch, Beastie Boy’s management issued an official statement saying: “It is with great sadness that we confirm that musician, rapper, activist and director Adam “MCA” Yauch, founding member of Beastie Boys has passed away”.  A representative for the Dalai Lama told TMZ: “Adam had helped us raise awareness on the plight of the Tibetan people by organizing various freedom Tibet concerts and he will be remembered by his holiness and the Tibetan people.” Russell Simmons of Def Jam Records said: “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.” A tribute to Adam Yauch was posted on the official Beastie Boys website earlier today. Following the news, tributes poured in via Twitter from around the world:

Wu Tang Clan rapper Ghost Face Killah wrote: "My condolences to Adam "MCA" Yauch Family & the Beastie Boys. My brothers & I felt that pain before as well. Sad Day."

Limp Bizkit lead singer Fred Durst, another musician who has mixed up hip hop and metal, tweeted: "A very sad day indeed. Adam Yauch RIP."           

Santigold: What a terrible loss. He was a hero.

Snoop Dogg: RIP MCA U are a Legend and a pioneer.

Snoop Dogg

Dance duo Chemical Brothers, who were originally named the Dust Brothers in homage to the Beasties' producers, wrote:  "RIP Adam Yauch. thanks for the amazing music,continual inspiration"

1980s pop band Duran Duran  who covered several classic hip-hop tracks, wrote: "Rest in Peace Adam Yauch. Our condolences to your friends and family"

Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic added: "Adam Yauch #RIPMCA. Thank you for Sabotage bass riff and many other great grooves. Adam also worked for justice and peace consciousness."

Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins posted: "Sad news about Adam Yauch's passing,a man of dignity + spiritual conviction. I always had great respect for him in times we met and talkedne in weezers generation"

Hollywood actor Ben Stiller wrote: "So sad that Adam Yauch is gone. A truly great musician & filmmaker. He stood for integrity as an artist. What a loss. He was a very good man"

Perry Farrell from Jane's Addiction tweeted: "Adam Yauch was a guy who brought happiness and energy to so many. That is why the news of his passing- is so stifling. Bon Voyage Adam"

Culture Club singer Boy George, who like the Beasties shocked the conservative music world in the 1980s, posted: "Such sad news about Beastie Boy Adam Yauch. A fellow Buddhist and part of hip hop history!! R.I.P!"