Beastie Boys MCA - Adam Yauch - Dead at 47

Beastie Boys rapper MCA whose real name is Adam Yauch has died. He was 47.

Reason for death is not yet known, although in 2009, he had announced that he was being treated for cancer. RIP

From TMZ:

"Beastie Boys" rapper MCA -- real name Adam Yauch -- has died.

In 2009, MCA announced he was being treated for a cancerous parotid gland and a lymph node. He has since undergone surgery and radiation therapy.

So far, it's not clear if the death is related to the rapper's battle with cancer.

Russell Simmons' website GlobalGrind.com first reported the death. We have spoken to people independently connected to the rapper who also say he is dead.