Big Rap Moments of 2012: Beastie Boys’ Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch Dies at 47

Hip-hop lost a significant member of its family this year. On May 4, the Beastie Boys, Adam "MCA" Yauch passed away at the age of 47 due to cancer. In 2009, he was diagnosed with the disease, which shocked the hip-hop community. When he passed earlier this year, he left a void in the hearts of fans who anticipated seeing the trio of MCA, Ad-Rock and Mike D perform together again.

The Brooklyn born MC, who was also a filmmaker, directed many of the Beastie Boys' videos in addition to their concert documentary 'Awesome.' He also was majorly involved in founding the Tibetan Freedom Concert, which drew influential acts to perform to help raise money for Tibetan social justice causes.

Many rappers expressed their sentiments via Twitter upon hearing of MCA's death. Common stated, "God Bless the soul of Adam Yauch aka MCA of the Beastie Boys. RIP." Q-Tip also vented on the platform, tweeting a more visual memory of him. "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." This love and admiration proved MCA's legacy lives on.