As the world sadly discovered on Friday, Beastie Boys co-founder Adam Yauch, aka MCA, passed away after a three year battle with cancer. There have been literally hundreds of tributes from fellow performers and kind words said about this icon of the industry whose talent as a musician were only matched by his philanthropic generosity and his general decency as a human being. We've scoured together some of the most touching tributes to this hip-hop legend who was taken from this world too soon.



Way back in 2009, the Beastie Boys were guests on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon where they performed their classic track "So Whatcha Want" with the Roots backing them up as their jam band. ?uestlove wrote a lengthy reflection on the time he's spent with the band over the years that shows just how much Adam Yauch meant to so many different artists on a personal level. Head on over to the Roots Okayplayer website to read ?uestlove's touching tribute.



The New York Mets showed that you can be a lackluster AND classy group of players by replacing all of their walk-on music with Beastie Boys tunes, including "Intergalactic" and "Make Some Noise."



Coldplay seems like the least appropriate person to pay a musical tribute to Beastie Boys (well second least appropriate compared to another tribute later in this post), but Chris Martin and crew played a beautiful and minimalist take on "(Gotta Fight) For Your Right (To Party)" at the Hollywood Bowl. It's a very respectful and classy take on the track and Chris Martin's gorgeous voice is put to good use.

Thom Yorke had some kind words to say about Adam Yauch and the way that the Beastie Boys inspired his sound. Considering the fact that Radiohead is one of the most celebrated bands of the last twenty years, they are humbling words from one of our most beloved musicians.

"I was very sad to hear the news of Adam Yauch's death yesterday.
We looked up to the Beastie Boys a lot when we were starting out and how they maintained artistic control making wicked records but still were on a major label, and the Tibetan Freedom Concerts they organized had a very big influence on me personally and the way Adam conducted himself and dealt with it all impressed me a lot. He was a mellow and very smart guy. May he rest in peace."



.fun seems like an even stranger choice of group to pay tribute to the Beastie Boys than Coldplay, but Nate Ruess and company took on Beastie Boys' classic, "Sabotage," at a show. And even though Ruess screwed the first verse up royally, it's still nice to see younger artists paying tribute to this beloved performer.

Last, but certainly not least, we wanted to share the messages of tribute from Adam Yauch's band-mates. Mike D (Michael Diamond) and Ad-Rock (Adam Horovitz) both shared their thoughts with the world and their obvious love for their lost friend. Mike D also shared this picture from Madison Square Garden with his post.



Mike D:

"I know, we should have tweeted and instagrammed every sad, happy and inspired thought, smile or tear by now. But honestly the last few days have just been a blur of deep emotions for our closest friend, band mate and really brother. I miss Adam so much. He really served as a great example for myself and so many of what determination, faith, focus, and humility coupled with a sense of humor can accomplish. The world is in need of many more like him. We love you Adam. BTW this photo sent to me by a friend, (thanks Saslow) is just one awesome example of how NYC is such a unique place that amidst it's huge size and frenetic pace it really opens up it's heart in so many ways and on on so many levels in times like these. And though it makes me cry sometimes, it has been really amazing and moving to see.
Mike"

Ad-Rock:

"as you can imagine, shit is just fkd up right now. but i wanna say thank you to all our
friends and family (which are kinda one in the same) for all the love and support.
i'm glad to know that all the love that Yauch has put out into the world is coming right back at him.
thank you."

We had much love for MCA here in the office, and we've shared our stories about growing up with the Beastie Boy's music. The world was a better place with you in it, Adam Yauch, and we lost one of the real hip-hop pioneers. We'll miss you.