It’s a sad day for music fans today as Adam “MCA” Yauch passed away at the age of 47.

If you haven’t heard of MCA or the Beastie Boys, I imagine you’ve been incarcerated in Joe Arpaio’s “Tent City” since ’86. They’ve had a huge influence on all music, not just hip hop, but all facets of music, so you should probably give them a listen if you need an introduction.

The cause of death wasn’t immediately apparent, but was found complications related to cancer in his salivary gland which he had been battling since 2009. Unfortunately, because of the disease, he was unable to attend the Beastie’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.

There’s not much to be said about MCA that hasn’t already been brought up, so let me just recommend thumbing through the Beastie’s discography and checking out their unique style and energetic delivery that has sustained the group for longer than I’ve been alive.

Oh, and “Sabotage” is one of the best songs ever written.