Free Republic

Adam Yauch of the hip-hop trio the Beastie Boys has died, according to hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons. He was 47. "Our prayers go out to the family of Adam and the entire Beastie Boys crew," Simmons' site, the Global Grind, wrote. Yauch, who was known as MCA in the group, had been in treatment for cancer. He was diagnosed with cancer in his parotid gland and lymph node in 2009.

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. Yauch co-founded Beastie Boys in 1979 with Mike D, Mix Master Mike, and Ad Roc. The group has won multiple Grammys. Yauch became a vegan at the recommendation of his Tibetan doctors. Yauch is survived by his wife and daughter. He was 47.