MCA's publicist also released a statement, per TMZ, writing, "It is with great sadness that we confirm that musician, rapper, activist and director Adam 'MCA' Yauch ... passed away in his native New York City this morning after a near-three-year battle with cancer."

Yauch was a member of hip-hop trio The Beastie Boys, together with his friends Michael Diamond (Mike D) and Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock). In 1986, The Beastie Boys released their first full-length album, "Licensed to Ill," which became the first hip hop album to top the Billboard 200.

Recently, The Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but Yauch was unable to attend the ceremony.

"Beastie Boys regret that Adam 'MCA' Yauch will be unable to join Mike 'Mike D' Diamond and Adam 'Adrock' Horovitz at the band's induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in April," said a statement released by group in April. "Mike, Adam and Adam are truly grateful for the honor but with only two of the three Beastie Boys attending, they will unfortunately not be able to perform at the ceremony."

The Beastie Boys became just the third rap group to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, after Run-D.M.C. (2009) and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (2007). The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame telecast is scheduled to air on HBO on Saturday night.

In honor of the fallen Beastie Boy, HuffPost Entertainment is taking a look back at some of MCA's most memorable performances. "Now my name is MCA. I got a license to kill."

PHOTO GALLERY Music of Adam Yauch the Beastie Boys