Update: Global Grind and TMZ have confirmed Yauch's death at the age of 47.

Nothing confirmed yet, but this is getting a little unsettling. Adam Yauch (a.k.a. MCA), one-third of the legendary Beastie Boys rap trio, has been in ill health for some time, battling with cancer that was reported to have recently intensified, with Yauch unable to appear at the group's recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Now, buzz is spreading around the internet that Yauch may have passed away today. There's nothing for sure, and Billboard.biz (possibly the original source of the rumor) has since qualified their earlier tweet, but this blast from Under the Gun Review isn't exactly giving us great comfort:

We just spoke with Beastie Boys' management company RE: Adam Yauch. They have "no comment" at this time. We're still seeking confirmation. — Under The Gun Review (@UTGReview) May 4, 2012

We'll keep you updated as we hear more, though if the story of this rumor just kinda fizzled out with no new developments, that'd certainly be OK with us.