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Adam 'MCA' Yauch: 'Very Courageous' and 'Hopeful to the Very End,' Mother Says

Bryan Bedder, Getty Images

As fans, admirers and artists of all stripes continue to pay tribute to Beastie Boys rapper Adam "MCA" Yauch, who died yesterday (May 4) after a three-year battle with cancer, the most heartfelt words may have come from his mother, Frances Yauch.

"He was a very courageous person," she told the New York Times, revealing that her son died at 9AM on Friday at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. "He was hopeful to the very end."

When the time came, she said, MCA was conscious and surrounded by family. His wife, Dechen Wangdu, was there, as was his 13-year-old daughter, Tenzin Losel Yauch; his parents; and his in-laws.

Yauch had been in the hospital since April 14 -- the same night his bandmates Ad-Rock and Mike D were in Cleveland celebrating the Beastie Boys' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"It all just seemed to happen overnight," said Frances Yauch, adding, "He was a terrific guy and had a brief but really wonderful life. We are really proud of him."

In addition to making up one-third of the Beasties -- one of those rare groups that just about everyone, from hip-hop fans to metal dudes, seemed to love and respect -- Yauch had a career in filmmaking. He was head of Oscilloscope Laboratories, the independent production company behind such films as "The Messenger" and "Exit Through the Gift Shop."

In a statement to the press, Contactmusic.com reports, Oscilloscope execs David Fenkel, Dan Berger and David Laub vowed to continue on.

"We are deeply, deeply saddened by the passing of Adam Yauch -- an amazing leader, a dear friend and an incredible human being," the statement reads. "Today we are heartbroken at Oscilloscope as we take in this awful news, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Adam's legacy will remain a driving force at Oscilloscope -- his indomitable spirit and his great passion for film, people and hard work, always with a sense of humour and a lot of heart."

See Photos Both Old & New of Beastie Boys' Adam "MCA" Yauch Throughout His Career
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Watch The Beastie Boys' "Intergalactic" Video

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bononista

I love you Adam. Enlightenment achieved, Buddha hood received, hurry back to us.

May 09 2012 at 10:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jenny

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May 09 2012 at 11:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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May 07 2012 at 10:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
donnajackson60

(this is shanna, donnas daughter) i have never once left a comment on these pages= but, this was such a great great band and such a wonderful man-my heart also goes out to his family and friends and all the fans like me who are so very sad to hear this news. i cant express in the way i would like to how very very sad it is to hear such a lovely terrific person-AMAZINGly talented artist is gone esp when there are so few, IF ANY like him, tho-of course there are none. he was one of a kind. adam- you have SO much love, i know, wherever you are- you can feel it. VIVA LA BEASTIE BOYS!

May 07 2012 at 9:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Solid State Elev

It's so so sad to see another great person get taken down by this disease, it's horrible, I know first hand about the reality of getting Cancer, I found mine by total fluke, and I thank my doctor for that, if it wasn't for him being persistent, I probably would be fighting for my life today, my prayers are with you and your entire family may you rest in peace.

May 07 2012 at 8:14 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ehbinwv10

Cancer Sucks!

May 07 2012 at 7:55 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
xnewyaka22

I have lost relatives to cancer,I wish your family peace, peace of mind and alwlays remember he will be with you in some way always...My prayers are always with you, I know your loss

May 07 2012 at 7:37 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jmosomillo

I am sorry for the loss of Adam, I was a working neighbor of his and he was truly a sweetheart of a guy. He would always ask me if the music was too loud when recording. He was such a regular guy and I know a loving husband and loving dad. To all his close friends and family our hearts go out to all of you.

May 07 2012 at 6:58 AM Report abuse +6 rate up rate down Reply
azraelle1021

On May 1st my daughters and I spent the day playing Beastie Boys songs (as we do on this day every year), it was the 10th anniversary of my son Corey's death in a horrible drunk driving accident (Corey was not the drunk driver). Corey loved the Beastie Boys, he loved MCA, somehow i know Corey was there to meet him. Thank you MCA for bringing so much joy to my sons life and ours too.

May 07 2012 at 6:57 AM Report abuse +7 rate up rate down Reply
Leigh Ambrose

I remember all the fun I had listening to to the Beastie Boys when I was growing up.. The year "Intergalactic" came out, my cockatiel drove my parents nuts whistling along with the music... The world has lost a talented man, and he will be missed. Rest in Peace, Adam!

May 07 2012 at 6:48 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply