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Adam Yauch Dies: Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg and Other Celebs React

1336157897_justin timberlake snoop dogg article

On Friday, the music world was taken by storm when the news broke that Beastie Boys co-founder Adam Yauch (aka “MCA”) lost his three-year battle with cancer.

Instantaneously, celebrities ranging from music industry greats to actors took to Twitter to mourn the death of the hip hop star, who was just 47 when he passed away.

“Crushed to hear the news of Adam Yauch’s passing. A true pioneer of art. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. #RIPMCA,” Justin Timberlake tweeted.

“RIP MCA U are a Legend and a pioneer. #BeastieBoys4life,” Snoop Dogg added.

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adam yauch with the besastie boys
Adam Yauch (MCA), Mike Diamond (Mike D) and Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock) of the Beastie Boys at the B. Smith’s Restaurant in New York City, New York.

Several other music icons sent their condolences as well.

“Rip dear Adam Yauch. Words can’t express the sadness and loss. Ur humor, talent & gentle soul are just irreplaceable. Be at peace brother,” posted Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello.

“God Bless the soul of Adam Yauch aka MCA of the Beastie Boys. RIP,” tweeted Common.

Added Run DMC’s Rev. Run: “RIP Adam…I’m devastated. Praying for Adam Yauch’s family from the legendary Beastie Boys. You’ll be missed!”

Related: PHOTOS: Stars gone too soon

But on Friday, Yauch’s music colleagues weren’t the only famous names remembering the star, who announced he was being treated for cancer, which began as a tumor in his salivary gland, in 2009.

“RIP Adam Yauch (MCA of the Beastie Boys). He was a super-genius, a visionary and, most importantly, a really good person,” posted The Office’s Rainn Wilson.

Project Runway judge Nina Garcia paid tribute to the music great by tweeting one of his most memorable quotes: “‘I thank everyone for your patience, and letting me speak my mind.’ Adam Yauch #RIPMCA.”

“Crushed to hear the news of Adam Yauch’s passing. #RIPMCA,” Tour de France champ Lance Armstrong tweeted.

Related: PHOTOS: Us Weekly's tribute to celebrities who have died

Just last month, the Beastie Boys became the third rap group ever to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — but Yauch wasn’t able to attend the induction ceremony.

“Hello My Friends — while I’m grateful for all the positive energy people are sending my way, reports of my being totally cancer free are exaggerated,” he wrote on the group’s official website in April. “I’m continuing treatment, staying optimistic, and hoping to be cancer free in the near future.”

Related: PHOTOS: Stars who battled cancer

Yauch founded the Beastie Boys alongside his friends Mike “Mike D” Diamond and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horowitz in 1979. The legendary rap group’s most recent album, Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 2, was released last May.

The hip hop icon is survived by his wife, Dechen Wangdu and their daughter, Tenzin Losel Yauch.

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