Musicians, industry figures and just about anyone with an account are reacting and paying tribute to Beastie Boys rapper Adam “MCA” Yauch on Twitter after his death was announced this morning.

Def Jam founder Russell Simmons, who helped introduce the Beastie Boys to the world in the mid-80s wrote s short message on his website Global Grind, after breaking the news this morning: “Adam was incredibly sweet and the most sensitive artist, who I loved dearly. I was always inspired by his work. He will be missed by all of us.”

Twitter response:

“#RIPMCA the First Tape I ever bought as a kid was The Beastie Boys , Stank ya for the inspiration” ~ @BigBoi

“MCA PARTY HARD FOREVER.” ~ @AndrewWK

Read more tweets from Common, Q Tip and more on Spinner.

• Tag: Adam Yauch, Beastie Boys, MCA, Rev. Run, Russell Simmons