Beastie Boys rapper Adam “MCA” Yauch died in New York today after a three-year battle with cancer.

Adam "MCA" Yauch 1964-2012 // Photo courtesy of Nasty Little Man.

From TMZ: “Russell Simmons‘ website GlobalGrind.com first reported the death. We have spoken to people independently connected to the rapper who also say he is dead.”

In 2009, Yauch announced he was being treated for cancer and plans for a Beastie Boys tour, including a headlining set scheduled for Outside Lands 2009, were canceled. The news comes just days after the Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Yauch did not attend the event do to his illness. The show is scheduled to air on HBO Saturday night with a Beastie Boys tribute.

Chuck D discussed MCA’s absence at the ceremony (at :35 mark):

UPDATE–Nasty Little Man, the PR firm responsible for inspiring the name for the Beastie Boys’ fifth studio album Hello Nasty, released this statement with an obituary:

“It is with great sadness that we confirm that musician, rapper, activist and director Adam “MCA” Yauch, founding member of Beastie Boys and also of the Milarepa Foundation that produced the Tibetan Freedom Concert benefits, and film production and distribution company Oscilloscope Laboratories, passed away in his native New York City this morning after a near-three-year battle with cancer. He was 47 years old.” Read the complete obituary HERE.

• Tag: Adam Yauch, Beastie Boys, MCA