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Adam Yauch dies at 47; Beastie Boys' rapper MCA

The Beastie Boys' cultural and musical impact went far beyond their 1986 album 'Licensed to Ill,' which was powered by the anthem '(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!). In later years, Yauch became a leading advocate for Tibetan independence.

May 05, 2012|By Richard Cromelin, Special to the Los Angeles Times

As the group became less active, Yauch also pursued his interest in film. He often oversaw the group's videos and went on to produce and direct a 2006 concert movie that was shot by 50 fans in the audience at Madison Square Garden. He also produced and directed "Gunnin' for That #1 Spot," a 2008 documentary about high school basketball stars gathering for a game at New York's Rucker Park.

His production and distribution company, Oscilloscope Laboratories, received two Oscar nominations for the 2009 drama "The Messenger" and another for the 2008 documentary "Burma VJ." The company also released the acclaimed 2010 Banksy documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop."

Yauch was diagnosed with cancer of the salivary gland in 2009, and he was unable to attend the Beastie Boys' induction in April into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"He was just a beautiful guy," said Flea, a friend since both their groups emerged in the 1980s. "When it came to art he put his art first and when it came to his beliefs he put those first."

Yauch's survivors include his wife, Dechen; his daughter, Tenzin Losel; and his parents, Frances and Noel Yauch.

news.obits@latimes.com

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