The announcement earlier today of Adam Yauch's death at age 47 has prompted fellow musicians to share memories of the Beastie Boys rapper and reactions to his death. Rolling Stone  has compiled their responses below:

Eminem, via a statement:
"Adam Yauch brought a lot of positivity into the world and I think it's obvious to anyone how big of an influence the Beastie Boys were on me and so many others. They are trailblazers and pioneers and Adam will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, Mike D., and Ad-Rock."

Madonna, via a statement: 
"The Beastie Boys were one of a kind! And so was Adam! They were all an important part of my musical history and integral to the musical revolution that was happening at the time. I'm very sad to hear about Adam's passing. God bless him and his family"  

Chuck D, via a statement:
"Last night, I took a 14 hour flight to Sydney, Australia from LA, embarking on PE's 80th tour in 25 years. I just landed to 65 texts with the news. Adam and the Boys put us on out first tour 25 years and 79 tours ago. They were essential to our beginning, middle and today. Adam especially was unbelievable in our support from then 'til now, even allowing me to induct them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I consider myself a strong man and my father says be prepared to lose many in your post-50 path of life. Still, I'm a bit teary-eyed leaving this plane."

Radiohead's Thom Yorke, via a statement: 
"I was very sad to hear the news of Adam Yauch's death yesterday. We looked up to the Beastie Boys a lot when we were starting out and how they maintained artistic control making wicked records but still were on a major label, and the Tibetan Freedom Concerts they organized had a very big influence on me personally and the way Adam conducted himself and dealt with it all impressed me a lot. He was a mellow and [very] smart guy. May he rest in peace."

LL Cool J, via a statement:
"My condolences to Adams family, The Beastie Boys, their team, and their
millions of fans. It's deeply painful to lose someone we grew up with. It seems like just yesterday they helped me break into the business. It hurts man. We must preserve his legacy by continuing to represent the culture he loved so much. May GOD bless your soul MCA. PS. Thank You"

Yauch is gone. fuck.

— Questo of The Roots (@questlove) May 4, 2012

 

Rip dear Adam Yauch. Words can't express the sadness and loss. Ur humor, talent & gentle soul are just irreplacable. Be at peace brother.

— Tom Morello (@tmorello) May 4, 2012

 

God Bless the soul of Adam Yauch aka MCA of the Beastie Boys.RIP

— COMMON (@common) May 4, 2012

 

#restinpeaceMCA 1 of my favorite hiphop groups...hiphop raised a lot of us & now we have to wake up because are hero's are dying too younge

— will.i.am (@iamwill) May 4, 2012

 

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(@jtimberlake) May 4, 2012

 

RIP yauch and thank u mike and adam n adam 4 all of your help, the tours, the bball games, n great times. a humanitarian a tru friend

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) May 4, 2012

 

Adam Yauch Rest In Peace. I'll miss you very very much.

— Sean Ono Lennon (@seanonolennon) May 4, 2012

 

R I P Adam... I'm devastated.Praying for Adam Yauch's family from the legendary Beastie Boys. Youll be missed!

— Rev Run (@RevRunWisdom) May 4, 2012

 

Adam Yauch #RIPMCA. Thank you for Sabotage bass riff and many other great grooves. Adam also worked for justice and peace consciousness.

— Krist Novoselic (@KristNovoselic) May 4, 2012

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