Originally a punk rock band formed by Yauch and Michael Diamond, later known as Mike D, in 1979, Adam Horowitz (Ad-Rock) joined the group in 1983 to form the famed trio. While they experimented with hip hop, they fully embraced the still nascent rap genre after hooking up with producer Rick Rubin who had recently co-founded Def Jam Recordings with Russell Simmons.

They released their first masterwork Licensed to Ill in 1986, containing the hits “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!)” and “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.” Licensed to Ill became the best-selling rap album of the 1980s and was the first rap album to top the Billboard charts.

The Beastie Boys continued their string of successes with 1989’s Paul’s Boutique – generally considered the group’s greatest achievement – followed by 1992’s Check Yo Head and 1994’s Ill Communication, featuring the classic song and video, “Sabotage.”

The group continued making music throughout the 90s and 00s but had to postpone their last album, Hot Sauce Committee as well as the subsequent tour following the announcement of Yauch’s cancer. That album finally saw the light of day in April 2011.

Just last month, The Beastie Boys were among the inductees into the 2012 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

As we mourn the loss of yet another brilliant performer, it’s important to remember what made him so brilliant to begin with. Below, one of the Beastie Boys’ best, the video for “Sabotage,” directed by Spike Jonze:

Yauch is survived by his wife and daughter.  R.I.P. MCA. [TMZ]

- Men are now spending good money on crotch powders. Meanwhile, just go to Duane Reade and get some baby powder and call it a goddamn day. [NYT]

- “Supermodel” and noted bitch-bruiser Jessica White‘s criminal charges following an assault on someone who would dare try to steal her cab have been dismissed, on the grounds that she performs three days of community service, two days of anger-management classes, and stays out of trouble for the next six months. Luckily, those mediation classes Russell Simmons gifted her will finally see some use. [The Cut]

- Legendary muse and Lady Stardust, Iman will be guest editing Essence.com. [Modelina]

- Snooki is drunkenly stumbling her way into fashion with her new line of flip flops and wedge sandals. Those will go great with my JWOWW tracksuit and The Situation fanny pack![Racked]

- Lady Gaga‘s infamous meat dress has been jerkied and painted for historical posterity for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “Women Who Rock” exhibit. [Styleite]

Russell Simmons is releasing a limited edition collection of jewelry inspired by Spongebob Squarepants with pieces like the one above hitting retail at $75000  or roughly the cost of 75000 Crabbie Patties.

LINKAGE: Spongebob Bling Is Coming