ARTISTS PAY TRIBUTE TO ADAM YAUCH

Eminem noted the impact MCA and the Beasties had on his career. "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," Em said in a statement to MTV News. "They are trailblazers and pioneers and Adam will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, Mike D., and Ad-Rock.

Nas — who worked with the group on the track "Too Many Rappers," which eventually appeared on the band's last album, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two — opened up about recording with the legends to MTV News. "One of my greatest moments in music was when I worked with the Beastie Boys. ... Now today I'm hearing our brother is gone. I prayed this would not happen. MCA was so cool, man. We had great talks about what it was like for them in the beginning, getting into the rap game. I'll never forget that experience for the rest of my life. MCA is a true legend who influenced me. God bless his soul and his loved ones."

Jack Black, who made a cameo in Yauch's "Fight for Your Right Revisited" film in 2011, told MTV News in a statement: "Adam made amazing artwork until the very end and he was a genuinely sweet guy. He will be sorely missed."

With the world mourning the loss of MCA, many of his musical contemporaries are still reeling from the news. "Lollapalooza94 talked to Yauch almost everyday," Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong recalled. "He was full of wisdom & encouragement for a freaked out kid like I was. Thank you MCA. LoveBJ."

Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello wrote, "Rip dear Adam Yauch. Words can't express the sadness and loss. Ur humor, talent & gentle soul are just irreplaceable. Be at peace brother."

Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea opened up about the man behind the music: "Prayers and all the love I could ever muster for Adam Yauch. What a beautiful man. God bless his beautiful soul. A class act all the way."

Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz noted his influence over his own career, tweeting, "beastie boys paved the way for so many who came after. #RIPMCA"

"This news hits hard," Good Charlotte's Benji Madden tweeted, mirroring Wentz's sentiment. "The Beastie Boys are 1of the reasons I do music&MCA was the captain."

Black Eyed Peas mastermind will.i.am, tweeted, "#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 young."

Cee Lo Green added, "Now playing: something's got to give: BEASTIE BOYS R.I.P. M.C.A. One of the best hip-hop groups of all time!much."

Lenny Kravitz recalled one of the group's biggest songs on Twitter while remembering the rapper: "Rest in peace MCA. You are a legend. No sleep 'till Brooklyn. Lenny."

"We are so sorry to hear about the loss of the Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch (MCA) a true legend & inspirational to everyone in weezers generation," Weezer said of the late, great MC.

Music producer Diplo was sitting in what used to be the Beasties' recording home, G-Son Studios, when the news broke. "Mca Adam Yauch RIP... Im sittin in the former g son studios," Dip wrote . "Flying the flag half mast today.... Rap/punk hero, philanthropist, legend."

Tune in to MTV tonight at 8 p.m. for "Adam Yauch: Remembering a Beastie Boy," an hour-long special hosted by Sway celebrating the life and career of Adam "MCA" Yauch, including his biggest moments and remembrances from his friends and peers. Check out mtvU now for classic Beastie Boys music videos.