I didn't realize how much harm I was doing back then and I think a lot of rap artists probably don't realize it now. I said a lot of stuff fooling around back then, and I saw it do a lot of harm.

He underwent surgery and radiation therapy delaying the release of Hot Sauce Committee Part Two and the subsequent tour. His bandmates paid tribute to Yauch; a letter from Yauch was read to the crowd. "


Personal life
Yauch was a practicing Buddhist.

He was best known as a founding member of the hip hop group Beastie Boys. He was frequently known by his stage name MCA and sometimes worked under the pseudonym Nathanial Hörnblowér. Yauch founded Oscilloscope Laboratories an independent film production and distribution company based in New York City.