Beastie Boys' co-founder Adam Yauch has died aged 47, according to reports.

Rolling Stone say that the MC has passed away after being diagnosed in 2009 with cancer in his salivary gland.

Yauch, who was a well known Buddhist and vegan, started the rap trio in 1979 and enjoyed huge crossover success due to their rock roots.

The band's first album came in 1986 and their latest release came Hot Sauce Committee Part Two' came out in 2011.

The group are perhaps best known for tracks such as '(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)', 'Sabotage' and 'Intergalactic'.