Madonna pays tribute to Adam Yauch: 'Integral to musical revolution'

Madonna has paid tribute to the late Adam Yauch, who passed away on Friday (May 4) aged 47.

The Beastie Boys rapper, who fought a three-year battle with cancer, was credited with leading a "musical revolution" by the pop superstar.

WENN / Patricia Schlein

Madonna, who was supported by Yauch on tour in 1985, said that the rapper was "integral to the musical revolution that was happening at the time".

The 53-year-old also emphasised her sadness, asking God to bless his family.

MCA's death has prompted similarly heartfelt reactions from the likes of Boy George, Snoop Dogg and will.i.am.

The hip-hop icon won three Grammy Awards with his group.

Photo gallery: Adam Yauch's life and career in pictures:

The Beastie Boys in the 1980s - Ad-Rock (Adam Horovitz), Mike D (Mike Diamond), and MCA (Adam Yauch)

Image 1 of 10

Madonna