Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch Dead: Country Stars React

The death of the Beastie Boys Adam Yauch — aka MCA — proves how universal good music truly is. The artist didn't directly contribute to country music, but still dozens of artists are saddened by his passing. After battling cancer for over two years, the MCA died on May 4. Yauch's death comes just weeks after the Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Uncle Kracker is an obvious artist with country leanings who was torn up about MCA's death on Friday. He began his career as a deejay for Kid Rock and expressed how much he was influenced by the Beastie Boys on Twitter. Many other country artists have shared how the rapper touched them. One might not hear it in the music of artists like James Otto and Chely Wright, but these stars can always appreciate a musician on top of his game.