Photographer Ricky Powell, who was often referred to as the 'fourth Beastie Boy' has died.
Powell, renowned for capturing many of hip hops greatest icons on film, is said to have died of heart failure at the age of 59.
The sad news was confirmed by Powell's management.
His manager and business partner Tono Radvany told Pitchfork: "I just want to let everybody know he was a very special man, and he will be sorely missed."
During his illustrious career, Powell photographed the likes of Run-DMC, Chuck D and LL COOL J.
Beyond the hip-hop scene, Powell also worked with Madonna, Andy Warhol, Sofia Coppola and Vin Diesel.
However, Powell was best known for his work with the Beasties, with whom he became close friends before making numerous cameos on their tours and music videos.
Rapper LL COOL J was one of the first musicians to pay tribute after the news was announced.
He shared a picture with Powell and wrote: "You captured the culture. Rest in power."
While Rev Run of Run-DMC praised Powell for "taking some of the greatest photos of Run-DMC" as he called him a 'good dude.'
Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest said Powell 'captured life' while DJ Premiere described him as a 'photographer extraordinaire who captured some of the best hip-hop history.'
Roots’ Questlove also paid his respects to the New York City photographer by quoting a lyric from the Beastie Boys’ single Car Thief in which he’s mentioned."Homeboy throw in the towell," he posted to Twitter, followed by the hashtag 'RIP Rickster.'
Powell, who was born in Brooklyn, is said to have taken up photography after an ex-girlfriend left her camera in his home.
He decided he would make something of himself to show her what she had missed out on by leaving him.
He got his big break in 1986 when he joined the Beastie Boys and Run DMC on tour, having attended high school with Ad-Rock.
Powell was then invited to work for the Def Jam label where he photographed the likes of LL Cool J, Public Enemy and Eric B & Rakim.
The Beastie Boys gave a shout out to their friend in their song Car Thief, "“Homeboy, throw in the towel / Your girl got d*****d by Ricky Powell."
In the 1990s Powell had his own TV show, Rappin With the Rickster, where he interviewed stars including Laurence Fishburne and Sonic Youth.
