11 replies to this topic

[Oakes]

New York rap star Guru dies at 43

The rapper (right) released six influential albums with GangStarr
Rapper Guru, who rose to fame with hip-hop outfit GangStarr, has died aged 43 after a long battle with cancer.

The MC, whose real name was Keith Elam, suffered a cardiac arrest in February after surgery to treat the disease and briefly lapsed into a coma.

A statement released by his PR company contained a letter purportedly written by Guru in his final days.

"I have suffered with this illness for over a year," he wrote. "I have exhausted all medical options."

"I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting."

According to the statement posted on the Yo! Promotions website Guru had tried to "keep his harrowing diagnosis private" and died on the morning of Monday, 19 April.

Hip-hop icon

Along with producer DJ Premier, Guru - which stood for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal - recorded six influential albums under the GangStarr moniker between 1989 and 2003.

He was known for his smooth delivery and socially conscious lyrics.

Songs like Just To Get A Rep railed against gangsta rap conventions, dissecting the cycle of meaningless violence on America's streets with a world-weary intelligence.

Guru went on to release a series of influential jazz/rap crossover albums - titled Jazzmatazz - as well as two solo records.

Along the way, he recorded with jazz greats like Roy Ayers, Donald Byrd and Lonnie Liston-Smith.


Guru (left) and Solar (far-right) had worked together since 2005
He also collaborated with Chaka Khan, Kelis, Jamiroquai, The Roots and Brand New Heavies singer N'Dea Davenport.

In later years, he appeared to have fallen out with DJ Premier, and was not prepared to let the matter drop from his death bed.

"I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name, likeness, events, tributes, etc," he said in a statement.

"I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death."

He did not explain the reasons behind the estrangement, but said his friend, collaborator and partner Solar was "well-informed" about the situation.

Following Guru's letter, Solar also issued a statement, paying tribute to "one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all time".

"He has changed the world for the better. I salute my fallen brother Guru! He will be missed tremendously!"

However, members of Guru's family have accused Solar of restricting their access to the rapper during his final days.


A representative of Yo! Promotions was not immediately available to answer a call from the BBC.

http://news.bbc.co.u...ent/8633175.stm

[Dr.Zinistah]

RIP Guru, I wish Gangstarr had dropped another classic before he left. Seven years without them guys in talking terms ... Must be real serious....

PS
I had an epiphany after I heard his lines on 'You know my steez'. Guru will be greatly missed.

[Xblaze]

RIP GURU

It was really serious, i wonder what happened between two of them, well there's always two sides to a story, i woulda thought they would've made up b4 he died, you u dont let a man go away without settling your differences if u had the chance, well nonetheless, condolences to the family though.

[bobjay]

What mo' can i say? Guru Rest in Peace

[Manoozy]

Rest in Power Guru...your legend shall live on! http://bit.ly/a7wMlm

[trae_z]

ish between Guru and DJ Premier must have really been bad that they weren't in touch for over 6 years. for you to keep someone especially a former friend/business partner at arms length for that long means that person must have really hurt you bad.

those bad mouthing Solar had better watch it. if Guru's fam claim to care for him how come they never investigated his whereabouts for 2 weeks b4 discovering he was in the hospital where Solar had taken him.

sorry situation about the whole thing.

RIP Guru, i'll always remember you by "Keep Your Worries" Ft Angie Stone and "battle" in the 8mile album

[apopyalips]

yeah, i like em with dj premier but the letter is kinda shady though

[Manoozy]

My heads still spinning on the thought of Guru's passing away...I was reminiscing and found this...THE HIP HOP I KNOW ~rest in power Mr. Jazzmatazz~

[rymeattaq]

guru left mehn...................i guess we all MUST MEET OUR MOMENT OF TRUTH.........................BALD HEAD SLIK

[nakedthe13thdisciple]

mY first song produced by Tekzilla of str8 buttah had Guru's voice"HE IS THE RULER UNIVERSAL". WE COME WE GO,GURU IS GONE

[Aqbar]

R.I.P Guru, you left ur footprints in the sands of time. Who can claim to know hip-hop without knowing Gureezee? "Take It Personal" & "Mostly the Voice" used to play in ma head for years. Solaar did some real good work with Guru too, but am thinking of never listening to "Prose Combat" again, dat letter seems suspect, dunno, but the whole beef thing just hurts. We'll really really miss you Guru. :cry: JAZZHOP LIVES FOREVER.

[bcc3p6]

when you talk about guru you talkin about one of the greatest Mc ever to live in this planet R.I.P to guru you taught us a lot to bad him and DJ primier did nt drop us one more classic much respect for them.