News

Hip Hop Legend Guru Dies

• 20th Apr 2010

Rapping legend Guru died yesterday (April 19th) after a long battle fighting cancer.

Influential rapper Guru (real name Keith Elam and best known as front man for Gang Starr) passed away aged 43 after suffering cardiac arrest on March 2 and was in a coma for some time.

The New York born MC had been suffering from the cancer for over a year.

A statement read: 'Guru has passed away yesterday morning (April 19) after a long battle with cancer.

“The world has lost one of the best MCs and Hip-Hop icons of all-time — my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru,” Solar said in a statement. “Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically, this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius.”

Guru, a Boston native, rose to fame in the 80's as one half of Gangstarr, the iconic rap group with DJ Premier before splitting under acrimonious circumstances.

Since then Guru had released a series of 'Jazzmattaz’ albums where he teamed up with classic jazz, soul and hip hop artists.

He also continued to tour the world with a band and producer Solar.