"G.U.R.U. - Rest In Peace!!"

Can´t believe it. Another great lost...

The Gang Starr man battled cancer…

Influential rapper Guru has died aged 43 after a battle with cancer.

The New York born MC had suffered cardiac arrest on March 2 and was in a coma for some time.

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

“According to (producer) Solar, Guru suffered from the malicious illness for over a year and after numerous special treatments under the supervision of medical specialists failed, the legendary MC succumbed to the disease. Guru always tried to keep this harrowing diagnosis in private but in early 2010 he had to admit himself to hospital due to serious effects caused by the disease.”

Guru became famous after teaming up with DJ Premier in group Gang Starr. The duo released six studio albums between 1989 and 2003 and became famous for making “conscious rap” 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.

(found on MTV.CO.UK)

You will never be forgotten. R.I.P....

"Believe Dat!"

found via hiphopdx.com...

Gang Starr's Guru Goes Into Cardiac Arrest, In A Coma

One of Hip Hop's most influential emcees is presently in critical condition, several sources say.Guru, one half of pioneering '80s, '90s and '00s Brooklyn-based Hip Hop group Gang Starr suffered a heart attack this weekend, according to the emcee and producer's sister Tricia.

HipHopWired.com says that the emcee, born Keith Elam is presently in a coma from complications of going into cardiac arrest. Guru is best known for penning hits such as "Words I Manifest," "Discipline" and "Just To Get A Rep." Between 1986 and 2004, Guru (an acronym Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal) founded Gang Starr, a duo with DJ Premier that also includes Gang Starr Foundation affiliates Big Shug, Group Home, Jeru the Damaja and Smiley Da Ghetto Child.

Born and raised in the Boston area, Guru relocated to Brooklyn in the late '80s, where Gang Starr released its first singles with 45 King as producer. By 1988, the group evolved as a duo with Premier, and released their 1989 full-length debut No More Mr. Nice Guy on Wild Pitch Records. The duo would go on to release classic albums on Chrysalis/Virgin/EMI, such as 1994's Hard To Earn and 1998's Moment Of Truth. Gang Starr's last album, 2003's The Ownerz featured Jadakiss, Fat Joe and longtime affiliate Freddie Foxxx. The platinum group toured the world and released several greatest hits collections, most notably Full Clip: A Decade Of Gang Starr in 1999. The duo announced their split in 2004, reportedly due to creative and personal differences.

As a solo artist, Guru released four volumes of Jazzmatazz, Jazz-inspired recordings with legendary genre artists such as Donald Byrd and Roy Ayers. Guru has launched two labels in his career, Ill Kid Records and 7Grand, where he and production partner Solar worked alongside artists such as Talib Kweli, Damian Marley and Jean Grae.

Spokespeople for Guru and 7 Grand Records told HipHopDX early Tuesday morning that Guru's surgery yesterday was successful, and the emcee is expected to make a full recovery.

(by Jake Paine)

Get well soon. Blessings to you and your family at this unfortunate time...

Guru Jazzmatazz - No time to play