Guru has passed away yesterday morning (April 19) after a long battle with cancer.
According to 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.
Since the onset of illness, Guru tried to live a “normal” life as an influential and outstanding musician, loving father, family man, and best friend. Doctors encouraged Guru to think positive that the cancer can be arrested and that a full recovery is possible but several special treatments including hard hitting chemotherapies failed.
While in hospital with terminal cancer, Guru wrote a letter, which was provided by Solar, to his fans addressing his illness, his shining music career, his family and loved ones.
“I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world. I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options. I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. 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,” read the official Guru statement.
“My loyal best friend, partner and brother, Solar, has been at my side through it all and has been made my health proxy by myself on all matters relating to myself. He has been with me by my side on my many hospital stays, operations, doctors visits and stayed with me at my home and cared for me when I could not care for myself. Solar and his family is my family and I love them dearly and I expect my family, friends, and fans to respect that, regardless to anybody’s feelings on the matter. It is my wish that counts. This being said I am survived by the love of my life, my sun KC, who I trust will be looked after by Solar and his family as their own. Any awards or tributes should be accepted, organized approved by Solar on behalf myself and my son until he is of age to except on his own.”
The statement reads on, “I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this. I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ. As the sole founder of GangStarr, I am very proud of what GangStarr has meant to the music world and fans. I equally am proud of my Jazzmatazz series and as the father of Hip-Hop/Jazz. I am most proud of my leadership and pioneering efforts on Jazzmatazz 4 for reinvigorating the Hip-Hop/Jazz genre in a time when music quality has reached an all time low. Solar and I have toured in places that I have never been before with GangStarr or Jazzmatatazz and we gained a reputation for being the best on the planet at Hip-Hop/Jazz, as well as the biggest and most influential Hip-Hop/Jazz record with Jazzmatazz 4 of the decade to now. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time. And we as a team were not afraid to push the envelope. To me this is what true artists do! As men of honor we stood tall in the face of small mindedness, greed, and ignorance. As we fought for music and integrity at the cost of not earning millions and for this I will always be happy and proud, and would like to thank the million fans who have seen us perform over the years from all over the world. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time and is my most creative and experimental to date. I hope that our music will receive the attention it deserves as it is some of the best work I have done and represents some of the best years of my life.”
Guru, born Keith Elam, rose to fame in the 80′s as the founder of the legendary rap group GangStarr. The group released the classic single Words I Manifest followed by their critically acclaimed debut album No More Mr. Nice Guy (1989) and the classic album Step In The Arena (1991). Guru was the first artist to truly blend Hip-Hop with Live Jazz beginning in 1993, and seeing the vast influences his Jazzmatazz concept has had on the industry, it is clear that Guru’s musical contributions have been way ahead of their time. Guru has worked with such great artists as Herbie Hancock, Isaac Hayes, Donald Byrd, Ramsey Lewis, Roy Ayers, Chaka Kahn, Branford Marsalis, David Sanborn, Bob James, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Common, Angie Stone, Jamiroquai, Macy Gray and Damien Marley, to name a few. Despite the fact that Guru isn’t hailing from New York, he is noted as a pioneer of the New York sound and true lyrical Hip-Hop. Guru later on joined forces with hit producer Solar and formed his label 7 Grand Records with the goal to keep “real” Hip-Hop alive.
Guru’s longtime partner, Solar, issues an official statement about the lost of the legendary MC which you can read below:
“The world has lost one of the best MCs and Hip-Hop icons of all time — my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru! 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. For the fans that reached out with love and support, I can’t tell you how much that meant to Guru and myself. Guru prepared this letter [read above] while he was in the hospital for the fans. I hope now that Guru has moved on to a better place! Guru is a great Black American Hero and should always be remembered as such and he is much more that just a Hip-Hop icon — he has changed the world for the better. I salute my fallen brother Guru! He will be missed tremendously!” Solar stated.
We will sorely miss Guru, both from a personal and from a professional standpoint. Our warmest condolences to Guru’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.
This letter is way outta hand. Pure scandalous. C’mon, this isn’t Guru who wrote this letter. Still questioning if he really got outta coma in the first place? Why the fuck did nobody stopped that dude??? I’m stuck with mix feelings, sorry. Hard to accept, R.I.P. to the man who marked 90s hip hop. R.I.P. Guru, what’s going to happen? He will be remembered for ever and ever!! DJ Premier, hold your head up for real. My condolences to his family and friends. Out of respect and mourning I’ll stop posting until this saturday (unless DJ Premier talks).
R.I.P Guru.
You and Premier made some of the best tracks hip-hop has ever heard.
Still loving your work RIGHT WHERE I STAND…
Eureka
Gaborone, Botswana
*** The letter sounds fishy though ***
Primo keep your head up there is always someone trying to pull a scam when there is a dollar to be made. We remember Guru from Gangstarr and thank you both for some of the best music to ever grace the earth, that aint got a thing to do with solar. I do really doubt the authenticity of any of that letter bs, I find it hard to believe that Guru would spend his final words waisted using solars name 7 times and only his own sons once.. Gangstarr lives on through Primo simple as that.. solar I wouldnt be suprised if you where writing your own post even on here claiming to be someone else dissing Primo just to get rep. That letter should have went out from family or a lawyer and been about the music and us but it came to us scandously, and sounded all wrong. Keep the records spinning Primo. We know the truth
RIP Guru
Condolences to his family and dj premier the n°1!!
chief
*Feelin’Music-Traffic Ent.*
R.I.P. GURU.
we lost a pionier
R.I.P.
R.I.P. Gifted Unlimited.
Primo, in life we have our differences, but death equlizes everyone and we all have to take stock. These are not the words of one of Hip Hops greatest and most unique lyricists. Don’t let the haters spoil what must be a time of hear felt grief for you and your family as much as it is for Gurus.
Mach’s gut, Guru, Du wirst mir fehlen nach so vielen gemeinsamen Jahren!
Goodbye Guru, I will miss you after so many years! Condolescense to his family and friends.
I think I was about 14 when I first heard “Step in the Arena”. I still know the exact place when and where. It changed my life completely and to this day this remains an album I can listen to every hour of every day.
Thank You
Rest in Peace
RIP Guru.
You will be remembered.
Best wishes from Sweden.
PS.
Solar & MC Solaar, the french MC, are not one and the same. Just thought I’d point that out since I saw Solaar’s been getting some flak.
Rip Guru.
Guru, I wanna thank u for all the inspiration you have brought to us over the last two decades. You had a incredible journey, your name and to the fullest your music will never die, and never be forgotten!!!
Thanks GURU!
may your body REST IN PEACE and your SOUL be on the nicest place we can imagine.
I dont know what goes on between Primo and you, but people have their reasons and I think you two are still brothers in hearts.
Condolescense to his family and friends.
Rest in Peace… Thanks for your timeless music!
With love from Groningen (Holland)
The thing that strikes me as most suspicious about the letter is the airtime it gives to Jazzmatazz 4:
“I am most proud of my leadership and pioneering efforts on Jazzmatazz 4 for reinvigorating the Hip-Hop/Jazz genre in a time when music quality has reached an all time low. Solar and I have toured in places that I have never been before with GangStarr or Jazzmatatazz and we gained a reputation for being the best on the planet at Hip-Hop/Jazz, as well as the biggest and most influential Hip-Hop/Jazz record with Jazzmatazz 4 of the decade to now. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time. And we as a team were not afraid to push the envelope. To me this is what true artists do! As men of honor we stood tall in the face of small mindedness, greed, and ignorance. As we fought for music and integrity at the cost of not earning millions and for this I will always be happy and proud, and would like to thank the million fans who have seen us perform over the years from all over the world. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time and is my most creative and experimental to date. I hope that our music will receive the attention it deserves as it is some of the best work I have done and represents some of the best years of my life”
Seriously? On your deathbed you’d think to go into detail about one of your less successful albums?
I’m suprised Solar didn’t include a paypal link.
RIP Guru
R.I.P. Guru. The solar system will never outshine a Gang Starr.
Descansa en paz, GURU.
Siempre te recordaremos como uno de los mas grandes.
Respeto a Premier
My thoughts are with DJ PREMIER… One half of Gang Starr, Guru’s right arm..
What is that BS about the “ex DJ”?!!
No way Guru wrote that, sounds like a crazy legal battle at a really sad time. Premier – Hold your head high! Just like Gang Starr always has, to rise above the level of the majority.
you all dont know the reason premiere and guru fell out so its ignorant to make assumptions about solars statement. he and guru were obviously very close and it seems like a heartfelt letter. people neglect the fact solar and guru made some absolutely incredible music together!!! most people only acknowledge Gangstarr but solar and guru made music that is way ahead of its time!! RIP Guru you are mos def one of the illest and realest artists to ever bless the world with amazing music!! you will live forever as a true MC that didnt sell out to the Beast!! one love forever fam you are a true hero in my book
also guru repeatedly stated in interviews that he and premiere we never really that close!! go do some research before you start making ignorant statements about people you dont even know
Big Guru Rest in Peace from Romania !! The letter doesnt make sense…since when a man who’s in coma or very bad condition have time to write letters and stuff! Solar fucked up really bad bout to hire an assassin or smthing !
Up in the sky? Up in the sky.
The moon and the planets are there.
And new hopes for knowledge and peace are there.
And therefore as we set sail we ask God’s blessing
Warrior spiritual — above the clouds –
Rip Keith Elam
First and foremost…R.I.P. Guru. Hip Hop lost truly one of the best MCs to ever tough the mic and will never be the same.
As for the letter…I had very weird feeling whilst reading it. Of course we can only speculate about if Guru really wrote it or not. The truth is that it is more than unsual to believe that Guru (from the personality he was) would, at his deathbed, write such letter. Not only the glorification of Solar (who in my eyes is mediocre producer – if not way below average) but also I cannot simply believe the words regarding Preemo. Nonetheless…what a loss!
“Guru never came out of a coma”: Harry Elam Jr., Guru’s brother.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/arts/music/21guru.html
Solar is LYING. Straight up lying. Tweet this. Spread it.
I have no words to express right now what i feel… One i know is that he still inspires and motivates me when I’m doing my art and stuff. The best MC ever lived in the hearts and minds of many.
Rest In Peace!
am in tears i have always loved guru, res in peace dude will miss u big
man wat kind of savage animal steals money from a friend that died.and gos all out his way to write fake letters and say his family cant see him and other bazzare actions.i kno hiphop doesnt like snitching but i think the cops need to look into this,its sick and twisted
solars is being a nitemare
We all must meet our moment of truth. All gangstarr fan must listen to this track again listen to what guru says, and lets pray remembering the days of our youth.
R.I.P. Gangstarr
I think that nigga Solar needs to stop all this BS. I know he ain’t shit without the G.U.R.U and he’s probably heading for poverty but that ain’t no way to handle bizniz.
I know Guru and Primo split some 7yrs ago and I don’t think Guru would be capable of disrespecting Primo like that. Yoh Primo, pls say something, this so called The supa producer (who has never even produced a single hit)is tryna make you look bad…
Peace, Ngoako, Johannesburg, SA
Thank you Guru for all your love, inspiration and the last 25 Years with real Hip-Hop. We will miss and never forget you. Rest in Peace!
And to DJ Premier. Keep ya head up! Everybody get’s his moment of truth.
Thanks for all!
Respects from Germany
the world has lost an icon:(
premo keep ya head up, gang starr has made some .of the best hip hop tracks ever!!
r.i.p. Guru from the Netherlands, the world will miss you:(
damn, i heard it 10minutes ago
still got tears in my eyes..
R.I.P. guru, your music will live forever!
First thing first, RIP GURU.
Primo, you gotta keep your head up, everybody knows who Guru’s true friends were(Jeru, Primo, Patrick”statik selekta”) and much more excepted this bloodclaat dick rider named Solar.
We got your back bregeen
no se si podras entender esto o siquiera lo leeras, desde que soy un puto enano y escucho musica es de lo poco que he esccuchado siempre desde siempre, a vosotros, me he enterado hoy de la noticia, y se me han saltado hasta las lagrimas coño…
siempre recordaremos a guru, a gangstarr, el grupo más grande, y, por supuesto, a ti premier, el mejor de los mejores
en cuanto a lo que dice la carta, ni caso a lo que dice de premier, no me lo creo ni de coña, solo esperamos grandes tributos doonde tiene que estar premier, ya que no hay guru sin dj premier, 2 de los grandes, estoy seguro de que premier la liara como el solo sabe hacerlo y no hara caso a lo puesto en esta puta carta,
GURU, SIEMPRE TE RECORDAREMOS
arriba gangstarr, guru, premier y el hip hop
Guru wrote the letter you fuckheads. Get your fuckin shit straight hater ass bitches, honor the mans final words.
Premier should honor him too, regardless of what, obviously they had their differences but it doesn’t matter. This is just a sad sad time, RIP to the Legendary GURU, founder of GANGSTARR.
Guru and Premier did amazing things, some of the greatest music of all time, they will always be remembered for that.
GURU lives on through his amazing work…
That final statement was sad to read, it’s evident that letter has been majorly tampered with… Well in my opinion completely false! The man behind the music I grew up listening to would have never have wrote that letter… The history of his lyrical content prove it so? But who really knows whats the truth? In regard to the shadow which dwells around Solar, I’m sure the truth will become more apparent with time! Keep your head up PRE!!!
RIP GURU
The Illest Brother…Guru was much too much.
RIP to a True Legend, Guru – Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal.
THANK YOU A MISS YOU BIG GURU
R.I.P FROM SLOVAKIA
Guru you will definitely be missed. Have to say I’m shocked at the letter and I’d question its legitimacy too. Regardless, Gang Starr has given me allot of good memories and music growing up and I want to say thank you. RIP Guru! Your legacy won’t be remembered in vain.
GURU – Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal
These words are a tribute to Guru from Gangstarr from myself.
Gifted
Only a few have this
So it should not be waisted or given away
Used well so I reminisce
Alongside others from back in the day
Truly talented to this day
and the next
X to the next
with the talent of malcom x
With words that leave us all lifted
Only can be done by someone who is truly gifted
Unlimited
A fraction of which demonstrated longevity
Inevitably
We benefited annually
With hits as slick as rick
Shit thick
Competition would shit bricks
When they here the monotone voice in the mix.
Consistant relevent issue after issue
Addressed Guru we will all miss you
You are from a few
Of the real for real
Back then your words of steel
And still ill something we all can feel
For ever
Rhymes
Are flourescent with nature
Hear the beat maker cuts with precision
Premo combined with your voice to make us listen
Giving us all preminitions
the ultimate illustration
through music translation
compiled from studio to the street
These are the word I Manifest
When I heard the writer of the code of the street
Died, I digress
Who concatenated words and execute them with perfect timing
The ingredients that constitute perfect rhyming
Universal
Put all together and consolidate
U and i versus the world
said quickly it is universal
I am from the old school so on this set rehersal
Take it personnal
And pay homage to another
True brother
Who dispersed knowledge like no other
Guru rest in peace.
Bless
From Redskinz
Wolverhampton Heads i.e. Me (RedSkinz), Brennand, Epsy, Sucker B, Adrian, Rich Unique)
Nottingham Heads i.e. Joe Buddah, Kittison, Paul S, Kevin, Billy, Stephen Delabanc (RIP), David
West Midlands, UK, Jamaica (Oh yeah the rest of the world).
r.i.p guru best regards to his friends & relatives.
gang starr was the first rap act i saw live ever.
headz up he’ll live in our memories and on your turntables.
The news is shocking and very sad. i must send my love to all the real after walking away from music for good last year. Guru and Premier deserve better then this strange send off that the letter suggest. A huge part of our youth just died on monday and pretty much is the last blow in the demise of sound and culture that had a static electric charge before it turned dull , country , and plastic. I dont realy know if gang starr members realize that the music gave us guidence and morals to alot of us that grew up in the system and with out fathers . Thank you for everything GURU AND PREMIER ! Thanks 4 great memories. I truly hope the legacy of the classics are not forgotten and peace resolves the issue. I dont miss music at all since i left and i dont care about new little kid artist or the way music turned into a gossip magazine. BUT IF GANGSTARR MADE 1 LAST ALBUM … I WOULD COME OUT TO PROMOTE THAT AND DROP 1 MORE MIXTAPE ! looks like it wont happen now and i am sad for that. Guru deserves a great tribute and so does gang starr.Peace Dj JEMANI.
Sorry, i dont believe on this letter.
…X-DJ…
I preffer to ignore it…
and keep listening my prefferd gangstarr joints…
Repose en paix ! Respect l’artiste
Djamal
The worst thing is that solar is making people mas as fuck over a shitty letter instead of letting them take it in thar guru is dead..
Tragic, terrible news… first Dilla, then Baatin, now Guru… we losing some of our greatest legends. Got the privilege to see him live once, his work with Premier is beyond words and measure, we all owe them so much it brings me to tears… mierda!
Gotta give him the respect he deserves, a serious tribute should be arranged… also involving Preemo of course, not Solar
Maximo respeto y amor loco desde México, descanse en paz
“Do you wanna mess with this? Gangstarr, ONE OF THE BEST YET”
GIFTED UNLIMITED RHYMES UNIVERSAL…It’s a sad day but your unique voice will live on forever through Primo & all of your fans & family,R.I.P. my brother
RIP Guru
You always had and still have much love from the UK.
yo preeeeemoooooooooooo
where u @??????????????
i want to hear your from you what you think about that, please.
keep ya head up
guru rip
Rest in peace Guru, the legend of hip-hop culture.
Respect Primo, the legend of hip-hop alive, you still have lots of things to do.
Me and family won’t ever judge about any letters and their purposes.
Your music will always be the best inspiration for us.
Much luv from Russian Federation.
Much respect do to GURU. It definitely was : “MOSTLY THA VOice” That got me up to Gangstarr. This is my most favorite group of all time. DJ Premier is who inspired me to DJ and GURU made me love HIP HOP even more. I can’t imagine GURU writing a that letter. I hope Solar gets a industry beat down IF and only IF he fabricated that letter. I’ve Been a TRUE fan of GANGSTARR since day one and GURU will definitely be missed. Keep the vibe going Premo. Another HIP HOP legend that will never be forgotten.